I felt a little emotional when I tasted a cookie after the first batch. The combination of rosemary and chocolate transported me to the Manoir du Café, and I felt a sudden desire for old-fashioned hot chocolate and to remake the world, for an evening with a good friend, galette in hand.
Unforgettable Memories
If there is one place, outside of the ballet studio or the performance hall, that has marked my life as a teenager and young adult, it is the Manoir du Café. I spent hours there studying with friends, and it’s also where I had my first date with my sweet-half-now-husband… almost 20 years ago. It’s also where we had each of our kids’ first dinner out!
Fun fact: I lived and worked right next to the restaurant for years. The smell of coffee roasting – usually on Thursdays – is one of those little things I miss terribly since moving to Quebec City!
The Coffee Manor and its Master Roaster
Sylvain has been the owner and master roaster of Manoir du Café since 1992. His coffee is truly delicious! We have all our friends at home try it, and many of them have become loyal customers. In fact, it is quite easy to get it everywhere in Quebec, with over 75 points of sale and the possibility of order online!
My Recommendation: The Manor Blend
The Manoir blend is a truly well-balanced coffee, a blend of Colombian and Brazilian beans, with a 70 % brown and 30 % dark roast. This is the blend that has made its reputation since the beginning of the company. Designed for espressos, it also lends itself wonderfully to any brewing method.
In conclusion
These cookies are more than just a recipe; they remind me of a place I love, for the quality of its products, the kindness of the team, and the precious memories attached to it. For all the expats who, like me, have not been able to stop by the café in recent years, prepare yourself a batch of cookies, and let the nostalgia work its magic. You will thank me later!
For those who haven't yet had the chance to discover this legendary place, it's a must-see if you're passing through the Côte-Nord, morning, noon or night! In the past, before the pandemic, it was THE place for lunch. I still dream of a local crepe (bacon, béchamel, maple syrup – OMG!) or a delicious soup for dinner while popping in for a bag of freshly roasted coffee.
Enjoy your food!
EQUIPMENT
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Vegan Soft Chocolate and Rosemary Cookies
Loosely inspired by the famous galettes from the Manoir du Café in Baie-Comeau, these vegan cookies are soft and perfectly sweet, enough to delight everyone!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or vegetable margarine
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, mixed with 3 tbsp water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup oat milk
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the chopped rosemary, and let it simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to infuse the butter. Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the egg substitute: mix the flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, then set aside. Let sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes viscous, to effectively replace the egg.
3. Sift the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a bowl. This will help aerate the dry ingredients and ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
4. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, and vanilla. Add the egg substitute, melted butter, and rosemary, and mix well. Make sure all the wet ingredients are well incorporated before continuing. Fold in the dry ingredients, adding them gradually, then add the chopped chocolate pieces. Finish by gently adding the milk, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
5. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. (Take the opportunity to wash the dishes and put away your ingredients! This step is important because it allows the flavors to blend and the dough to hold together better when baked.)
6. Preheat oven to 375°F and position rack in upper third of oven.
7. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with chopped chocolate. Be sure to space the cookies apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. When removed from the oven, sprinkle with fleur de sel, if desired, for a subtle contrast with the chocolate. Let the cookies cool on a rack before tasting them for optimal texture.
9. Enjoy a good coffee on FaceTime with your BFF ❤ Take advantage of this moment to share memories and have a good time, even from a distance.
Notes
It is also possible to substitute the almond flour with the same amount of all-purpose flour, if necessary.
Make sure to follow the resting and cooking times carefully to obtain perfectly soft and tasty cookies.
Nutrition Information
Yield 30 cookies Serving Size 1 cookieAmount Per Serving Calories 119Lipides 5.9gSaturated Fat 1.7gTrans Fat 0.6gUnsaturated Fat 3.9gCholesterol 0.5mgSodium 36mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 7.4gProtein 1.6g
The nutritional information provided on this site is calculated using standardized methods and is intended for informational purposes only. While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of these calculations, there may be variations due to factors such as ingredient quality, preparation methods, or human error in calculations. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. By using this information, you agree to do so at your own risk. It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized nutritional advice or specific questions.
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