022612 Mexican Wedding Cookies

This recipe has a delicious raw dough--no egg! Very easy to make and the toasted almonds add such a nice aroma to the kitchen. The baking time is way too long -the cookies were done in half the time. The cookie is not terribly dry considering extracts are the only liquids;nor do they fall apart when eating them. I did a single dusting of powdered sugar - more than adequate. They are nothing like Russian Teacakes, which are a supposedly a variation of this recipe. The cookies need a very slight flattening before going into the oven; just enough to hold 2 almonds.

021212Pecan Linzer Cookies with Cherry Filling

These cookies are so pretty and appropriate for Valentine's Day!. The cherry filling works perfectly with the pecan cookie. It's a bit involved to assemble and one of the more time consuming recipes. I used a round cutter with an inset heart cut out - just as pretty! I would definitely not substitute the cherry jam with any other berry/fruit flavor. Cookies are a bit fragile, so don't press too hard when sandwiching the jam.

020912 Brasteli

These cookies were so fun to make!! I got such a deal at Bed, Bath & Beyond on the brasteli iron - $9.99!! (Originally priced at $39.99 - what a deal!). The recipe calls for 7-9c of flour - I used only 6c. The cookies took around 2min/2 bratselis, with the cookie dough rolled to 1.5" diameter balls. Very simple, sweet flavor....and very pretty flower pattern! I can't wait to try variations of the recipe, such as chocolate, hazelnut, jelly filled, etc. Great investment in the pizelle iron!