chocolate wafer cigarettes

sigarette di cialda al cacao

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour, 15 minutes

MAKES: makes about 1 1/2 dozen cookies

Crisp and chocolatey, these cookies are perfect with a cup of espresso or a glass of Vin Santo. They also make a great garnish for ice cream and custard desserts.

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Ingredients

1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 large egg white
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pinch fine salt
Special equipment: parchment paper; 2 round-handled wooden spoons

Instructions

Heat oven to 400º with rack in middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Suspend 2 round-handled wooden spoons between 2 mixing bowls.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, cream, egg white, butter and salt. On baking sheet, spread 1 level teaspoon batter into 4-inch round. Repeat to make 4 rounds, spacing rounds 2 to 3 inches apart.

Bake until cookies are set, about 4 minutes. Remove from oven and quickly, using a spatula, transfer 1 cookie to 1 spoon handle, wrapping cookie around handle. Repeat with remaining cookies. Work quickly; as cookies cool they become brittle. If cookies cool and start to crack as you roll, return to baking sheet and briefly reheat in oven. When cookies are cool and dry, 1 to 2 minutes, slide off handles and set aside.

Remove parchment from baking sheet. Run baking sheet under cold water, then dry thoroughly. Return parchment to baking sheet and repeat with remaining batter.

November 2010