An afternoon of swimming lessons, swimming training, a late return home and then the supervision of obligatory homework, called for a simple dinner. I made my Speedy Spaghetti Carbonara, the same one I wrote about in my food blog entry on May 16. Easy, delicious and eaten by all, it’s a family favourite and a reliable home cooked meal option. 



While I was making dinner, the aroma from the bowl of Australian Naval Oranges on the kitchen bench caught my attention and I started thinking about what I could turn them into for the children’s morning tea. Orange and dark chocolate is a perfect match, just like chicken and avocado, scones with jam and cream, apples and cinnamon. So I married together a few key ingredients and this is what I pulled out of the oven 20 minutes ago – Orange, Coconut and Dark Chocolate Loaf . I actually made two loaves, because I want to give one to the eternally patient and kind carers at my youngest son’s day care centre. 

My house smells divine and I have a yummy addition to my children’s lunch boxes for school tomorrow. Give it a go – it only takes 10 minutes to mix up. 

Orange, Coconut and Dark Chocolate Loaf 

100 ml olive oil
3 large eggs
1 x 300 ml tub of light sour cream
finely grated rind of a large Australian naval orange and the juice
3/4 cup caster sugar
2 cups self raising flour
2/3 cup desiccated coconut
250 grams of Cadbury Dark Chocolate Melts or other dark chocolate “button” sized pieces

Add all the wet ingredients into a bowl with the orange rind and juice and stir with a mixing spoon until combined.

Add all the dry ingredients, including 200 grams only of the dark chocolate melts or buttons. 

Stir together with a mixing spoon until combined. 

Scrape into two buttered and lined 20 cm loaf tins. Dot the remaining chocolate melts/buttons on top of each loaf. 

Bake in a preheated fan forced oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes or until the top becomes an appealing golden brown colour. 

Leave in the tin until it is warm but easy to handle. Slice generously and serve as is, or spread with unsalted butter, or a dusting of icing sugar if you have a sweet tooth.