POLOKWANE – For Molatelo Malebatja, affectionately known as Chef Lati, Christmas is a time for family, laughter and delicious homemade treats.

She says the festive season is the perfect opportunity for families to bond in the kitchen and create sweet memories together.

“This is a beautiful and perfect time of the year to get in that kitchen with Mom or Dad and make a delicious and easy dessert to enjoy for Christmas with the family,” she told the Polokwane Observer.

She shares two of her go-to Christmas desserts, both simple, creamy and perfect for feeding 10–12 people during the holidays.

RECIPE 1: Soft and creamy chocolate trifle

You will need:

• 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
• 500ml ready-made chilled custard (preferably real vanilla)
• 25g icing sugar
• 400g chocolate brownies (store-bought is fine)
• 100ml thick fresh cream (plus 1 extra tablespoon for soaking the brownies)
• 3 tablespoons coffee
• 121g bag of Whispers or any crunchy round chocolate
• 500ml double cream or double-cream yoghurt

How to make it:

Make the chocolate custard:

Pour the custard and chocolate into a saucepan and gently heat while stirring until the chocolate melts completely.

Cover the custard surface with cling film to stop a skin forming, then allow it to cool.

Prepare the brownie layer:

Place the brownies in a trifle bowl.

Mix the coffee with 1 tablespoon of thick cream and drizzle the mixture over the brownies.

Lightly crush the Whispers using a rolling pin and sprinkle three-quarters over the brownies.

Add the custard:

Spoon the cooled chocolate custard evenly over the brownie layer.

Cover and refrigerate.

Make the cream layer:

In a bowl, combine the double cream and 100ml thick cream.

Sift in the icing sugar and whip until soft peaks form.

Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Assemble and serve:

Give the cream a gentle mix, spoon it over the custard and finish with the remaining crushed Whispers.

Bon appétit!

RECIPE 2: Tennis biscuit and peppermint tart

You will need:

• 2 packs Tennis biscuits
• 1 slab mint-flavoured chocolate
• Fresh mint leaves (for topping)
• 1L Yogi Sip or drinking yoghurt (any flavours you choose)
• A long flat dish
• Cling film

How to make it:

Build the first layer:

Line the flat dish with Tennis biscuits to form a biscuit “mat.”

Pour half of the Yogi Sip over the biscuits.

Build the second layer:

Add a second layer of Tennis biscuits and pour the remaining Yogi Sip over the top until all biscuits are covered.

Add toppings:

Break half the mint chocolate slab into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over the top.

Add leftover biscuit crumbs for texture.

Decorate:

Place 3–4 mint leaves on top for a festive finish.

Refrigerate:

Chill for 15–30 minutes until set. Slice into generous portions and enjoy!