BACI DI ALASSIO
Makes 24 to 30 sandwich cookies (depending on size of piped cookies)
Similar to a macaron but with a little more textured crunch from ground hazelnuts, baci di Alassio, or “kisses of Alassio,” are a regional Italian confection native to Alassio, a town in the province of Savona situated on the western coast of Liguria in Northern Italy. We chose to fill our sweet kisses with a chocolate hazelnut ganache that beautifully bolsters their flavor.
¼ cup (43 grams) finely chopped 56% cacao semisweet chocolate
¼ cup (77 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread*
3 tablespoons (45 grams) heavy whipping cream
14 ounces (400 grams) roasted unsalted whole hazelnuts (about 3 cups)
⅔ cup (134 grams) granulated sugar, divided
¼ cup (21 grams) sifted Dutch process cocoa powder
½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt
½ teaspoon (1 gram) instant espresso powder
3 large egg whites (150 grams), room temperature
1 tablespoon (21 grams) clover honey
½ teaspoon (3 grams) vanilla bean paste
In the top of a double boiler, combine chocolate, chocolate hazelnut spread, and cream. Cook over simmering water, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat, and let stand
