In Ayurveda, the heart (Hridaya) is considered as one of the most important organs responsible for maintaining overall health and well-being. The heart is the seat of consciousness (Atman) and plays a crucial role in the circulation of vital life force (Prana) and blood (Rakta) throughout the body. “In Eastern medicine, the heart, and not the brain, is the centre of consciousness. Therefore, any heart condition points to deep-rooted problems of self-identity, emotions and consciousness. “1 Western culture focuses on individual achievement and constant competition, rather than spiritual connection with others, so our hearts are sidelined and often replaced by ego. The lack of exercise and the consumption of fatty, spicy, fried food and lots of meat, typical of European cuisine, also puts a strain on the heart. In Hungary, cardiovascular disease accounted for 49% of deaths in 2019, or 64,000 deaths.2 Primary causes of heart problems include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise and suppr...
These deliciously crumbly chocolate tree biscuits make the perfect decadent homemade gift around Christmas time. Drizzles with melted white chocolate and scattered with pistachios, there isn't much to not like.
Ingredients
For the biscuits
250 g unsalted butter, chilled and chopped
150 g caster sugar
400 g plain flour, plus extra to dust
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
To decorate
150 g white chocolate
25 g pistachios, roughly chopped
Directions
- Whizz biscuit ingredients in a food processor until mixture starts to clump together. Tip on to a lightly floured surface and knead to make a smooth dough. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 1hr.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4 and line 2 large baking sheets with baking parchment. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 7.5mm (1/3in) thick. Stamp out 16 x 7.5cm (3in) stars, 16 x 6.5cm (21/2in) stars and 16 x 4cm (11/2in) stars, re-rolling trimmings as needed. Arrange on lined sheets (they don’t spread much) and bake for 10-12min, or until sandy to the touch (they will firm on cooling). Leave to cool completely on the sheets.
- Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. To assemble the trees, using the melted chocolate as glue, stick together 2 large stars, misaligning the points. Next stick on 2 medium stars in a similar fashion, followed by two small stars to make a star tree. Repeat with remaining stars to make 8 trees. Drizzle over remaining white chocolate and sprinkle over the pistachios. Leave to set before wrapping in cellophane.
To store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 639
- Protein: 9g
- Total Fat: 36g
- Saturates: 21g
- Carbs: 69g
- Total sugars: 30g
- Fibre: 3g
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/a29697716/chocolate-shortbread/
Comments
Post a Comment