There are times when only a muffin made with chocolate, butter and sugar will do. Contrary to what the diet industry would have us believe, the first few months of the year aren’t necessarily a time for absolute deprivation. Nourishing foods are important when the weather is cold, but who’s to say a little comfort in the form of chocolaty baked goods isn’t every bit as good for your wellbeing as anything more ‘worthy’? Certainly not me.

So here are some simple muffins made with the stuff you’ll likely have in your storecupboard (and fridge). No fruit acting as sweetener or substitute oils or gluten free flours, just a regular muffin for the first week of February. I’ve made so many ‘healthier’ bakes with Nino recently that I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of these – less dense than I’d trained my palate to believe a muffin might be. The chocolate is there, melted into the batter and studded through as chunks, but it doesn’t feel too heavy in the way a brownie or thickly ice chocolate cake might.

P.S. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Valentine’s and chocolate go hand in hand. These muffins might make a lovely addition to whatever you plan to gift, or if you’re in the market for a more indulgent dessert, I’d highly recommend one of these chocolate. fondant. puddings. Happy baking.