Mona-Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies

Mona-Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe - Vegan Dessert from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 48 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies. These cookies are a delightful treat for any chocolate lover, with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

History

The recipe for Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies has been passed down through generations in Italian families. These cookies are a traditional dessert enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

0.5 Cup(s) of margarine
0.67 Cup(s) of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Cup(s) of light brown sugar
0.5 Cup(s) of water
2.5 Cup(s) of whole wheat flour
1.5 teaspoon(s) of baking powder
2 teaspoon(s) of cinnamon
1 teaspoon(s) of cloves
1 Cup(s) of finely chopped almonds
1 Cup(s) of raisins

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a pot, combine the first four ingredients.
Heat the mixture slowly, stirring until it resembles a syrup.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Combine the flour with baking powder and spices.
Pour in the chocolate syrup and work it into a stiff batter.
Add the almonds and raisins.
Form the mixture into balls no larger than 1 inch and arrange them on cookie sheets.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
This recipe makes 4 dozen cookies.

Variations

Add chopped hazelnuts or pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the chocolate syrup mixture cool to room temperature before adding it to the flour mixture.

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.

- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough for uniform cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute dried cranberries or chopped apricots for the raisins.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies with a glass of red wine for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies are a good source of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and wheat.

Summary

Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of iron and magnesium.

Summary

Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and nuts. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the decadent flavors of Mona Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a rainy afternoon in Florence, Italy, and I had sought refuge in a quaint little café on a cobblestone street. As I sipped my espresso and nibbled on a biscotti, I couldn't help but notice the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

I peeked through a crack in the door and saw the chef busy at work, mixing and measuring with precision. As he pulled a batch of cookies out of the oven, I knew I had to have the recipe. I mustered up the courage to approach him and ask for it, and to my surprise, he agreed to share it with me.

The chef, whose name was Roberto, explained that the cookies were called Mona-Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies, named after the famous painting that hung in the nearby museum. He told me that the secret to their rich, decadent flavor was the combination of dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and a touch of espresso.

Roberto graciously wrote down the recipe for me on a scrap of paper, complete with detailed instructions and tips for getting the perfect cookie every time. I thanked him profusely and promised to cherish the recipe forever.

Back in my own kitchen, I carefully followed Roberto's instructions, measuring out each ingredient with care and precision. As the cookies baked in the oven, the sweet scent of chocolate and nuts filled the air, transporting me back to that rainy day in Florence.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. As I took my first bite, I knew I had struck gold. The cookies were rich and fudgy, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy center. The flavors of chocolate and hazelnut mingled perfectly, with just a hint of espresso to give them a sophisticated edge.

I shared the cookies with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious they were. They begged me for the recipe, but I told them it was a secret passed down to me by a kind chef in Florence.

Over the years, I have made these Mona-Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum, but the basic ingredients and techniques remain the same.

Whenever I bake these cookies, I am transported back to that rainy day in Florence, where a kind chef shared his secret recipe with me. I am grateful for that chance encounter and for the joy these cookies bring to me and my loved ones.

In the end, it's not just about the ingredients or the technique – it's about the memories and the stories that make each recipe special. And for me, the Mona-Lisa Italian Chocolate Nut Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart. Grazie, Roberto, wherever you are.