FORGET figgy pudding this Christmas. How about tucking into a chocolate salami after your festive turkey dinner? This quirky dessert is the latest creation by Chococo, Dorset’s award-winning chocolatiers based in Purbeck.

Although it may look like charcuterie at first glance (see cover picture) it is in fact confectionery made with Madagascan dark chocolate packed with festive dried fruits and nuts – figs, dates, apricots, raisins, candied orange peel, pecans, pistachios – and a splash of brandy.

The salami is dusted in icing sugar and it comes wrapped in parchment and traditional butcher’s string making a novel sweet twist on a savoury classic – a great gift for a foodie.

In 2018 it was a Two Star Gold Great Taste Award winner, it serves 10-12 people, and not only is it dairy and gluten-free, it is also suitable for vegans.

Carefully developed by its team of chocolatiers, led by founders Claire and Andy Burnet, based in Swanage, they hope it has something to appeal to everyone. Like everything made by Chococo, is it freshly handmade in Purbeck from fine single origin chocolate from Madagascar with local seasonal produce, such as honey, preserves, fruits, herbs, wines, spirits and fresh Dorset cream, to make its mouth-watering, award-winning creations.

* The Chocolate Salami (price at £22/350g) is now available to order online at chococo.co.uk and from any of Chococo’s four Chocolate Houses in Swanage, Dorset; Winchester, Hampshire; Exeter, Devon; and Horsham, West Sussex. Alternatively you can call 01929 421777.