We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Sunday, July 4, 2010

Cookie Recipe#183 - Cardamom Stars


Happy 4th of July!! Today I have reached the halfway point of my year of baking cookies. It has been a great experience so far and am looking forward to the second half. I hope all who read this have found at least one new recipe to add to their favorites (I know I have).

Cardamom is a spice that I believe you either love or hate-I think I may love it! These may be cut into any shape; the lemony icing adds to the orange flavoring involved in the cookies themselves.

Ingredients: 1/3 cup vegetable shortening, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening with sugar. Add egg and juice; beat well. Add cardamomm and cinnamon; gradually add in flour.

Working with half the dough at a time, roll out on floured surface, 1/8-inch thick. Cut into stars or desired shape and arrange on baking sheets about 1 1/2-inches apart. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 8-10 minutes, until just beginning to brown. Transfer cookies to wire rack and allow to cool.

In small mixing bowl combine confectioners' sugar and lemon juice until smooth and of spreading consistency. Frost cookies and top with sprinkles, if desired.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

"The Ultimate Cookie Book", Tormont Publications Inc., Montreal, Canada, 1997.

Cookies Rule!!!

No comments:

Post a Comment