BACI DI DAMA

These cookies are called  Baci di Dama, literally 'Lady's Kisses', as they are paired together to resemble a kiss. They date back to 1893, when they have been made for the first time  in a bakery in Tortona (near Alessandria, Piedmont) and since then they're a tradition.
If the Nutella biscuits were yummy, let me tell you, this is Heaven. Just try and let me know. They literally melt in you mouth. And the good thing is, they are very very easy to make. It won't take you more than half an hour. I had some problem with the shape (they are supposed to be like small balls, but mine are a bit flat.. it happens!). The important thing is that they taste good.. and they do!
There are some variations.  If you want them less "buttery" you can use 50 g of butter instead of 100 g and add an egg yolk. Or if you prefer almonds, you can use those instead of hazelnuts.


Ingredients for 15-17 cookies

100 g. toasted hazelnut
100 g sugar
100 g. unsalted butter, softened
100 g. plain flour
50 g dark chocolate

Preheat the oven to 170°C.


Grind the nuts with the sugar in a food processor until powdery (be careful not to process to a paste). Add the flour and the softened butter and work with your hands until the mixture forms a stiff dough.

Break off 30 pieces the size of nuts and form into balls. Don't worry if it is a bit wet, it is normal. Arrange on a baking sheet, leaving a little room between each.

Bake for about 15- 20 minutes or until golden then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Be careful not to touch them when still hot, as they are very soft and need to cool down before you can take them off the baking tray.

Meanwhile melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (or microwave on full power for 1-2 mins, stirring halfway through).

Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

When the biscuits are cold, use the chocolate to sandwich them together.