Orange and Dark Chocolate Cookies...

I have a confession to make - baking really isn't my thing! If I had to describe my style in the kitchen I would say it is quite instinctive, I am a big supporter of the trial and error school, I love how liberating it is not having to follow exact measures and quantities. And, as we all know, baking is the one thing that requires you to follow strict rules otherwise you will most likely fail.

Although I have no problem whatsoever with buying cookies, I really want to bake them myself - I think it is such a delicious treat to take to picnics, offer as a little gift to your family and friends, and it is such a comfort to have a jar filled with home made cookies at home :)

This is a Rachel Allen's recipe and it is quite amazing - it just gives you the basics for a cookie dough, and allows you to choose whatever flavours you want.

I took them to a picnic and my friends really enjoyed them :)

(1) Pre-heat the oven to 170C;

(2) Cream 225 gr of butter;

(3) Add 110 gr of caster sugar, and beat the mixture gradually until it becomes soft and fluffy;

(4) This is the moment to add your flavour-ingredients - lemon zest, chocolate chips, dried fruits, whatever really :);

I added zest from a orange and dark chocolate chips (that I cutted myself).

(5) Add 275gr of plain flour - stir and bring it all together, use you hands if necessary;

(6) Put the dough by rounded tablespoons on a baking tray;

(7) Allow them to cook for 10-12 minutes or until ready - I left mine a little bit more because I like them slightly burnt.

You can save the dough for another day by keeping it in the freezer :)

 *ENJOY*