Cherry & Nut Chocolate Brownies (Vegan & GF)

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees, gas mark 4.

2. Line a baking tin with grease proof paper (to prevent the brownies sticking to the pan, we don't want that).

3. Place the chocolate into a glass bowl and place on-top of a saucepan with water filled 2/4 of the way up making a ban marie. Gently simmer until the chocolate has completely melted & is gooey!

4. Sieve the cocoa powder & flour into a large mixing bowl & stir in the salt & sugar. Mix until fully combined, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence & mix in.

5. Pour into the mixing bowl, the liquids - the melted gooey chocolate, oil & dairy-free milk. Mix until fully combined & looking heavenly.

6. When the mix is fully combined & smells delicious; throw in the cherries, walnuts, hazelnuts... You could even use crushed pecans or any nuts you like.

7. Spoon the delightful mixture into the lined tin, making sure you get into the edges.

8. Pop the tin into the middle of the hot oven for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should be firm & crumbly on the outside, & moist in the middle - doesn't it sound perfect!

To make sure the brownies are cooked, place a sharp knife or skewer into the centre until it comes out clean. If they are not fully cooked, pop them in the oven for an extra few minutes.

9. With oven mittens/gloves, take out the tin & place on a wire rack & leave to cool for around 10 minutes.

10. Cut the brownie into little squares & serve with a light dusting of icing sugar, toasted almonds for crunch and fresh red currents.

You can serve it warm & sticky with some dairy-free vanilla ice-cream to make it even more indulgent!