Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers are a classic chocolate cookie recipe created by renowned pastry chef and cookbook author Alice Medrich. These wafers are known for their intense chocolate flavor and crisp texture. Let’s delve into the details you requested:
What is it:
Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers are thin, crisp chocolate cookies. They are often described as “chocolate wafers” due to their delicate and wafer-like texture. These cookies are perfect for snacking, making icebox cakes, or using as a base for various desserts.
History:
Alice Medrich is a well-known pastry chef and cookbook author. She is known for her expertise in chocolate and dessert-making. The recipe for these chocolate wafers is featured in her book “Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts,” which was published in 1994. The wafers have since become a beloved classic in the world of chocolate desserts.
Components:
The main components of Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers include:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This provides the deep chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour: It forms the base of the cookie dough.
- Sugar: To sweeten the cookies.
- Unsalted butter: For richness and texture.
- Baking soda: To help the cookies rise and achieve their crisp texture.
- Salt: To enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
Steps to Prepare:
Here are the general steps to prepare Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth consistency.
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Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight until they are firm.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature (usually around 350°F or 180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Slice and Bake: Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into thin wafers, about 1/8-inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake: Bake the wafers in the preheated oven for the recommended time, which is typically around 10-12 minutes, or until they are crisp and slightly firm to the touch.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time Needed to Prepare:
The time required to prepare Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers can vary, but here’s a rough estimate:
- Preparation Time: About 20-30 minutes (excluding refrigeration time)
- Chilling Time: Several hours or overnight (to firm up the dough)
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
In total, you should allow for at least several hours of chilling time, so plan accordingly.
Enjoy your homemade Real Chocolate Wafers, and they can be used in a variety of dessert recipes or enjoyed on their own!
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I don’t have access to real-time or specific nutrition facts and health information for specific recipes, including Alice Medrich’s Real Chocolate Wafers. Nutritional content can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
To obtain accurate nutrition facts and health information for this recipe, I recommend using a dedicated nutrition calculator or consulting a registered dietitian who can analyze the ingredients and provide you with precise information based on your specific preparation and serving sizes. They can take into account any substitutions or variations you may have made to the original recipe.
