INGREDIENTS to make a dozen softies :-
Softies:
200 g (7 oz) self-raising flour
25 g (1 oz) cocoa powder
110 g (4 oz) margarine or butter at room temperature
110 g (4 oz) granulated sugar
50 g (2 oz) chocolate drops
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
Topping:
110 g (4 oz) good quality cooking chocolate
METHOD :-
Softies:
Sieve the flour and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl.
Cut the butter or margarine into pieces and rub into the mixture until like breadcrumbs.
Stir in the sugar and chocolate drops.
Add the egg and milk, and stir to form a soft dough ball.
Using a dessertspoon, take off a spoonful of the mixture.
Using floured hands roll this spoonful of mixture into a ball and then flatten gently.
Place on a greased baking tray allowing room for spreading slightly.
Repeat this process until the mixture is used up.
Bake at Gas Mark 5 / 375°F / 190°C (170°C for fan oven) for 15 minutes until just firm to the touch.
Leave to cool slightly before placing onto a cooling rack.
Topping:
Melt the cooking chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.
Using a teaspoon drizzle the chocolate over the softies in an attractively haphazard way.
Leave the chocolate to set before storing in a plastic box.