Savoury rosemary cookies: A taste of Italy with health benefits

Cookies don't always have to be sweet. These cookies have a pleasant buttery taste and a wonderful cheese-herb aftertaste. With each bite, they transport you to Italy, where such a combination is trendy and commonly known, for example, from focaccia. Savoury cookies are perfect as appetizers and pair well with cold cuts, olives, and vegetable pastes. Bake them, and you'll find that not even crumbs will remain.

I don't have a garden, but I've been growing herbs on my balcony for years. I have basil, oregano, lemon balm, mint, and rosemary for summer dishes. This year, the rosemary is very lush, which inspired me to bake savoury cookies.

Italians love rosemary and add it to many dishes. It's even considered one of the secrets to their longevity. This is especially true for the residents of Acciaroli in the southwestern part of the country. Many people from this town live to a ripe old age and don't even complain about their condition. Scientists say this might be due to the Mediterranean diet, but above all, dishes with a lot of rosemary and spending a lot of time outdoors.

Research confirms that rosemary, like lavender, alleviates the effects of stress. It lowers cortisol levels, which is responsible for causing anxiety. Its smell benefits the nervous system. Rosemary also helps you concentrate better and faster. It adds energy and reduces drowsiness. According to some studies, rosemary also has a much more severe impact on health. It treats stomach problems, gout, and headaches. It may even prevent the development of cancer cells.

If you have rosemary in your garden or on the balcony, the simplest way to prepare it is to make an infusion. Just steep its sprigs in boiling water for about 10 minutes. You can add ginger, lemon juice, or honey. Rosemary helps with digestive problems and calms you down. It's also worth adding rosemary sprigs to roasted meats or fish. Another idea is these buttery cookies with rosemary. They can be added to a cheese board, on vegetable salads, or simply as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams cold butter,
• 100 grams all-purpose flour,
• 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese,
• strigs of fresh rosemary.

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, butter cut into small pieces, and cheese. Quickly knead the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Add rosemary needles to the dough, adjusting the amount to your taste. Mix them gently into the dough. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in baking paper, and chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 175°C, with the upper and lower heat setting.
4. Roll out the chilled dough and cut out cookies using any moulds or a glass. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with extra cheese and rosemary.
5. Bake them for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned.