Coffee Macarons with Dark Chocolate Ganache

As I opened my eyes I could see my little A. was already awake. I looked at the clock, it showed exactly 6.34 in the morning. It’s Monday morning and A. is up at her usual time. Bright and early!

Chocolate Log

 

Whenever I want to feel closer to my family I tend to cook something from my childhood.  And this is one of the sweet treats my mother used to make when I was a child. It’s ridiculously easy to make, doesn’t cost a fortune yet taste so divine. Enjoy!

Chocolate Swirls Cookies

(Makes approx. 25)

Ingredients:

For dough:

250 gram of flour

150 gram of softened butter

150 ml natural yogurt or sour cream

100 gram of sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

For filling:

60 gram of cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

3 tablespoon sugar

Method:

For the dough, in a bowl combine together flour, baking powder and sugar. Add butter and mix well; then add yogurt or sour cream. Transfer dough to refrigerator for 30 minutes.

For the filling just mix all ingredients.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line baking tray with parchment paper.

Divide chilled dough in half. Place each half of the dough between 2 pieces of waxed paper and roll out into thin sheet. Sprinkle with cocoa filling and roll with hands using wax paper as support to oblong roll. Cut into 0.5-1 cm thick slices and place on the baking tray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until done.

Chocolate Squares

(Makes approximately 24)

Ingredients:

200 gram sugar

100 gram brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

130 gram dark chocolate, broken in pieces

130 gram butter, soft

130 gram flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

30 gram cocoa powder

3 eggs

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Grease square baking pan.

In a saucepan bring water to a boil then reduce heat to low.

In a heatproof bowl put dark chocolate pieces and soft butter; place over the saucepan and stir regularly until melted and very smooth. Just make sure bottom of the bowl doesn’t reach the water. Remove from the heat and let cool for a bit.

In a large bowl whisk eggs; add brown and white sugar, vanilla sugar and cinnamon. To the egg mixture stir in cooled chocolate and flour. Transfer batter to the baking tray; bake for 30-40 minutes.

When ready leave it to cool before cutting in to squares. Dust with confectioner sugar.