Cherry chocolate lamington sandwiches

Method

• 1
  Place chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium (50%) for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.
• 2
  Drain cherries, reserving syrup. Place syrup, sugar and brandy (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves (don’t boil). Increase heat to high. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add half the cherries. Remove from heat. Chop remaining cherries.
• 3
  Using an electric mixer, beat cream until soft peaks form. Fold cooled chocolate into cream. Fold chopped cherries into cream mixture.
• 4
  Cut 1 lamington in half horizontally. Place base on plate. Spread with 2 level tablespoons cream mixture. Sandwich with lamington top. Repeat with remaining lamingtons and cream mixture. Spoon over syrup mixture. Serve.