A Cookie For...watching snow fall.

Dec 23, 2022

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.

Winter has struck our small town in rural Montana. Pretty hard actually. Temperatures are forecast to dip into negative 40s throughout the week. It’s perfect weather for baking and a little introspection.

Overhead image of Ruth Haerr's recipe box open with Lena Kelson's Pecan Puff recipe pulled slightly out

As I was going through my recipe cards, I came across a cookie called Pecan Puffs. The small round cookies dusted with powdered sugar seemed the perfect foil for the weather and I was sure would they compliment next week’s snowfall perfectly. These buttery bites are reminiscent of Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cakes, though Lena Kelson, the contributor was quite clear that these cookies be made with pecans and not walnuts or almonds. Which is, I’m sure, why they’re called Pecan Puffs. This is a cookie that goes by many more names than the three listed above. But something cold may have been the reason that the Russian Tea Cake was renamed to Mexican Wedding Cakes, at least in the US.

Illustration of a plate full of Pecan Puffs on a Wedgewood blue plate.

This is a cookie that goes by many more names than the three listed above. But something cold may have been the reason that the Russian Tea Cake was renamed to Mexican Wedding Cakes, at least in the US. Mexican Wedding Cakes became quite popular in the 1950’s and 60’s which coincided with the Cold War, a geopolitical rivalry between the United States and her allies and Russia and her allies. This tension lasted for decades. I actually recall my parents talking in hushed tones about it, but as it never really touched my life - that I’m aware of - I would always go back to watching my Saturday cartoons leaving them to speculate the means by which Russia would destroy the US. Based on the wariness of the American public, it’s likely they happily adopted a new name for this well-loved cookie. Apparently, Lena removed all geopolitical references by simply replacing the geographic references with the name of the nut included in her version. I hope this batch last until next week when temps warm up - 32˚ - so that I can sit at the window with a nice cup of tea and a couple of pillowy Pecan Puffs, watch the snow fall, and wonder what 2023 will bring.

Do you have a favorite cookie for watching snow fall? Let us know.

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.

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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.

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Coffee is good, but my preference is tea. Here are some of my favorite tea cups.

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