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Traditional Cookies From Grandma
December 1, 2008 at 4:00 PM by Cafe Kim - Comments (4)
Photo by Cafe Kim
One of the things I look forward to most about the holiday season are my grandma's traditional Italian waffle cookies—called pizzelles (because they're round and flat like a pizza). These crisp cookies are popular at Christmas and Easter and are also often served at Italian weddings. I like mine flavored with almond and dusted with powdered sugar—don't they look so pretty?
I've posted the recipe here (along with a humorous anecdote about my most recent pizzelle-making experience). Check it out, then tell us:
Does your family have a favorite traditional cookie recipe?
For this recipe, you absolutely need an electric pizzelle maker, which is similar to a waffle iron. You spoon batter onto the iron and close for about 1 minute (time varies by maker, be sure to read the directions).
Mine only has space to make two cookies at a time, however, I have seen some that can make three. If you think it sounds tedious to load cookies two at a time and wait while they cook, you would be 100 percent correct. But trust me, it's worth it. EXCEPT, however, if you are halfway through baking and your pizzelle maker totally conks out. Yes, this happened to me this weekend. Super annoying! Luckily for me, my maker is still covered by warranty.
Traditional Pizzelle Recipe from Cafe Kim's Grandma
6 eggs
4.5 cups flour
2.5 cups sugar
1 cup margarine, melted and cooled (I use butter)
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Beat eggs until creamy. Add sugar gradually, beating until smooth. Stir in cooled margarine. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Sift flour with baking powder. Stir into egg mixture gradually. Place heaping tablespoon of dough of pizzelle maker. Bake as directed. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes about 50 cookies.
FILED UNDER: baking, desserts, entertaining, everyday celebrations, food, holiday entertaining, holidays, kid-friendly, recipes, traditions
Comments:
One of my students brings me these. They melt in your mouth. I can eat the whole package. :) I don't want to make them, though.
THESE ARE MY FAMILY'S FAVORITE COOKIES. I MAKE THESE DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND FOR PARTIES AND THEY QUICKLY DISAPPEAR. THEY ARE MELT IN YOUR MOUTH DELICIOUS.
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Ingredients:
1 cup of butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugared (sifted confection)
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (not firmly packed)
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cups of finely chopped pecans OR walnuts
Mix butter, sugar & vanilla together. Separately combine flour and salt together. Blend flour & salt with the first 3 ingredients. Stir in nuts. Chill dough for 1/2 to 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough into one inch balls and place on un-greased baking sheet. (these do not spread so they can be placed close together on baking sheet) Bake for approx 10 - 12 minutes until set but not browned. Watch the bottoms. Remove from oven and while still warm, roll into more powdered sugar and let cool. You can roll again in powdered sugar when serving. Makes approx 3 dozen.
Maria - The Cooking Cafe - http://www.cafemom.com/group/27504/
OMG, I love these. I just had them for the first time this weekend but they are so so good :) My next door neighbor makes them. Yummy, but I can not stop eating them.
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Do you get these in the same area the waffle irons are in at the store? I would love to make these. They look like fun.
My hubby has a favorite cookie his Mom used to make but it is just a plain, Jane kind of cookie and I am not even sure what it is called. You make it, smash it with a cup, bake it and sprinkle sugar on it. Nothing fancy and I think there is not much of a taste, but he loves them so I make them.
Peajewel Dec. 1, 2008 at 4:58 PM