• Heat the marshmallows and butter alternative in a large saucepan on a very gentle heat, stir occasionally with a silicone spatula and don’t leave unwatched.
• While you’re waiting for the mallows to melt, prepare your cocoa powder paste. In a bowl or cup weigh the cocoa powder and add 3 tablespoons of boiled water, mix well to make a paste. Add the 4th tablespoon of water if the paste is too thick.
• Once the mallows have completely melted (the mixture will go all fluffy) you can add the cocoa paste. The mixture will loosen (go a little more watery, don't worry this is normal).

  TOP TIP: I keep the heat turned down as low as possible now to keep the mixture workable.
• Add the rice crispies and with a silicone spatula mix thoroughly to coat all the cereal in chocolate marshmallow mixture.
• Spoon the mixture into a greased and lined 20x20cm loose bottom square tin. Quickly begin to press the mixture down.

  TOP TIP: have a cup of water handy and dip the spatula into the water if you find the mixture misbehaving.
• Once you have pressed the marshmallow mixture firmly down, pop into the fridge for 20+ mins to harden.
• Then remove and cut into 9 squares, placing each square bottom side up on a tray, plate or cooling rack.

  TOP TIP: the squares are presented upside down for two reasons, firstly they look better this way up and secondly the marzipan topper will stick better.

To decorate your Crispy Christmas Pudding Squares

• To decorate your chocolate marshmallow Christmas puddings, simply roll out the marzipan no a surface with a little icing sugar to prevent the marzipan from sticking to the counter.
• Cut out 9 shapes and place these on each of the 9 chocolate marshmallow squares, no need to add any 'glue' they will stick all by themselves.
• Finally, melt a little white chocolate (dairy free if necessary) and dab a little in the middle of each marzipan shape. Then finish with your holly decoration.
• You will need to allow the chocolate to set so return to the fridge for a bit and hey-presto you have the cutest Marshmallow Crispy Christmas Puddings.