JACKIE'S RICH CHOCOLATE MELON & STRAWBERRY ICE DESSERT

This is a recipe that many years ago, I created to serve to my ex-husband on his birthday. The temperature (this was in July) outside was breaking all records, the pavements were steaming and the still, hot air was shimmering. No relief from the heat could be found, not even in the shade, and it was still only 10:00am. Whilst de-frosting the steaks for my ex's evening birthday meal, I felt that a frozen dessert would be refreshing in the middle of this wilting heatwave the UK was experiencing. I gathered a few items together from the store cupboard, and the following (which was heaven on earth to eat) was created.

To make a large serving bowlful.........

INGREDIENTS

1 large can of rich evaporated milk, chilled, then whisked until stiff
The de-seeded and roughly chopped flesh of half a large watermelon
8oz sweet strawberries, de-stalked and halved
2 x 8oz bars of plain chocolate, broken into small pieces
8 fl.oz thick double cream, whipped until very stiff
1 Cadbury's Chocolate Flake bar, crumbled
1 heaped tablespoon toasted slivered almonds

METHOD

Mix the chocolate pieces and the double cream into the whisked evaporated milk and stir thoroughly.

In a large chill-proof serving dish, spread one-third of the mixture over the bottom of the dish. Cover with half the strawberries and half the melon pieces. Spread half of the remaining chocolate/cream/evaporated milk mixture over the strawberries and melon, and cover that with the remaining strawberries and melon. Cover with the rest of the chocolate/cream/evaporated milk mixture.

Place the bowl into the freezer, and freeze for at least 5 hours, or until solid.

Remove the bowl from the freezer and stand at room temperature for 15 minutes (if the weather is exceptionally hot, say in excess of 90F, then just stand for 10 minutes).

Sprinkle with the crumbled Chocolate Flake and slivered almonds.

Serve and eat immediately. Though there probably won't be leftovers, as this is so delicious, they can be re-frozen.

This is a delightfully refreshing, cooling and tasty dessert....rich and full of calories. It may not be so good for the body, despite the fresh fruit content, but it is very good for the soul.

Learn more about this author, Jackie Youngman.
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