Nutella Flakey Swirls

I had a great time reading all your comments for yesterday's post. You folks really made me laugh with some of your ideas and thoughts. It just confirms my belief that besides being suckers for something sweet, you always make me feel good. I love spending time with you.

I'll cut the suspense as I know everyone has been eagerly awaiting these Nutella treats. Actually these treats were my bribe ... er ... barter treats for Soeren!

Yes, sneaky mummies have to have something up there sleeves to bribe barter with their kids. As 6 year olds have no notion about money, we have to bribe barter with other creative methods and means. My son's weakness is Nutella and I know if I want him to do something for me I just have to walk around the house with a jar of Nutella.

It's a bit like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, only my pipe is the jar of Nutella and instead of rats I have my son following me in a trance. I will then turn around look a bit startled and ask if he wants anything. A vigorous nod and a point at the Nutella jar is all I get.

"Oh this! I was thinking of making some little treats with Nutella." The eyes begin twinkling and I know I have him where I want him.

"Tell you what, I'll make these in the kitchen and you go and ... (insert anything that needs to be done!). When you're done we can enjoy them with some milk!"

Before the sentence is even completed he has run up the flight of stairs to complete his chore. I shake my head and think if only I had done this 2 weeks ago!!

Who can resist such creamy, chocolaty and nutty decadence ...

I have my trouble too so I totally understand Soeren. 

Do I feel guilty using Nutella to bribe barter? No not really! Simply because it works and because we both get what we want. Sometimes mummies just need to use their sneaky trick box and only the mummies in the house will be nodding their heads!

This particular chore was difficult for Soeren, I knew that. For the past 2 weeks I have been asking him to sort out his HUGE box of matchbox cars and all his games. Three piles for each: "Keep", "Donate" and "Trash" - part of our Radical Clean Out I told you about in this post. It was hard for me to part with a few items so I only knew too well how he was feeling.

After two weeks of cajoling I decided to dig into my sneaky trick box to motivate him a little. I pulled out these flakey and crumbly shortcrust pastry swirls filled with delicious Nutella and sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon.

Recipe: Nutella Flakey Swirls

Ingredients
Printable version of recipe here.

For the Shortcrust Pasty

Makes approx 500g

250g all-purpose flour, sieved
150g cold butter, cut into cubes
2-4 tablespoons cold water

For the filling

250g Nutella, slightly warmed for 5 seconds in the microwave
1 egg, beaten
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon Muscovado sugar

Method

 

1. To make the shortcrust pastry mix the flour and butter in a bowl using your finger tips, till the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with no large lumps of butter remaining. Work quickly so that the mixture does not become greasy.
   
   
2. Make a well in the middle and pour in the cold water. Using a knife, begin stirring in the flour and bind into a smooth dough.
   The perfect consistency of the dough can be easily tested: take a bit of dough between your fingers and press together. When the piece does not stick to your fingers you will have to add another tablespoon water. If the dough is too dry it will rip and crumble when rolled. On the other hand if it is too sticky it will shrink while baking.
   Using your hands gather the dough into a ball - do not knead!
   
   
3. Alternatively you can easily make the dough using a food processor: Put the flour, butter and salt in the food processor and pulse until the fat is rubbed into the flour.
   With the motor running, gradually add the water through the funnel until the dough comes together. Only add enough water to bind it and then stop.
   
   
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15-20 minutes before using.
   
   
5. Place the dough between two sheets of baking paper and roll out into a 30 cm x 40 cm rectangle. Do not roll the dough back and forth but more from the inner center to the outer edges.
   
   
6. Pre-heat oven to approx 180 degrees C. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with baking paper.
   
   
7. For the filling take the warm and soft Nutella and pour over the shortcrust pastry rectangle. Spread evenly with a metal spatula, leaving about 5 cm around the edge bare.
   
   
8. Sprinkle with some ground cinnamon.
   
   
9. Beginning at the long end of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough like a newspaper, forming a 40-cm-long log.
   
   
10. Using the beaten egg brush the edge and pinch together so that it is sealed properly.
    
    
11. Using a sharp knife cut approx. 12 individual rolls. Transfer each roll onto the baking sheet and brush generously with the remaining egg. Sprinkle with some Muscovado sugar.
    
    
12. Bake the Nutella swirls for 30-40 minutes until golden and flakey. Allow to cool on a rack before serving.

Serving Tips:

• You can sprinkle, raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries for a chewy bite or add pecans, pistachios or walnuts for crunchier rolls on top of the Nutella layer.
• If cinnamon is not your spice, you can also use cardamom, nutmeg or allspice too.
• Tastes great with honey milk or a good cup of tea.
  

 

---

Verdict

These swirls helped in two ways: Soeren sorted out all his cars, books and games and when he was done, I was right there with these Nutella filled swirls to comfort any parting sorrow. We had time together over these Nutella treats and a glass of milk to talk about the who would get the donations and about the future. He is a strong boy and takes everything in good stride and if there is a bit of uneasiness treats like these always help.

They are flakey, wonderfully chocolaty and the hint of cinnamon adds a perfect highlight. Soeren loves dunking them in his milk, while I enjoy them in their lovely flakiness.

We are celebrating World Nutella Day today and Sara, Ms. Adventures in Italy and Michelle from Bleeding Espresso have invited us to party with them. Soeren and I are bringing along a few of these Nutella Flakey Swirls along to the party. See you there!

You might like these chocolate bribes from WFLH:

Nutella, Pears and Toasted Almonds Pizza	Chocolate and Raspberry Danish Braid	Nutella Mango Whole Wheat Pancakes

From around the blogs:

• Nutella Chocolate Fudge Brownies - Spatulas, Corkscrews & Suitcases
• Homemade Nutella - Bitter Sweet
• Eggnog Nutella Macarons - Vanilla Basil

Daily Tiffin Reading Tip:

• Valentine's Day Special - What To Give Your Man For Valentine's Day

 

---

All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2009 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First