Lock down sweet fix
Let’s talk about those sweet tooth cravings.
Now, Normally I’m not a huge fan of sweet things. I’d much rather have something salty, nutty or spicy to snack on but every now and again I just need a little satisfying quick sticky sweet fix.
I am however a huge fan of a good rich chocolate. The deep bitter flavours, the creamy smooth mouth feel, the caramel sweet of the sugars with just a hint a saltiness. What’s not to love?
It can be hard to find super satisfying well made chocolate.
There are lots of ‘chocolatiers’ out there simply using a generic pre made chocolate to temper and form into their own products. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic people making beautiful little treats.
The real hero’s however are the small batch real chocolate producers. Creating those wonderful flavour profiles from bean to wrapper. Taking beautiful, well sourced raw ingredients and turning them into tiny nuggets of joy in my mouth.
We highly recommend searching these companies out. Yes, it will cost you a little more than your mass produced corner shop bar, that is the nature of manufacturing. Trust me, it’s worth it. A couple of little squares will be so much more of a treat then chugging down a whole bar of something that just doesn’t tingle those taste buds.
So, what is my favourite thing to do with all this chocolate, other than nibbling on the squares while softly whispering ‘I love you’ to it?
The answer.... (is always) COOKIES!
This is my super secret ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe, so SHHHHHHHH don’t tell anyone. Or, tell everyone. They may make them as Christmas gifts for you if you drop enough hints.
I’m using Heist chocolate to make today’s batch.
Heist chocolate is a tiny chocolate makers in Cardiff, Wales.
Micro batches of organic beans are roasted and processed and turned into the most wonderful bars by the super talented Mikey, the one man in this one man operation. The small batches sell out fast online so keep your eye out for new drops. I’ve still yet to get my hands on the Cereal milk one!
The packaging is pretty special too, hand wrapped, stamped and stitched. Beautiful. X
I must say, the Orange Marmalade is my favourite and possibly the best thing to nibble when stuck in girly hell. Yes ladies, chocolate really does help!
(This is not a sponsored post, other chocolate makers are available. I just really love these bars)
Ultimate chocolatey nutty chunky cookies.
150g Smashed Nuts - any nuts you like, mix em up if you feel fancy
250g salted Butter - or vegan firm butter alternative (not margarine)
220g soft brown sugar
100g caster sugar
100g dark brown sugar
300g plain flour (we use GF and it adapts perfectly)
1tbsp baking powder
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
2tsp vanilla extract
2 med free range eggs. Or vegan egg alternative, I’d use a wet chia seed mix.
1.5tsp flaky sea salt - not the chunky salt grinder stuff.
150g chocolate - any you want. Dark, milk, white, flavoured it doesn’t matter just use the best quality you can afford.
Turn your oven to 180c (350f) and let it get up to temperature
Stick your nuts into a dry pan and toast until lightly browned
In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar, make it light and fluffy. Then slowly add your egg and keep whisking until it’s less slimy looking
Sieve in your flour, baking powder, and salt salt, get all those lumps out, then mess it all up with your nuts.
Now the important bit, the chocolate! Chop it up into any size chunks you like. I like to keep it mixed and messy, that way you get little surprises.
Fold it all together nice and evenly until all the flour is combined.
Spoon the mix into 1tbsp sized balls and put into the fridge for 10 min to firm up a little. This will help them stay chewy.
Pop your balls onto a non stick baking sheet, well spaced out and bake for around 15 min. Watch the magic happen. They still want to be a little soft when you bring them out.