Hero or villain? Dark chocolate

I recommend a few squares of dark chocolate as part of the healthy Mediterranean-style diet, because cocoa is surprisingly good for you. An excellent source of minerals and antioxidants, it has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. People often say they only eat dark chocolate, ‘not the sugary rubbish’, unaware that it can be high in sugar; if it’s flavoured, sugar content might be as high as 60 per cent. So choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of more than 70 per cent. I like Green & Black’s Dark 70% or 85% Chocolate. Try my recipe for a healthy chocolate treat.

CHILLI CHOCOLATE THINS WITH PISTACHIO CRUNCH Delicious over strawberries. SERVES 6-8 75g dark chocolate (at least 70 per cent cocoa), chopped 1 pinch chilli powder 2 tbsp toasted pistachio nuts, chopped 1 Line a baking tray with a silicone baking sheet. 2 Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring often. 3 Mix in a pinch of chilli, then pour over the tray base. Tilt the tray so the chocolate spreads to form a layer 1mm-2mm thick. Immediately scatter the pistachios over and allow to cool, ideally in the fridge. Break into pieces to serve.