My unwanted opinion on Cookies.

I can safely say that I am a sugar addict. All I want during any holiday celebration, any summer day, and even every other day of the week, is a sweet treat. I bake relatively often, ranging from special occasion cakes, to making a snack for the day. Every Christmas, every Easter, nearly every birthday, some sort of baking is done for the whole family. Our favorite desserts include vanilla sponge cake, chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and other experimental desserts (too many to count). My family has definitely have gone overboard on the amount of cookies made in a single day, but a family of seven definitely needs a large batch of cookies.

Since I've ranted long enough on my obsession with desserts, I now have your trust and attention (hopefully) to digress on the three cookies I've chosen to include in this blog. After thinking long and hard on all my favorite cookies I have enjoyed over the years, I decided to pick pretty unique cookies that I think are not mentioned or discussed often. I wanted to be specific in my choices and made sure I had alot to say about them. Also, they are completely random and diverse in background and the time/occasion out of the year they are enjoyed.

HTML5 site template designed by AJ for HTML5 UP & released under the CCA license.

BirdsNest Cookies

BirdsNest Cookies
BirdsNest Cookies

Also refered to as Thumbprint cookies, even though i've gotten used to calling them BirdsNest cookies. This other favorite cookie of mine are buttery, especially sugary, and very much crumbly. The slight indent on the the top of the cookie caused by pushing one's thumb upon it is where the name of the cookie becomes evident, as well as also looking like a bird's nest. The indent is then coated with sweet jam, of course, varering from raseberry, strawberry, and even blueberry jam. This creates a perfect balance of a sugary base and a fruity sweetness. I enjoy these cookies typically during springtime, where fruits like strawberries and blueberries begin to ripen and sprout.

Very brief history (and more).

The history of these cookies are unclear, but they may have some ties to Europe in the Middle Ages, ranging from Germany, Austria, or Scotland. The cookie was said to be introducd to America by Scandinavian immigrants. The cookies initially became popular in the holiday seasons and emerged in the popular eye during the 50s and 60s through television baking shows. This cookie is great for somone that enjoys sweets that aren't too sweet. They are made in perfect bite sizes so that you can enjoy them without getting too full. Below is a YouTube tutorial on how to make these cookies.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian Rainbow cookies
Italian Rainbow Cookies

This cookie is made of layers of colorful almond base coated with chocolate. The colors are intentional, representing the colors of the flag of Italy. The cookie is soft, fluffy and coated with jam in between each colored layer. The distinct flavor within the dough itself is from the almond extract, giving the cookie it's signature flavor. The tart raspberry jam gives the cookie a sweeter flavor. I personally think they are best suited for eating when chilled. This cookie takes the longest to make in the kitchen due to the three layers of batter that have to b rolled out and dyed their respective color seperately, layered with the jam (each layer), then have to be stacked upon each other, chilled, then coated with chocolate as the finisher.

Brief History.

Typically, these cookies are enjoyed during Christmas time by Italian-American families. It origin is rooted in New York City by these families in the 19th century, when Italian immigrants first came and brought their food expertise with them. Even though the exact origin of how the pastry itself came to be is unknown, it is believed to have been inspired by the traditional Italian dessert called Venetian Rainbow cookies. These cookies are perfectly soft, spongey, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, like myself.Even though I am not Italian, the best way for this pastry to be enjoyed is with your family.

Melomakarona Cookies

Melomakarona Cookies
Melomakarona Cookies

A classic staple in a Greek household during Christmas, Melomakarona are the perfect sweet treat with a refreshing fruity scent. Melomakarona are honey soaked, nutty, and orange flavored cookie enjoyed by many Greek families and many more. The nutty texture is from the walnuts added in the cookie, giving it a satisfying crunch. The fruity orange taste is from freshly squeezed orange juice, as well as the zest from the orange peel. An optional ingredient for the cookies can be Cognac, which gives the cookie a mature taste. Another ingredient included in the cookies are ground cloves, which gives the cookies a strong, forward flavor.

Brief History.

Now, a brief history of these cookies. The name of the cookie, Melomakarona, traces its history back to the word "makaronia", which refers to a dish consumed at funerals as a blessing to the dead. The word "makaronia" also comes from the Greek word "makaria", which again, represented a sort of cake or bread, making it a symbolic food related to ancient funeral rituals. The sweet taste of honey provides a more joyful tone to the occasion that this cake provided at somber event. This paved the way for the modern Melomakarona cookies enjoyed today. below is a YouTube tutorial on how to make these cookies.

Contact me.