It's never too early to be thinking about Christmas cookies - and with our annual foodblogger Christmas gathering & Cookie Swap on the 2nd of December (let me know via email if you'd like to join us), cookies have been on my mind lately. Also, there are some cookies which don't just improve with time, but actually need a certain resting period - like Linzer Augen or anything else made with shortcrust pastry, as well as ginger bread.
As for storing your cookies until the big day (if you can resist the temptation of nibbling one or two every day - just to check their consistency, of course), make sure you don't resort to tupperware or other airtight containers... not only does this increase the risk of mould forming with the wetter varieties, those cookies also need to breathe. So if you've got gingerbread or anything made with shortcrust pastry, get one of those old-fashioned cookie tins your grandmother had back in the old days - they sell some really nice designs these days or, if you don't want to splash out on more kitchen equipment, make sure you keep those tins once you've gobbled up all the shortbread or Danish butter cookies... they'll be serving you for years, if not generations to come!
If you're looking for inspiration this year and want to try some of the recipes I have posted over the years, help yourself to these... I haven't decided what I'll be making this year, but I can't wait to get baking!
The Cinnamon Meringue kisses have been a staple at my parents' house for years, even though we're not on speaking terms with the woman who provided the original recipe anymore... she's not family, so it's OK. The recipe has long outlived her relationship with our family and it's only right that she should at least have contributed something positive ;-)
If you need a very quick and simple recipe, I would suggest the Choco-mocca beans. They're really easy to make, don't need hours in the oven and are ready to consume straight away, even though they keep very well. Perfect for guests who have never heard of giving advance notice!
In search for something more unusual? I bet the Pistachio, almond & semolina pears hit the spot. Not only will their shape turn everybody's head, they are also using somewhat more "exotic" ingredients... certainly not something we are used to in my part of the world!
Going Italian, try some cantuccini - if not on your cookie plate, then with coffee after your Xmas dinner... the recipe for Almond & pink peppercorn cantucci
can of course be adapted in numerous ways - with various kinds of
chocolate, purely nuts or why not add some dried cranberries for a
Christmassy touch!
Nostalgic to the bone, the Vanilla crescents my Dad used to make each year are the essence of Christmas for me. These definitely improve over time, so make sure you bake them about 2 weeks ahead - they'll attract a bit of moisture and won't brittle as easily anymore, although they will taste moreish from the day of baking! You've been warned... better make a double batch!
Vanilla Crescents are my favourites, too. At the weekend I will start with my Christmas Bakery together with a French and an Italian friend - here in Munich. I wish I could join you in London...
Posted by: Dolce | Nov 22, 2006 at 12:42 PM
I will definitely try the chocco-mocca beans but I wont wait until Christams, why wait when you can bake tomorrow!
Posted by: ilva | Nov 22, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Oh, Johanna, you know how I loved these choco-moccha beans I got from you last year during one of the EBBPs,..I just thought about making them this year, and now here they are..yumm!
Posted by: Chili&Vanília | Nov 22, 2006 at 07:39 PM
Oh wow!! The coffe bean shaped cookie definitely gets my vote. I'm making this soon! Lovely blog you have here, adding you to my links. Cheers!
Posted by: Meena | Nov 23, 2006 at 01:28 AM
Oh how I love those mocha-choc beans!! Please please can you make them again for the cookie swap? I am toying with what to make at the moment. To chocolate or not to chocolate, that is the question ;-)
Posted by: Jeanne | Nov 23, 2006 at 10:23 AM
Hi Johanna,
Thanks for posting these - have printed them out and will attempt them at home - hope I can match even 1/10th of how good they are when the come from your kitchen.
Posted by: Lyn | Nov 24, 2006 at 01:10 PM
I'm a Christmas cookie whore, making plates for all the neighbors on my street whether they want them or not, always on the lookout for another cookie recipe to try!
PS) Love your blog, love love love!
Posted by: Sonia | Dec 02, 2006 at 07:57 PM