Charles Whyte returns with a tart to remember

Forgive me my long, unexplained absence. Finishing a job and starting a new one has sapped all my time, but fear not about my heart as it has been singing a few tunes in recent weeks due to the excitement of embarking on a new challenge.

Change is a wonderful way to reinvigorate yourself and I have been relishing in it. Admittedly, I have been pining to get back to a routine that allows me to write this blog. Just writing and reflecting on my love's makes my heart sing. Charles Whyte has become an important outlet for me, allowing me to focus on all that I fancy and everything that makes me happy. Regrettably, this is sometimes superficial and is not a balanced reflection of life in all its facets. It's not that I hope to create a picture of a perfect life or suggest that material possessions will make you happy. No, no. For me, it's about changing my station from Radio Doom and Gloom to one that puts a spring in my step, shines a little winter sunshine on my face and encourages me to focus on what makes me happy. I have had my share of clouds hovering above so I'm willing the sun to shine through the blur of grey and with my new power that is Charles Whyte, I feel able to do that. Just looking at pretty things helps. The credit card can stay safe in my wallet (most of the time!) as I don't have to buy all the delightful things I write about  to enjoy them.

What makes my heart sing may not always strike a chord, but my great hope is that this blog will have you thinking of the things in your life, big and small, that make you happy. Surrounding yourself with what and who you love surely makes life sweeter.

So I'm back, invigorated and excited about all the posts that have been building up waiting to be posted. As thanks for your patience, today I bring to you the Donna Hay bitter chocolate meringue tart made for a special birthday.

Look no further if you're baking for a chocoholic, but be warned, this is not a tart for the faint-hearted. It's seriously rich and thin slivers are recommended. The filling is almost pure chocolate pleasure and the meringue provides some light relief.

Best of all, the recipe is easy to make. Try it for yourself.

For other dreamy chocolate concoctions, set aside some salivating time to flip through the Donna Hay Simple Essentials Chocolate book.

Pulling a good looking tart out of the oven is a happy moment, trumped only by hearing the appreciate mmm's as those near and dear take their first bite. Mmm.