During an afternoon of diligent job searching, I wandered down 6th street and found the Savory Spice Shop. As I entered this amusement park for culinary creativity, the woman here blew me away with enthusiastic greetings. I have never felt so welcome, we actually carried on real conversation. I decided on 3 items: Amaretto Extract, Hibiscus Flowers, and Ground Mahleb (sour cherry pits). I left gleaming with excitement and a sort of serenity.
My favorite culinary influences would have to be from the Italian. Maybe I was influenced too much by a mentor, but they sure know how to live simply. The best places for Italian fare I have experienced so far in Austin are Enoteca Vespaio and Hog Island Deli. I am excited to try The Backspace, it sounds like a certain rustic fare I once worked with. I miss it.
My mixer and bowls are back in KC, so I use a plastic bowl and a wooden spoon for this recipe. Simple!
Soft Biscotti, it is such a perfect, balanced cookie. This is what I decide to make with my new treats. Now this cookie has many components, but they work beautifully together.
Amaretto – Ricotta – Hibiscus – Campari – Orange – Mahleb
Tart, sweet, bitter, new. They come out so light and airy. To complement the sweet, light cookie I created a mixture of minced orange peel, sugar, and Mahleb to give it an extra burst of tart freshness. I sprinkled this on top of the Amaretto Campari frosting.
Those are just gorgeous! Good luck with the job hunt.