The year we may have started with resolutions and cutting back after the excesses of Christmas, but as we move into February, it’s time to indulge ourselves a little and what better indulgence than chocolate.

Why do we love chocolate so much?

In raw form cocoa beans are intensely bitter, but roasting them releases a range of chemical compounds which, when combined with other aroma molecules creates a unique chemical signature our brains love.  Chocolate also contains a number of psychoactive chemicals, including anandamide, a neurotransmitter which stimulates our brain in much the same way that cannabis does.  It also contains tyramine and phenylethylamine, both of which have similar effects to amphetamines.

When making chocolate, we usually add sugar and fat in a ratio of about 1g of fat to 2g of sugars This is the same ratio of fats to sugars found in many biscuits, doughnuts, ice cream. In fact, this particular ratio is reflected in many of the foods that we find hard to resist.

Starting with just a block of chocolate, there are many, many things you could do, like swirl into ice cream, make a chocolate rich ganache or make hot chocolate.

Here are 10 incredibly indulgent things you can do with chocolate.

1. Chocolate Ganache

The perfect treat in and of itself, but also a base for many other chocolate bases, it can be used as a glaze, icing for cakes, sauce or a pastry filling. It’s very simple too;, all you need is a packet of chocolate and double cream.

2. Salted Caramel Filled Molten Chocolate Cake

Do you like Chocolate? Do you like Salted Caramel? Do you like Cake? You’ve come to the right place.

3. Double-Chocolate Mousse Cake

Double the chocolate, double the deliciousness. Start this recipe 1 day ahead.

4. Chocolate Bark

This couldn’t be easier. All that is required is melting a block of chocolate, pouring on a baking tray and adding on your favourite dry ingredients. Anything can be used; nuts and raisins, shredded coconut, crushed biscuits or swirl two types of chocolate for a marbled effect. Here’s one of our favourites.

5. Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Trifle

There’s indulgent. There’s very indulgent. There is over-the-top indulgent. And then there’s Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Trifle.

6. Nutella Tiramisu

Tiramisu. Nutella. Tiramisu and Nutella. To be honest, you had us at Tiramisu.

7. Hot Chocolate

Want the richest, most decadent and indulgent hot chocolate ever, just by using a spare block of chocolate. Try this.

8. Peanut Butter Chocolate Heaven

It’s peanut butter chocolate heaven time. Peanut butter chocolate heaven time

9. Decadent Chocolate Fudge Squares

We couldn’t leave out Chocolate fudge. These decadent delights will be a sure fire winner with anyone you share them with. Wait a minute! Share?

10. Malteser and Mars Slices

No baking required, just melting and mixing. Greatest. Thing. Ever!

There are many more incredibly indulgent chocolate treats to try. Don’t waste time reading this. Go and have some!