Nutella Tart

What's the most universally-known, loved and popular chocolate spread of all times? Why, Nutella of course. And what's more, it's super versatile too. An easy, fuss-free filling for crispy crepes, a fudgey layer sandwiched between waffles (think Hanuta), a simple spread for a sandwich... Nutella's come a long way. 

While writing this post, I decided to do a little research on the origin of Nutella and what it actually is. Turns out, most of us are wrong in our perception of Nutella. While most people would refer to it as a chocolate spread (as I know I did just a few seconds ago), thinking that chocolate is the main ingredient, Nutella should actually be more accurately called a hazelnut spread. This is because, contrary to popular belief, this Italian creation contains more hazelnuts than chocolate! In fact, under Italian law, it does not meet the minimum cocoa solids concentration criteria to be labelled as a chocolate spread. Also, do you know that the main ingredients in Nutella are actually sugar and vegetable oil? Now that would make some of us think twice before reaching for that jar of Nutella on the shelf. 

The rest of us, however, are likely to just shrug our shoulders and continue to load our sandwiches with an inch-thick layer of Nutella. After all, out of life's multitude of sins, this one probably comes way down there on the list. And I know most people are with me on this, because the popularity of Nutella just keeps rising.

The first time I heard about Nutella tarts was when a friend was raving about one she had just discovered. That was followed in quick succession by similarly enthusiastic ravings from family members, who then eagerly suggested that maybe I could try baking one for our weekly Saturday gathering the next time. Recalling that I had previously come across a recipe in Pierre Herme's cookbook, I decided to give it a go once I had sufficient time during the week. 

This recipe was easy to work with and as usual, Pierre Herme doesn't disappoint. The classic combination of chocolate and hazelnut never goes wrong and as a tart filling, it definitely does not pale in comparison to its close cousin, the chocolate tart. This tart is bound to be a crowd-pleaser at every party you bring it to and it makes a perfect ending to a family dinner. Furthermore, while there's nothing wrong with pure chocolate, sometimes one just wishes for something a little different. And what better thing to jazz it up than hazelnuts? 

Here's where Nutella comes in. Happy holidays! 

Cinnamon Rolls

It's not often that I come across cinnamon rolls. Good cinnamon rolls, mind you. The one in my dreams is a luscious golden-brown colour, still piping hot from the oven, wafting a delicious comforting cinnamon scent. Most importantly, it has to be of a decent size . After all, one of the joys of savouring a cinnamon roll is being able to sink your teeth into a thick yeasty goodness and take a huge bite, while knowing that there're still a few more mouthfuls of delight waiting for you. And as the sugar and cinnamon filling hits your tongue.... Mmm...

As you can tell, I like my cinnamon rolls.

Few of the cinnamon rolls I've had met my expectations. But then again, I haven't been to America, where my friend says cinnamon rolls are ubiquitous. So gradually as the years passed, I stopped looking for them. Truth be told, life's too short to cry over a lack of cinnamon rolls. There's plenty of other culinary distractions around to take one out of one's misery. This went on, until one fine day, during a trip to London. My friends and I were strolling along the streets, minding our own business, when suddenly the long-forgotten smell of fresh cinnamon rolls accosted my nostrils. Before long, I was a hunter on the lookout for that elusive prey.

That was when I spotted it: Cinnabon. A store selling nothing but cinnamon rolls? It must be good! And so it follows that I dragged my friends into the store and promptly satisfied my craving. Yum! It was absolutely delish!

It's been a few years since that Cinnabon treat. As much as I would love to, I can't just fly to London on a whim. But I can certainly bake whatever I want! As fate would have it, as I was searching for recipes online, I came across this recipe for Cinnabon Knock-off Cinnamon Rolls from Tartelette. How apt!

Baking them was easy enough. The best part was watching how the rolls expanded in the final rise. They looked perfect and the spirals were so pretty! My excitement only mounted further once they were in the oven, as the kitchen was soon filled with the smell of cinnamon-y goodness.

I managed to get 18 proper cinnamon rolls from one batch (I say proper because the ones from the ends are always a mess), so I gave some to friends and everyone loved them. Now this is definitely a keeper!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ahh... Now who doesn't like a good chocolate chip cookie? They are the quintessential of baked goods, the one thing you go to when you crave a little crunch, a little sweetness, a little butteriness and that occasional ooze of chocolate. 

Everyone has their own go-to recipe for a chocolate chip cookie. There are million and billions of recipes out there and it's impossible to know which is best! Every other one claims to yield the best cookies. Sadly, I usually just end up getting confused and not making them at all just because I can't decide. But there will come a time when one just needs to have a cookie to brighten up the day and besides, the thought of having a batch of homemade cookies sitting in the kitchen, ready at disposal, is just all too tempting. 

And so it follows that I finally settled on a chocolate chip cookie that contains oats. It's surprising how oats can transform a batter. Mixed into the crumble topping for a fruit crumble, they instantly give it a lot more crunch and texture than what flour alone would have achieved. Just the way I like it! 

The cookie dough yielded from this recipe is a lot drier than most other recipes, and it basically clumps together in a solid stubborn mass. But show it some patience and be sure to mix the ingredients well and you'll be rewarded with some pretty tasty cookies! While a bit too crunchy for my liking (I personally like mine soft and chewy on the inside), they were still delicious and everything a proper chocolate chip cookie should be!