September 29, 2012

The Chocolatiest Chocolate Pecan Cookies


It's hard to be teaching a new grade level in a new school in a new district. I am still figuring everything out, and there is much to plan and so much assessment. I haven't been cooking or baking lately, and I certainly don't have much time to write. I made these cookies in early August and I've been meaning to post the recipe since then.

All I have to say about these cookies is I sure hope you like chocolate. These cookies are not for the faint of heart. I was shocked at how little flour and butter go into these cookies. The dough seems to be entirely melted chocolate. I'd never seen anything quite like it. Use only the best quality chocolate, of course!

When I saw this recipe on Chocolate and Zucchini, I knew I had to make them for Amber. I did, and not surprisingly, they were a big hit.
Chocolatiest Chocolate Pecan Cookies
  • 15 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • Scant 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  1. Line the sides and bottom of a medium baking dish loosely with parchment paper. Set aside the pecan halves and 6 oz.  of the chocolate.
  2. Melt the remaining chocolate in a double-boiler, or in the microwave, stirring regularly until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cream together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add flour mixture to the batter, mixing until just combined. Add the melted chocolate, mix until just combined, then add the reserved chocolate and pecans and stir them in.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until firm enough to handle without it sticking to your fingers. Don't leave it in for too long, though, or it will be too hard to shape. (If you do, just let it come up to the right temperature on the counter.)
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet. 
  7. Remove the dough from the fridge and slide the parchment paper and dough onto a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 equal pieces. With your hands, mold dough into a cookie shape and place on the prepared baking sheet. (At this point, you can freeze the rounds of dough for later use; freeze in a single layer before putting them in a freezer bag or container. Bake without thawing.)
  8. Bake for 15 minutes (16 if they were frozen), until the surface is just set, but still soft when gently pressed in the middle. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely or to be devoured.

August 20, 2012

Peach Dutch Baby

First, I want to apologize for my long hiatus of non-posting. At first I blamed on my job change, and I was always just too darn tired to cook something new and write about it. But the tiredness never ended, and we finally figured out it was because I was pregnant! The tiredness still hasn't let up, but I've gotten over it and put myself in gear to start trying new recipes again. This breakfast treat seemed so easy and delicious, with minimal effort, and on top of that I have a deep love affair with peaches. It's proven to be an excellent find (originally in Bon Appetit's August 2012 edition). I've made it several times already, and it always comes out perfectly delicious, with a nice wow factor for guests. If you do not already own a cast iron skillet, this is the perfect excuse to add that indispensable cook wear to your collection. Plus, it will last you forever.

What's in it
4 Tbl unsalted butter, divided
4 large eggs
3/4 C flour
3/4 C whole milk
3 Tbl sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
2-3 peaches, cut in 1/4" wedges

How it's made
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Melt 2 Tbl butter in skillet, scrape into blender. Add to blender eggs, milk, flour, 1 Tbl sugar, vanilla and salt. Blend batter until smooth, set aside. (Can be made the night before, just store in refridgerator, and adjust cook time for chilled batter.)

Heat 10" or 12" cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 2 Tbl butter and 2 Tbl sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar starts to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Add peaches to skillet and increase heat to medium high. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened. Turn off burner.
Briefly re-blend pancake batter, then pour over peaches. Put skillet in oven and bake until puffed and golden brown all over, about 17-20 minutes. Serve right away (pancake will deflate) with butter, warmed syrup, and powder sugar.
Serves 4-6 people, and is best eaten right away (day old dutch baby is not delicious).