Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Kisses

Known as ‘Baci di dama’ in Italy, or ‘lady kisses’ these gluten-free little cookies are perfectly appropriate (with a little ginger added of course) seeing as though today is International Kiss a Ginger Day. Instead of going around kissing random (ginger/red-headed) strangers, I think perhaps giving them a ‘kiss’ ie. a small cute cookie which can be popped whole into the mouth, is a little more… proper. I know this, because I’ve had some awkward smooches from people today! (Okay, I enjoyed it, just a little bit!)

Chocolate Hazelnut Ginger Kisses or ‘Baci di Dama’

Makes 40

 

140g hazelnuts (or almonds), toasted and skinned

140g (1 cup) rice flour or corn starch

1 tsp ground ginger

100g butter, softened

100g sugar

pinch of salt

100g The Kate Tin Dark Baking Chocolate, chopped and melted

Preheat the oven to 160C. Grease and line two baking sheets. Place the nuts in a food process and process until the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs. Add the flour, spice, butter, sugar and salt and pulse until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough.Divide the dough into three pieces and roll each into 2cm thick logs then refrigerate until firm. Working with one piece of dough at a time, cut off small pieces of dough (about 5g each) then roll into little balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Sandwich together with melted chocolate and allow to set.