WARNING: This recipe is packed with nature’s natural aphrodisiacs only cook it for someone you really want to kiss! * Ingredients marked with an asterix are all known to have aphrodisiac properties.
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1-2 large aubergines (eggplants)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bomba! XXX*
2 buffalo mozzarellas
Fresh basil* leaves
Olive oil
TO SERVE
Salad leaves
6 asparagus* spears, trimmed
Extra virgin olive oil
Chilli* flakes (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pine nuts*, toasted
FOR THE CHOCOLATE & BALSAMIC DRESSING
25ml (1/8 cup) good balsamic vinegar
2.5g (0.09oz)100% cacoa*, grated OR best-quality cocoa powder
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200C (400F), and the grill (broiler).
- Cut off and discard the tops and bottoms of the aubergines. Slice the rest lengthways to make 6 slices (3 rolls each) about the thickness of a pound coin.
- Place the slices slice on the grill pan and lightly grill on both sides until soft and rollable, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the aubergine slices from the grill pan and place them on a chopping board. Season them with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Take your tube of Bomba! XXX and squeeze a large kiss (X) across each slice, then top with some torn mozzarella and torn basil. Now carefully roll them up to wrap each Bomba kiss in a aubergine hug! Secure each one with a cocktail stick and place them in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle with a generous glug of olive oil and season with some freshly ground black pepper.
- Place in the preheated oven and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- While these are cooking, blanch the asparagus spears in boiling water for 2 minutes and refresh under cold water. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl dress some salad leaves and the asparagus spears in extra virgin olive oil and chilli flakes, if using. Season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss to combine.
- Make the chocolate and balsamic dressing. Put the vinegar and cacao or cocoa powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Place some dressed salad on each plate and top with three Kisses in Blankets (remember to remove the cocktail sticks!). Stir the pan juices and spoon them over the plate. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate and balsamic dressing and a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts.
NOTE: For extra creaminess crumble some fresh ricotta over the torn mozzarella before rolling.
