Baci di dama translated literally means ladies kisses. These are delicious bite size biscuits, the only problem with these is once you’ve had one you’ll just keep going back for more!! They are the perfect homemade gift for chocolate lovers!

Hazelnuts are used in the recipe along with Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread ( I did say perfect for chocolate lovers! )

The recipe says to buy fresh hazelnuts but I don’t, I buy them in a packet and it works perfectly. Although I would recommend tasting them before you bake to check they are not rancid, as this will spoil the biscuits. If you do buy fresh try to get them already skinned, if you can’t then you have to toast them for about 5 mins, then roll them in a clean tea towel with the palms of your hands to loosen the skin. Hence the reason I use them ready in a bag!!!!

I’m not great at baking so I generally bake things that are simple without to many ingredients! I’m also not good at getting everything the same size but with these, once you get on a roll ( pardon the pun! ) you’ll find that most are uniform in size. When sandwiching them together try to match the sizes they look nicer. Any you’re not happy with ~ well eat them of course!! If you’re brave these are great for children to make! I don’t need children to help me get chocolate EVERYWHERE!!!

Preheat oven: gas 4 – 180 – fan 160

You will need : Large baking sheet lined with parchment or bake in batches. Recipe makes approx 30

• 100g hazelnuts
• 100g ground almonds
• 65g caster sugar
• 165g plain flour
• 175g salted butter, softened
• 1/2 jar of Nutella

Method:

Grind the nuts in a processor until fine ( I use a mini one ) Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl, and mix in the butter. When all the mixture is combined ( it’s a bit messy but using your hands works) form into small balls around 2cm across, large marble size. Flatten them slightly and gently between you fingers so they are like small patties.

Place them on the lined baking tray well apart and bake for 20 mins, or until they are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and when you can handle them move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Spread half the biscuits with a little dot of Nutella, remember you are sandwiching them together so it will spread!

If they last they will store in an airtight container for a couple of days.

Once you have made them, make yourself a nice coffee and treat yourself to the pure indulgence of nuts & chocolate in one small bite!!!!

Enjoy

Deb xx