I’ve been busy for the past few days baking cookies to give neighbors and friends as our family gift for the holidays. I haven’t forgotten you and just wanted to write a short note and wish you very happy holidays. May the new year bring joy, happiness, delicious days to you and your loved ones, and peace to the world!
Here’s the recipe for the cookies that were part of the cookie assortment I baked. Cocoa-sour cherry slices. They are light and very delicious. My only change to the original recipe was the addition of dried sour cherries and they paired perfectly with the cocoa. You can use dried cranberries instead, or omit dried fruits altogether.
Happy Holidays and see you in 2010!
Cocoa-Sour Cherry Slices
Adapted from Cooking Light, December 2007
Makes 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped dried sour (tart) cherries (can substitute dried cranberries)
1/3 cup ice water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups and measuring spoons; level with a knife. Combine the flour and the next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the dried cherries.
Combine 1/3 cup ice water and vanilla; drizzle over flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until moist. Place the dough on a large piece of plastic wrap. The dough will be sticky and it is normal. Rolling back and forth, shape the dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill at least 1 hour or until the dough is firm.
Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Unwrap the dough log. Cut the log into 24 (1/2 inch – 1.2 cm thick) slices. If the slices lose their roundness when you cut them, fix the shape with your hands. Place slices 2 inches (5 cm) apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until cookies are set. They will still be somewhat soft when touched on top, but do not panic – they will harden while cooling. Take care not to overbake. 15 minutes works great for me. Remove from the oven. Cool the cocoa-sour cherry slices completely on wire racks.
