Artist’s Palate: Spencer Finch’s almond chocolate cookies

‘Tangram’ crystal bowls, price on request, by Jan Čtvrtník, for Moser. ‘Pietra di Vals Grigio’ tiles, price on request, by Marazzi.Interiors: Olly Mason. Food: Peta O’Brien

(Image credit: John Short)

The skies have a strong hold on the imagination of American artist Spencer Finch, who once hand-painted 2,983 squares of paper in varying shades of blue to approximate the colour of the heavens on the day the Twin Towers fell. A permanent fixture of New York’s 9/11 memorial, Trying To Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning is perhaps Finch’s most viewed artwork to date. However, that accolade may soon pass to A Cloud Index, a commission for the Crossrail station at London’s Paddington, to be unveiled in December 2018. A 120m-long glass canopy stretching above the concourse will be printed with cloud formations in the tradition of English landscape paintings. Like Finch’s contribution to our recipe series, it’s the perfect antidote for a dull wintry day. Of these cookies, which his great aunt Edna used to serve on Christmas Eve, Finch says, ‘They are not too sweet and not too chocolatey, but rich and wonderful.

Ingredients

4 egg whites
1/2 lb creamed butter
1/2 lb sugar
1/2 lb ground blanched almonds
1/2 lb grated sweet chocolate
1/2 lb + 2oz flour

Method

Beat the egg whites until stiff. Mix together all the other ingredients and fold in the egg whites. Brush each cookie with egg wash and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

As originally featured in the January 2018 issue of Wallpaper* (W*226)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit Spencer Finch’s website

TF Chan is a former editor of Wallpaper* (2020-23), where he was responsible for the monthly print magazine, planning, commissioning, editing and writing long-lead content across all pillars. He also played a leading role in multi-channel editorial franchises, such as Wallpaper’s annual Design Awards, Guest Editor takeovers and Next Generation series. He aims to create world-class, visually-driven content while championing diversity, international representation and social impact. TF joined Wallpaper* as an intern in January 2013, and served as its commissioning editor from 2017-20, winning a 30 under 30 New Talent Award from the Professional Publishers’ Association. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he holds an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton University.