Chocolate dirt or edible soil, it doesn't matter what you call it, just know that it's delicious!
Not just your average crumb, chocolate dirt gives a lovely crunch and different texture to what can be a pretty pedestrian dessert.
Use it to make pot plant cupcakes, or serve on top of chocolate ice cream with a sprig of mint and some gummy worms.
Well, let's get to it!

Step 1: Ingredients

Nice and easy ingredient list, all you need is:

- 100g (1/2C) castor sugar
- 70g (1/2C) dark chocolate*
- 2 tablespoons cold water

*I used chocolate chips, you can use a block of chocolate just be sure to chop it up. Feel free to try flavoured chocolate too, or add in some oil flavours.

You will also need:
- metal whisk
- baking tray
- baking paper and
- heavy bottom saucepan

Step 2: Method

Ok, start by tipping the sugar into your pan. Carefully add the water, taking care not to splash the sides (if you do just wash the sides down with a pastry brush dipped in a little water).
Set you pan over high heat and just let it do its thing. You can swirl the pan to get it going, but do not stir!
When the sides of the sugar start to brown add your chocolate.
Whisk straight away, ensuring you get right into the sides of the pan. Keep going for a couple minutes to make sure the chocolate is fully incorporated.
Turn out onto the baking paper to cool.

Step 3: Didn't Your Mother Ever Tell You Not to Play With Your Food?

Just like real dirt you can break the clumps up, be careful though, it will still be hot!
Once cool you can store your soil in an airtight container for up to a week.
Have fun serving up dirt mounds to your friends, the pranks to be had with this are endless!

Just a quick note, the dirt will soften if left near moisture. I recently served it on top of a buttercream frosted cake and it softened after the first day. Still very tasty though :)

Step 4: Wanna Get Dirty?

Clean up is a breeze too! Fill your pan with water, add some detergent and bring to the boil while constantly stirring. You will feel the sugar dissolve away from the pan, then just wash as normal.

As always, feel free to leave and questions, comments and experiences :) \m/