These simple chocolate buttons are a wonderful introduction to using one of our favourite wild spices. Common hogweed seeds have a wonderfully aromatic flavour, often compared to cardamom with hints of citrus and warm spice, making them the perfect partner for rich dark chocolate.
Quick to make and packed with wild flavour, they’re delicious enjoyed with a cup of coffee or herbal tea, shared with friends, or tucked into homemade edible gifts.
Makes
Approximately 18–24 chocolate buttons
Ingredients
- 90g organic dark chocolate
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 1 tbsp ground dried common hogweed seeds
- Whole dried common hogweed seeds, for decoration
Method
- Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each until smooth.
- Stir in the caster sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the ground dried common hogweed seeds and mix thoroughly so the flavour is evenly distributed.
- Spoon or pipe small rounds of chocolate onto a tray or board lined with baking parchment.
- Decorate each button with a whole dried common hogweed seed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for around 20–30 minutes, or until completely firm.
Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks.
Foraging Note
Only use common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) that you have positively identified. Never use giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which is hazardous and can cause severe skin burns. Always be completely confident in your identification before harvesting or consuming any wild food.
