Joe and I did a bit of role playing, today. He was outside clearing our fondly-named "peninsula", a wild bit of property that juts into the Drive. The chain saw was a-buzzin', the fire a-burnin', and the wood pile a-stackin'. Et moi? Such a girl, in the kitchen for hours, being serenaded by Bob, Billy, Neil, Neil, Andrea, Roy, Ray, Barbra, Marc, Elton... need more? Hmmm, I'm remembering why I don't listen exclusively to just one artist.
Gran was on my shoulder, provoking giggles, as I pressed dough with her ancient thimble.
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| Gran's thimble suggests tons of appropriate lovin'. |
Recipe #1: Gran's Thimble Cookies
Make 'em yours by filling with anything you like. Here I used melted semi-sweet chocolate bits and Polaner raspberry jam. This single recipe supposedly produces 24 cookies; I usually manage 14-16. Be sure to double it:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 egg white, slightly beaten
finely chopped walnuts
melted chocolate, jam or whatever for filling
Beat butter, sugar, yolk and vanilla till smooth. Stir in flour till combined. Refrigerate for half an hour while you preheat oven to 375 degrees. With hands, roll dough into balls, dip in egg white, roll in walnuts and press lightly down onto pan. Indent each with thumb or thimble. Bake for 10-12 minutes; remove to rack and redefine indentations. When cooled, put choco first and then press in the jam. Delicious!
Recipe #2: What To Do With Leftover Chocolate 'n' Nuts
Ah, dig out that candy mold or cookie cutter. Don't waste a drop.
Recipe #3: Think Pretty
Enhance gifts of fare with firmed candies wrapped in baggies and tied with ribbon. Don't forget to cut the zip tops off the bags, for a more attractive result.
Recipe #4: Gift With Love
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| You can pop into the freezer just like this - ready to go for an impromptu gift. |
