One way to beat the recession

This is a new addition to our street, not the lady, the graffiti.




After I took this shot, I met Mr Davis who lives downstairs with Mrs Davis. He pointed at the new graffiti with his walking stick, "I wouldn't eat mine," he said, "but I might eat somebody else's." I see his point, he's in his eighties, so his kids are probably pretty big.

Just thought I'd share that with you, a little Harlem update streetside, and now to the kitchen. Well, not "the" kitchen, but my kitchen at least.

James often comes up with really cool ideas for dishes, the other day he says to me, "what about, orange, chocolate and coconut cookies?" That along with Indian Lamb Pie have been his best.

So after a couple of attempts, here's my best shot.


Chocolate, Orange and Coconut Cookies



41/2 oz (125 g) unsalted butter at room temperature
53/4 oz (165 g) soft dark brown sugar
1 medium egg lightly beaten
1 tsp orange extract
zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons coconut cream
61/2 oz (185 g) plain flour
1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
4 oz (120 g) dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup toasted coconut
Extra shredded coconut for top of cookies)

Set oven to 350 F/180 C/Gas Mark 4

Cream together the butter and brown sugar.



Add the egg, coconut cream, orange extract, zest and combine. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cocoa and fold through the mixture. Add the chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mix on to a baking sheet (tray) lined with baking parchment.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes in the center of the oven until golden brown and slightly puffed. Remove and leave to cool on a wire rack.