As the festive period is upon us I’ve started this month’s recipes with a Christmas festive cookie log from Latvia. Brought to my attention from my Latvian chef, Nina, saldā šokolādes desa is a festive cookie that won’t last long in the house. Insanely moreish and super-tasty, it’s ideal for the home or even as a wee something to gift this Christmas.

Ingredients
Makes two logs

  • 200g cherry & pear jelly sweets (available from eastern European shops)
  • 200g roasted chopped hazelnuts
  • 360g digestive biscuits (broken into small pieces)
  • 250g melted butter
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • 250g condensed milk
  • 1 x orange zest

Method
To begin, mix the melted butter with cocoa powder, condensed milk and orange zest.

In another bowl, roughly break the biscuits and add the crushed toasted hazelnuts. Cut the jellies into small pieces and lightly mix together.

Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until fully combined.

On a piece of cling film or baking paper, pour out the paste and knead it into the shape of a sausage, wrap the cling film or paper around the mix and place in the fridge for at least five or six hours.

Once chilled, cut into pieces and serve.

Gary Townsend is head chef at One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin, Glasgow. See www.hotelduvin.com or phone 0141 378 0385 to book.
Twitter @Chefgtownsend 
Instagram- @chef.g.townsend