Death by Chocolate

Dear Cathy

I do apologise for the delay in responding but I have been very busy socially, as well as my voluntary work. Did I mention that I help out with the village lunches these days? I started off chopping cabbage, before being promoted to serving roast potatoes. Most recently, I was entrusted with making the tomato sauce for the vegetarian option. It's quite a responsibility as I'm sure you appreciate, but someone has to step up to the plate as they would say on 'The Apprentice'. Did you follow the last series? I was so pleased for lovely Tom - I wonder if he's got a girlfriend?

Anyway, in addition to the village lunch, Mr Latte and I recently attended a barbecue at Larkspur Cottage. Half the village was there and we had a very lively table - the naughty table as it turned out. We played that game where you go around each person to compose a Limerick line by line. The results were surprisingly rude and can't be repeated here, but suffice to say that Mr Latte isn't speaking to me at the moment. Anyway, during the evening, it transpired that a Village Rock-Fest is being organised! A string of local bands are being asked to play, but I thought they should be more ambitious, and suggested they invite Robert Plant who lives nearby. Should I let you know when the date has been confirmed?

Anyway - baking! I attended another pool party recently, and this time I took along Death by Chocolate (p265). Very easy, totally delicious and for a seasonal touch, I dumped a pile of strawberries on top. The recipe made a huge 9-inch cake and every scrap was eaten!

I meant to ask, are you going on holiday this summer? I'm trying to get us in at Aberdovey for a couple of nights this week but no luck as yet.

Speak soon, love Lucy. x