I think I’ve died and gone to heaven this time folks. I can’t even begin to do justice to the flavors and textures in this sweet dish. The first thing you are greeted with the crisp phyllo shell, then there is an explosion of espresso and chocolate so strong and rich that it nearly assaults the senses. This is followed by the chewy caramel, which finishes on the tongue with flavors reminiscent of a caramel cappuccino. And all in a bite-sized treat.

The fabulous thing about it is that I came up with the recipe all by my little self! I’ve been wanting to revisit chocolate since I made these little fillo cups in January of this year. Even then I had already decided to go for a bit of mocha flavor, and I’m so very glad I did! Decadent just isn’t a strong enough word for this, and I’m in chocolate-coffee heaven, and will be until all of these little morsels have been eaten. (Which I’m sure won’t take very long.)

These tartelettes are a perfect holiday confection. They travel well (the filo cups come in a convenient plastic carton that can be used to carry them), hold their texture for several days, and are actually better the second day. As a matter of fact, I recommend making them a day before you plan to eat them.

Enough of my blathering, on to the good stuff!

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There’s nothing that takes me back to my childhood faster than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Just the smell is enough to bring back the sounds of my mother’s laughter, wrapping paper tearing and my sister squealing in happiness at the latest treasure to find its way out from under the tree. There are also memories of frigid January afternoons when the mist in the air carried ice. I’d get to the door from the bus, shivering and sniffling and walk through into the heat of the gas heater and the smell of hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.

Good memories all.

My mother made her hot chocolate with unsweetened powdered chocolate, sugar and milk, at least until we were older and our grandmother introduced us to packaged coca with marshmallows. At the time it didn’t really matter to me, and the marshmallow kind was sweeter. for my mother it was faster, but I think she missed making it from scratch. There just isn’t as much love in a packet.

Today my tastes are more refined. I prefer dark chocolate to the silkier milk chocolates, and any thought of using a packet has long ago been left at the wayside. It really isn’t any more trouble to make your own hot chocolate, and the taste is like nothing you will ever get from a store shelf. It is truly the perfect beverage for a cold winter’s day.

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I’m sure that my female food blogging counterparts all have a recipe for these little pieces of goodness, but Mrs. seat of her Pants made these up for me last night and I thought I’d share. So please everyone, grab one… No, No. Don’t be shy. That’s better. Would you like some milk to go with those cookies?

Great! Now that I’ve buttered you up with some chocolate, I’d like to drop a shameless plug for something I am terribly proud of.

My wife’s first book is available for sale today! If you like sci-fi with a bit of suspense and romance, take a look. I’ve read it, and I guarantee it’s a fun read… (Even after the third round of edits.)

You can find her book here: Monday’s Child

Now, on to the cookie recipe…

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These simple little treats are light on work and huge on taste. Sinful bites of creamy chocolaty nutty goodness!

So simple even a candy novice can put them together.

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