Greek Cuisine Part 2. Chocolate Confections

One of my fondest memories growing up in Greece is watching my mother prepare my favorite chocolate treat: Mossaiko, which literally means "mosaic floor".

Strange name for a chocolate confection, you might think. It's actually very appropriate since the confection resembles visually a mosaic floor of brown and beige patterns.

Another name that's used for this confection, although not as often, is the less imaginative "chocolate log", as its shape is that of a cylinder.

There's practically no coffeehouse, no confectionary and no restaurant in Greece that won't offer this dessert during the summer months. The good news is that it is very easy to prepare, it's egg free and can also be dairy free if you choose.

All you need is some dry cookies, some cocoa powder, some powdered sugar and a few other things, the most interesting of which is no doubt cognac! (Although it's perfectly acceptable to replace it with your favorite sweet liquor or brandy.) No cooking is needed!

Just indulge in this amazing treat and picture yourself in Thisseio in downtown Athens (a neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, bars and meeting points, very crowded during summer, and named after Theseus), gazing at the Parthenon lights in the warm evening and feeling the magic of the ancient city.

Or, maybe you are more adventurous and want to picture yourself on the island of Santorini watching the sunset from the Decade volcano. Whatever the case may be, you're sure to love this dessert!

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups softened butter or margarine (preferably one without trans-fats)

1 cup powdered sugar

3-4 tbsp cognac (or some other liquor)

4-6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (depending how dark you want it)

½ lb dry cookies like graham crackers or vanilla wafers

clear plastic wrap

Cream the butter in a mixing bowl until it's smooth, then add the sugar and beat well for 5 minutes.

Slowly add the cocoa and the cognac while beating.

In a different bowl, break the cookies with your hands in small pieces.

Add the cookies to the mixture and mix them in using a wooden spoon. You do not need to use an electric mixer anymore.

Spread the mixture over some plastic wrap and shape it like a log as you wrap it. For smaller logs, you can spread the mixture equally over two different plastic wraps.

Wrap both sides carefully and put it in the freezer for 2 hours or until hard.

Slice it and serve it directly from the freezer. Its rich taste and aroma will surprise you pleasantly!

OPTIONAL

You can also add chopped walnuts in the mixture.

TIP

If you want the log to look better, you can place it on a tray in the freezer.