Herb and Garlic Spirals

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: "Espirais de Alho e Ervas"

2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

2 tbsp chives, finely chopped

2 tbsp mint, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 sheet puff pastry

Preheat oven to 200ºC. In a bowl combine herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread herb mixture over puff pastry surface and roll it up. Cut slices about 1cm thick and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.

Shortbread

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: "Shortbread"

Shortbread is a biscuit of Scottish origin and greatly appreciated by the English and Americans. With a crumbly texture and rich in butter, it pairs well with a hot cup of tea. Traditionally it may be presented in three different ways: either the dough is shaped into a large circle and cut into individual wedges after being baked or it is cut into individual round biscuits or fingers prior to baking. Today I decided to make a large circle using a round springform pan.

2 cups flour

¾ cups icing sugar

a pinch of salt

1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

Pre-heat oven to 150ºC. Grease a round springform pan 25cm in diameter.

Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Beat butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well until flour is well incorporated. The dough will be very thick. Spread dough in the pan and pat it down in order to get an even thickness. With a wooden skewer poke holes all over the biscuit dough. Bake for about 50 minutes. Remove from pan and cut into wedges while still hot. After completely cooled keep in an airtight container.

M&M’s Cake

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: “Bolo de M&M’s”

This cake is very easy to assemble. All you need is a little patience to place the M&M’s. You can also use Smarties if you prefer. Prepare the “Onda Chocolate Cake”, (follow the link). Push a straw through the middle of the cake and cover it with chocolate. Place the M&M’s on the cake and up the straw. Finally place an empty M&M’s bag on top of the straw “glued” with a dab of chocolate.

Children just love it!

Roasted Chickpeas

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: "Grão-de-Bico Tostado"

1 can (830g) cooked chickpeas

2 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp cumin seeds

½ tsp coarse salt

Preheat oven to 230ºC. Rinse chickpeas under running water and pat dry on a paper towel. Mix olive oil with spices and salt and drizzle over chickpeas. Toss well to combine.

Spread chickpeas on a baking tray in a single layer. Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes until crisp and golden. Remove from oven and spread over paper towels. Serve warm or cold.