A Cookie For...watching snow fall.
Welcome to the first installment of A Cookie For… This project was inspired by an interview with artist Tucker Nichols. Nichols painted flowers for imagined recipients during the pandemic. I hope that each of the posts will remind you of your childhood, help you feel that you’re not alone, bring a smile to your face, or inspire you to bake a batch and enjoy making something with your hands.
Lena’s Pecan Puffs
Makes: (30 cookies) • Prep: (15 minutes) • Chill Time: (30 minutes
Cook Time: (45 minutes)
Lena’s Pecan Puffs are reminiscent of Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cakes. Though Lena’s version requires pecans and is likely where the name of the cookies came from. Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee and enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup cake flour, sifted
1 cup pecans, ground finely
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Whisk the flour and ground pecans in a small bowl, set aside.
With a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed, beat the butter until creamy and whipped.
Add the sugar and beat on high until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy.
Add vanilla and beat until incorporated.
Add the flour mixture and stir until just combined
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Heat the oven to 250˚F.
Roll the dough into small balls. Place them on a parchment- or silpat-lined baking sheet about 2” apart.
Bake for 45 minutes. Edges will be just turning golden.
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
Roll the cookie in the powdered sugar while hot and then again after they have cooled.
The week’s printable recipe card for patron subscribers.
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Thank you so much for being part of The Heritage Cookbook Project community. I have enjoyed sharing recipes that help to define who we are, what is important to us, and gives us voice. This is the final edition of the for 2022.
I’ll be hanging out with my family and friends and hope that you will be doing the same.
I’m very excited to next year and can’t wait to share some fun projects with you.
Happiest of holidays from my kitchen to yours!
P.S. if you’re still looking for that last minute gift, might I suggest a gift subscription to The Heritage Cookbook Project? If you are willing to share the recipients mailing address, I will send a personal note along with an illustrated recipe card.
Let’s Connect!
Find me on Instagram @leigh_olson, join the Family Recipes, Traditions, and Food Lore community on Facebook, or subscribe to The Heritage Cookbook Project on Substack.
Do you have a recipe, tradition, or story you think would make a great visual narrative, send me an email at connect@theheritagecookbookproject.com.
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