When you come from a family of good cooks, you pay attention when your sister sends you a recipe with “best ever” included in the title! If you’re not a coconut lover, don’t worry — the coconut is more about adding a chewy texture than flavor. INGREDIENTS: About 1 1/2 cups (3/4 lb.) butter, at...Read More
A no-bake, gluten-free, make-ahead holiday treat, this combination of dried fruit and nuts is both nutritious and delicious. Rolling them in shredded coconut gives them their festive “snowball” appearance. INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup pitted and snipped dates 2 large eggs, beaten 1/3 cup chopped pistachios, preferably unsalted 1/3 cup...Read More
Be sure to use the flavorful dried Blenheim apricots from the farmers’ markets. INGREDIENTS: Shortbread Crust: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste* 2 cups all-purpose flour Pinch salt Apricot Filling: 3 cups dried apricots 3 cups water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup almond flavored liqueur Pinch...Read More
INGREDIENTS: COOKIES 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter (Plugra is best), cut into cubes 3/4 cup unblanched almonds, ground finely 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Chopped pistachio nuts, for garnish FROSTING 6 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup half-and-half 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 pound butter, room temperature (use a good flavored butter like Kerrygold or Plugra) 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla METHOD: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and butter together until creamy. Add sugar and mix until the dough is creamy and smooth. Add vanilla and blend until the...Read More
