It has been a very interesting weekend up here in Queensland. Will and I headed up the beach on Friday night for the long weekend. We knew the weather wouldn't be good but we had no idea what we were in for. I've never seen winds and rain like it. The noise, entirely made by mother nature, was just incredible. I can't imagine what a cyclone must be like.
On Sunday afternoon we had to head out in our trusty 4wd to rescue mum and dad who got a little stuck in flood waters (I won't go into details but let's just say a tow truck was involved but everyone is fine!). The extent of flooding was unbelievable but nothing compared to what's happening in other areas. I can only hope that people are being safe, heeding the warnings and getting out of the danger zones.
Baked Relief, established during the 2011 floods to bring sustenance to the thousands of volunteers and flood victims helping with the rescue and clean up effort, has been re-activated and is in full force. Today I'm hosting a lunch for my grandma's 95th Birthday but if I wasn't I'd be baking up a storm to help with the relief efforts.
I'm sure these chocolate chip and lime biscuits would be welcomed.
I thought that the lime-chocolate combination was new to me until I remembered that I had made Nigella's flourless chocolate and lime cake for my Birthday two years ago. I can still taste the tang from the lime if I think about that cake (tell me I'm not the only one who daydreams about food?).
I'll admit, when I opened the oven I thought this recipe must have been a dud. They don't look too good after all but that's where their defects end. The crisp butter biscuit almost melts in your mouth and the tang of the lime somehow compliments the rich dark chocolate.
You can make up a log of the dough and pop it in the freezer then next time you want some fresh biscuits, just slice off a few pieces, bake and enjoy!
If you are in Queensland and want to help out with Baked relief check out the Facebook page.
Congratulations to the two winners of the Personal Planners giveaway. Thank you to everyone who entered. I wish that everyone could win but so Personal Planners so for today, tomorrow and Thursday, they are offering all Claire K Creations readers 15% off. All you need to do is enter the following code at the check out: D-DSEN-IJOM. Happy organising!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
- 90 g caster sugar
- 1 free-range egg
- 90 g plain flour
- 20 g rolled oats
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 100 t good-quality dark chocolate
- zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.
- Add the egg and mix it in.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Sift in the flour, tumble in the oats and shake in the baking powder and salt and then mix them into the dough.
- Carefully chop up the chocolate and add it to the bowl along with the lime zest.
- Keep mixing until the dough comes together.
- Tip it out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll it into a log shape 5cm thick, then wrap it up and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 180C fan-forced.
- Line two baking trays with baking paper.
- Take the dough from the fridge and slice it up into 1cm thick discs then place them on the trays leaving at least 3cm between each one.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden.
- Leave the biscuits to sit on the tray for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kelly Senyei (Just a Taste) says
Just stumbled across your site and I'm so thrilled to have found it! Can't wait to explore more of your culinary creations!
Claire says
Thanks so much Kelly! Welcome!
Hotly Spiced says
I'm so sorry to hear of your family's suffering during the floods. What a shocking time for you and a lot of Queenslanders. It doesn't seem fair after the devastating floods just a few years ago. Happy 95th to your grandmother - what an innings! I love the look of your cookies - lime and chocolate are a great combination xx
Claire says
Oh Charlie we're absolutely fine. Don't feel for us save it for the poor people with flooded homes. My grandma had a wonderful Birthday lunch which you know I'll share soon! x
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Beautiful sounding cookies Claire! How are you guys today? I heard that there was flooding in Brisbane and thought immediately of you guys! :o
Claire says
Thanks Lorraine. We're absolutely fine no need to worry about us. A lot of people not so lucky though. I actually haven't heard much news here today but we were expecting a peak at 11am.
Stephanie @ henry happened says
Oh, I love the idea of the chocolate and lime combination - I'm totally craving a cookie now :) Glad everyone is safe where you are - and happy birthday to your grandma!
Claire says
Thanks Stephanie! I thought it was a strange combo but it seems to work rather nicely.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Wow, Claire, I'm glad you're safe, sound like scary weather! Your cookies sound wonderful and I love the photos, they just seem to glow! Hope the special birthday party went well!
Claire says
Thank you! Just saw my grandma into the car after lunch and she loved it. I made a version of your crustless quiche (with a crust) and it was delicious!
Emilie@TheCleverCarrot says
So glad to hear that you and your family are ok Claire! Weather like that is so scary! These biscuits look lovely. Love the chocolate & lime combo :)
Claire says
It was intense! I would hate to be in an actual cyclone!