Almond Cookies & cooking with astrology

Desserts are not common in Chinese culture, at least not the elaborate desserts that we are used to in the U.S.  I thought about making Fortune Cookies and writing my own love notes, but that would be more fun on a “real” date!

Cassi wanted me to make Caramel Apple Slices, and that was the plan…..until I realized that they are fried!  I mistakenly thought that she would not want something deep fried…..I was wrong…..ooops!  Maybe next time. 😉

I used to love getting Chinese take-out when I was growing up, those pink spareribs were my favorite!!  One of my other favorite parts, was to get an Almond Cookie out of the glass jar on the counter.  I have not seen Almond Cookies since I left California, so naturally I decided to make my own!

I pulled out my trusty Sunset Chinese Cookbook and turned to the dessert section, and there it was!!  The original recipe makes 5 1/2 dozen, so I cut it in half.  I have no need for that many cookies sitting around in my house!  If you would like to double the recipe, double everything EXCEPT the egg in the cookie dough.  I tried using half of the egg, but the dough was too dry, so I ended up using the whole egg.

I used my one Tablespoon cookie scoop to make them all the same size.  I then flattened them with the backside of a metal measuring cup…..it was just sitting there, so I grabbed it.

You might want to use parchment paper to keep them from sticking to the pan.  I used a metal spatula to remove them and it was fine.  They would not come off with the plastic one!

I seem to remember the Almond Cookies from my early days being orange?  Does anyone else remember that?  Oh well, these are quite delicious…..orange or not!

My night would not be complete without one more look at my imaginary date Ian…..

These cookies are dessert for our meal which consists of:  Lychee Martini, Paper Wrapped Chicken, and Chicken Chow Mein.  Next up, Egg Foo Young.

Enjoy!

Almond Cookies

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Serves	24
Prep time	15 minutes
Cook time	12 minutes
Total time	27 minutes
Meal type	Dessert

Chinese Almond Cookies are rich, tender, and not overly sweet.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Crisco shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 cup organic brown sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/8 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• pinch salt
• 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 Dozen whole blanched almonds
• 1 Large egg yolk
• 1 Tablespoon water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and sugars until fluffy.

Add the egg and almond extract, and beat until well blended

Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together and add to the mixture. Blend well.

Roll one Tablespoon of dough into a ball, or use a small cookie scoop. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Press down to for a 2-inch round cookie.

Press one almond into the center of each cookie.

Whisk egg yolk and water together in a small bowl. Brush mixture over top of each cookie.

Bake until lightly browned, 10 - 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container.

Note

This recipe has been adapted (cut in half) from Sunset Chinese Cookbook ©1979

This recipe will be partying at these link parties!