Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Wednesday 23 January 2008

Last night was our monthly sewing circle - I failed miserably and managed three stitches before we all descended into giggles - it must have been the wine. We will have to try harder next time! It is so nice that women from all generations and walks of life in our village can get together and laugh so much! I took along some new cookies and they were given the seal of approval.

White Chocolate Praline Cookies
Makes 18, preparation time 10 minutes, cooking time 10 - 12 minutes
4oz butter
5oz caster sugar
1 heaped tbsp hazelnut butter
1 egg
5 1/2oz plain flour
1 tsp bicarb of soda
100g white chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5/180/375F. Cream the butter, hazelnut butter and sugar with a mixer until light and then beat in the egg. Add the flour, bicarb and chocolate chips and mix again. The dough should be light but not too sticky, add a little more flour if needs be. Divide into 18 balls and place on greased and lined baking trays, pressing each cookie down slightly. Leave room between each one as they will spread during cooking. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until golden and still soft to touch - these cookies should be chewy not hard. For decoration, drizzle with a little icing or melted chocolate. Placed in a bag with a pretty bow these make a perfect gift.

6 comments:

Rita said...

Hi Hannah - this looks yummy. I saw a recipe in a book earlier this week and thought this is a kind of cake you would like. It had a apple spice filling and then decorated with a thinly sliced apple ring at the top brushed with warm apricot jam. My kaputer cable is kaput and once things are normal I will post the recipe for you. Or, you can email me at rita.pretoriusatgmail and I will email it to you. Need to scan the picture - it is such a lovely cake.

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

I think I can manage the cookies - not so sure about making them look as pretty as yours, though!

Marie Rayner said...

Lovely looking and sounding cookies. Nights spent with friends are the best nights of all. Sounds like you had fun!

Milhan said...

Oh yum...first fudge, now cookies...is it Christmas time again!?

These look lovely, and I know my family would enjoy them. Thank you for the recipe.

Your sewing circle sounds like loads of fun. Are you all working on one large project, or individual pieces?

Anonymous said...

can you tell me waht hazelenut butter is?

Hannah said...

Jennifer - Hazelnut butter is like peanut butter but made with hazelnuts - I don't know where you live but if in the UK Tescos sell it. If you can't get it then you could substitute peanut butter or I would add a handful of chopped hazelnuts to the cookie dough instead - hope this helps.

Rita - thanks for thinking of me with the recipe - it sounds lovely and I would love to see it. Will mail you.

Milhan - we all work on individual pieces at our sewing circle (although we often talk about doing a joint project) Some people do lacemaking, knitting, cross stitch, tapestry - all sorts really - other people just bring curtains to hem or childrens labels to sew in the school uniform! There aren't any rules really - it is just an excuse to get together and gossip!

Thanks Marie and Forkful for your lovely messages too!