A Choco-holic's Dream

Yesterday, in my ever evolving search for work, I found myself in new territory. There I was, in a professional kitchen, taking orders from a pastry chef. I had to pinch myself between nibbles. I was honored to be asked into Olympic Provisions - a kitchen renowned for its cured meats. Their bacon is the best and their salamis have been saluted by the likes of The New Yorker. I was at once giddy and nervous. It was my first coming to the Mecca of Meat and I was working with ... chocolate!?

And oh boy what tasty, tasty chocolate. OP's Chocolate Salami is a delicate blend of ganache, nuts and spices that mimics the flavors from their popular meat products. One bite and you will be hooked for life. They are a sweet treat that no one should be deprived of.

My role was simple: weigh, package and label. But, it was great to get a taste of a new field and learn about a dessert I'd never heard of. The perks weren't that bad either ...

Yours in food,

AW

White Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Cookies

When I got my hands on this recipe, I thought they would make the perfect Christmas gifts for my family. They were such a hit that it seems only fare to share. Enjoy y'all, and let me know how the baking goes!

What You Need:

      2    cups flour

      1    tsp. kosher salt

   1/4    tsp. baking soda

1 1/2    cups packed light brown sugar

1 1/2    cups sugar

    16    tbsp. unsalted butter, softened

      2    eggs

      1    tbsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2    lb. roughly chopped white chocolate

      1    lb. roughly chopped roasted and salted 

            macadamia nuts

 1. Whisk together flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, Beat sugars and butter together on medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition until smooth; beat in vanilla. Add dry ingredients and beat until just combined; stir in chocolate and nuts.

2. Heat oven to 325. Using a 1-oz. ice cream scoop or two spoons, portion and shape dough into balls and place 2" apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake until golden brown (about 14 minutes.)

They are just that easy. Don't go overboard with the size of the ball, these little guys really spread out. Also, the recipe says it makes roughly 5 dozen so sharing may be in you wasteline's best interest ;)