Ingredients

  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 2 12 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 34 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 12 cup granulated sugar
  • 9 large egg yolks
  • 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lb dried cherries
  • 1 cup lindemans kriek Lambic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Method

  • For the cookies:.
  • Heat the oven to 375F and arrange the rack in the middle.
  • Melt chocolate, stirring occasionally, in a small saucepan over low heat; set aside.
  • Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a medium mixing bowl to aerate and break up any lumps.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat sugar and butter at medium speed until light in color.
  • Beat in vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  • Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl; add melted chocolate and mix until smooth.
  • Add dry ingredients and beat at low speed just until incorporated.
  • Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until cookies are puffed and set, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Transfer cookies to a rack and let cool to room temperature.
  • (makes 36 cookies).
  • For the chocolate creme anglaise:.
  • Combine cream and 1/4 cup of the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
  • Whisk together remaining sugar and egg yolks until pale and well incorporated.
  • While constantly whisking, slowly pour in 1/2 of the hot cream.
  • Pour egg-cream mixture back into the saucepan with the hot cream and place over low heat.
  • Stirring constantly, cook mixture until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Melt chocolate over low heat and whisk into creme anglaise.
  • Cool and refrigerate.
  • For the garnish:.
  • Combine cherries and lambic in a medium bowl, and set aside until cherries rehydrate, about 15 minutes.
  • Drain cherries and reserve lambic.
  • Whisk lambic and cream together, and beat to form medium peaks; refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To assemble:.
  • For each serving, break up three cookies and set aside.
  • In a 4- to 5-inch-tall glass (with a 2-1/2- to 3-inch diameter), layer 1/3 of the cookie pieces, a rounded tablespoon of the whipped cream, 1 tablespoon of the creme anglaise, a few soaked cherries, and a bit of the chopped chocolate.
  • Repeat twice to make three complete layers.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Note: After assembling your desserts, youll have some leftover chocolate cookies.
  • Were sure youll figure out what to do with them!
  • Belgian lambics are becoming more popular and therefore more commonplace.
  • Lindemans Kriek Lambic is the most widely available kriek lambic, and it can be found at most gourmet grocery stores and liquor stores.