The Finer Cookie:
Orange Truffles

Waiting in Galicia, Spain

By Kimberlie Robert

The flight to Galicia, Spain was long, but landing at the comfortable Altair Hotel made your travel fatigue dissipate. The lobby imitated a charming wine cellar—a shadowy room that was brightened by modern white furniture and illuminated by sharp coloured glass. The Front Desk explained that your room was reserved with open-ended status, meaning it was yours for as long as you desired. It was was breezy and crisply appointed in primary colours. So charmed you were by the quality of this small, independent hotel, the anticipation of your reunion was all the more compelling. The Chocolate Pretzels (the Apology Cookies) that you prepared before your flight stayed tightly wrapped, packed in their travel container. Thank goodness the Customs Agent hadn’t brought the dogs, so you successfully smuggled them in. You felt excited to present them.

There had been no word from your friend, and as it turned out, you had several days to yourself. No doubt, travelling along the Camino de Santiago came with its delays, so you took advantage of every available minute: exploring the churches, the Roman ruins, the Tower of Hercules, and a few extraordinary beaches.

One afternoon, while thinking of love, at a corner table on the edge of the Plaza da Quintana, along side the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, with your café and Orange Truffles, you saw a familiar figure accompanied by a woman. At first you thought nothing of it, since the Orange Truffle was so distracting, with its bright citrus top notes and smooth white chocolate base, melting into your eternal consciousness. Pedestrians milled about, but as the couple moved slightly closer to your Cafe, something familiar began to catch your attention: something in the posture, and something in the shape of the face. Arms wrapped tightly around each other, she appeared comfortable with her head tucked under the armpit. She was handed what looked like a card that she tucked into her bosom, then replied with a whispered secret. Their lips kissed quickly; then their cheeks. She smiled affectionately, and after parting ways, she returned within seconds for another embrace. Now your gaze is fixated as you watched them part again. Independent, and facing your Cafe you suddenly realize you’ve been spotted. From that moment on, the sequence of events is a blur.

Click here for the Orange Truffles recipe.

The Finer Cookie: A Delicious Affair sequel:

Lemon Macaron with a Tart Lemon Curd Center
Sour Cherry Amaretti
Sesame Coconut Shortbreads
Panellete de Pinyon
Hazelnut Lime Sticks
Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Coconut Alfajores
Cinnamon Wafers
Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies
Currant Caraway Shortbreads
Chocolate Pretzels
Orange Truffles
Churros with Cinnamon
Pecan Polvorones with Muscovdo
Flourless Peanut Butter with Bourbon Soaked Peanuts and Smokey Bacon
Corn Meal and Olive Oil Biscotti
Browned Butter and Red Wine Brownies

Photographed by Kimberlie Robert