What we always try to do is go for a long walk - get some fresh air and go for a coffee in the piazza. These days the word "sunny Umbria" isn't really true - this time of year can be freezing cold, foggy, humid and windy - so when we get back from a long walk - a bit cup of tea and some freshly baked cookies are really needed.
Are you a fan of cookies and brownies - well then these crinkle cookies are going to do the trick - they have and almost brownie texture and are so easy to make. You can even make the dough beforehand and just keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days - pure magic. Just perfect for a lazy sunday or when unexpected guests shows up at your door step.
175 g dark chocolate, chopped
60 g unsalted butter
175 g flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 fine salt
2 eggs
150 g caster sugar
60 g icing sugar
Melt the chocolate and the butter in a bowl over a small pan of simmering water. Cool slightly. In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder and salt.
Beat the eggs and sugar until pale, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat and add the chocolate mixture. Add the four mixture until blended together. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 90 minutes or up to 2 days.
When ready to bake preheat your oven to 150c degrees.
Put the icing sugar in a small bowl. Shape the dough into 4 cm balls and roll in the sugar. Place them on baking sheets lined with baking paper and press down lightly with your hand to flatten. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.