Turn your little ones into bakers with these yummy and easy-to-make recipes with chocolate.

Chocolate cosmic cookies 

Makes about  20 cookies

Transform an ordinary box of cake mix into these easy-to-make cookies.  

Preheat oven to 180°C and line two baking trays with baking paper. Combine 1 box (500g) chocolate cake, 1 whisked large egg and 1⁄2 cup (125ml) canola oil. Mix well to form a dough and rest in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and gently form into a ball. Arrange them on a prepared baking tray, making sure to leave a 2cm gap between each ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Top with 1⁄2 batch of spreading ganache (see page 64 for ratios), sprinkles or mini Astros and enjoy.

Chocolate covered banana pops  

Makes 8  

This works well with strawberries, too. Simply thread a few onto a skewer and dip it in the chocolatey goodness! 

Heat 2 cups (500ml) cream in the microwave for about 1 minute (it should just start to boil). Add 200g chocolate chips to a bowl and pour over warm cream. Allow to stand for 3-5 minutes before stirring until well combined and smooth. Cover with clingfilm and set aside. Cut 4 medium bananas in half and thread onto a bamboo skewer (or ice- cream stick). Dip each banana skewer in chocolate to coat completely and shake off any access. Place on a lined baking tray and allow to set for at least 15-20 minutes before dipping again to give it a second coat. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if you like or a topping of choice. Freeze for 2 hours until firm before serving.

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Chocolate cereal treats 

Makes about 16-20  

A childhood favourite with a chocolate twist that caters both for the kids and the grown-ups, too!   

Line two 12-hole mini muffin tins with muffin holders. Melt 200g chopped white chocolate in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water (or 30-second intervals in the microwave) until smooth. Set aside. Melt 1⁄2 bag (100g) marshmallows and 2 Tbsp (30ml) butter in a pot for 1-2 minutes (or in a large bowl in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute). Add 4 cups (1L) puffed rice and melted chocolate to melted marshmallow and stir vigorously to combine before marshmallow cools. Spoon into lined muffin tin and allow to set in the fridge or at room temperature until firm.

Words by: Gail Damon
Photographs: Fresh Living Magazine/Shutterstock  

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