Ayesha Madan's chocolate-dipped strawberries

No fog. No snow. And certainly no reindeer. What Mumbai is full of these days are poinsettias, Santa hats and red-nose Rudolph cut-outs. Fine by you, because the colour of passion always becomes you.

‘Tis the season for Ayesha Madan’s chocolate-dipped strawberries – the red daubed with luscious brown or white. You’re familiar, of course, with their individual tastes: the chocolate, slightly cloying; the strawberry, mostly sweet, occasionally tart. Together, they produce a rhapsody for the palate, a burst of flavours.

Madan also makes holiday hampers to order filled with her berries, handmade flavoured chocolates (Orange Tango, Mint Magic, Apricot Brandy), and hand-dipped liqueur truffles.

For an intimate Yuletide celebration, bring in carnations, candlelight and champagne for a meal under the Christmas tree. Announce that dessert is Madan’s strawberries, the ultimate finger food. Don’t be surprised if he wants you as a gift.

Did we mention that chocolate and strawberries are both aphrodisiacs? Mmmmmm.

Ayesha Madan at Choc ‘O’ Block, 17, Sagar Darshan, 81/83 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai.
Telephone: 23630106 / 23636479 / 9323210106.
Price: Rs. 300 for a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries (seasonal).