A while ago I was having some lunch in a restaurant. For pudding I had some soft, sugar covered dough sticks which were to be dipped in a well known hazelnut chocolate spread. At some point in the kitchen a rogue bit of rosemary had ended up on my dough stick. I imagine there must have been some sort of herb-off going on in the kitchen between the chefs and the remnants of the duel had not been cleared up. Unbeknown to me I submerged it in hazelnutty chocolate and ate it. One of the best accidental mastications I've ever made and a combination I have recreated in this shortbread.
You will need (for 12 pieces):
170g plain flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder
50g caster sugar
150g butter, softened
35g dark chocolate, chopped
15g hazelnuts
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
Start by chopping the hazelnuts and frying them in a dry pan until lightly toasted. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Chop the chocolate and hazelnuts finely to ensure even distribution in the finished biscuit. Put all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and beat together until they start to form a ball. It will look like a bowl of hopeless crumbs but keep going; it will make a lump eventually. Get your hands in the mix to bring all the mix into one ball. Lightly knead the dough.
Place the dough in the middle of the prepared baking sheet and then roll it out until it is about 20cm in diameter Pinch, crimp or fork the edges of the dough to give it a nice edge. Prick the top with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 160C for 40-45 minutes or until firm. Mark into wedges while still hot.
I used dried rosemary for this recipe for a more intense flavour and it certainly delivered. If it sounds like an odd combination, give it a try. The chocolate is smooth and mellow and the hazelnuts add a classic flavour but the herby, slightly floral rosemary flavour rounds the biscuit off perfectly. A happy mistake which led to some delicious, crunchy biscuits being enjoyed with a glass of milk and a flick through an old book. I don't know of anyone over the age of about 10 that still drinks milk, is it just me?
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30 comments:
It sounds delicious, what a happy accident.
I love foodie accidents, this actually looks really nice - I'm with you on the milk.
Do you know, this sounds wonderful. I read this and got a huge whiff of rosemary and chocolate in my face and it was really good. A good accident indeed!
You are very creative. I love the combination of chocolate and rosemary. Over the last weekend I had biscuits made by a friend with rosemary and I loved them! It is a wonderful herb to use in savoury and sweet dishes too.
Bookmarking this one. Thank you!
That is serendipity at work!
That is a combination I would not expect to have worked. But then most people would be surprised that chocolate and chilli pair so well.
This sounds lovely - chocolate and herb combinations work surprisingly well. Tarragon is another one that is well worth trying if you haven't already!
Sx
Sounds delicious, I really love shortbread. I like to make an olive oil based caked with chocolate and rosemary, but next time I'll give this a go! xoxo
A happy little accident indeed! I'd love to try some - I'm addicted to hazelnuts. I don't drink glasses of milk myself - just take it skimmed in tea and coffee. But, you know.....whatever floats your boat Caroline ;-)
What a happy and delicious accident! I love it when that happens.
Chocolate, hazelnuts and ..rosemary. What an interesting combination of flavors!
Yes, this accident sure translated into a nice combination Caroline. I would love to try it.
Hope you are enjoying your week :)
I'm intrigued--I love sweet/savory combinations, particularly when they involve rosemary!
I really believe that rosemary in sweets is super under rated. It tastes amazing. It's almost floral and the chocolate is the perfect mix :) I will be making this soon!
This short bread looks delicious!
Very innovative & intriguing recipe that I adore trying! Looks & sounds good! ;)
I'm loving the flavours in this unique recipe :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Chocolate shortbread with rosemary...very innovative! I am very sure this is something I would love too.
I love the smell and fragrant of rosemary and this into shortbread is something I will keep in mind for the future.
who knew a vicious herb-off could lead to the creation of such a tasty treat? :)
i love the combination of chocolate and rosemary! this looks fabulous!
Sometimes accidents are the best. It looks tasty!
Really, really like the sound of your shortbread. Rosemary goes surprisingly well with chocolate I've noted.
What a lovely combo I never would have thought of...sounds and looks fabulous, Caroline! Hope you had a great Vday!! =)
Goodness, this is an unusual combination but I love rosemary so I think I might very well like this.
I always love the surprise addition of rosemary in baked goods! I've never had it with chocolate though...a must try!
I adore rosemary in baked goods, especially shortbread. I haven't had it paired with chocolate before so I need to try it - I bet it's delicious!
What a brilliant and unusual combination of flavours
What good fortune that you discovered this flavour combination. I think Rosemary works well with sweet and savoury and it sounds like this shortbread is a complete hit!
Realmente exquisito me encanta tiene un aspecto perfecto y delicioso,hugs,hugs saludos desde el sur de chile.
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