Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Go Ahead - Crack a Few Nuts

   In the kitchen, as well as life a few nuts must be cracked.  Especially if we are to enjoy that delicious nutty flavor.  And everyone loves a cookie - right?  So, if you tire of your soufflĂ© falling, and your cupcake's icing dripping, then relax a little and make some cookies.  The pecan sandy crossed with the coconut macaroon makes a nice combination.  It is just a tad tropical for those late Spring, early Summer snacks on the porch, enjoyed with a slight breeze and a cup of hot coffee or tea.  So, go ahead - get your Tropic on and make these little, mildly coconut delights, and I promise -- it will help you get in touch with your "nutty" side. 




                               Nutty Tropical Crisps

¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
1 egg
½ teaspoon coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup vanilla chips
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups ground pecans
¼ cup ground almonds

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add corn syrup, egg, coconut, vanilla, and almond extracts; blend well.  Place vanilla chips in a small bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute; stir vigorously until smooth and blend into butter and sugar mixture.  In a separate bowl blend flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to vanilla mixture, blending well.  Refrigerate 1 hour or until dough is firm enough to handle.  Mix nuts together in a small bowl.  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll dough into one inch balls and roll in nut mixture, pressing nuts into dough lightly.  Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until golden brown around edges; 7-8 minutes for a soft cookie, and 8-9 for a crisper cookie.  Cool several minutes; remove from cookie sheet and cool completely. 

Optional vanilla chip glaze: In a small bowl, place 2/3 cup vanilla chips and 1½ teaspoons butter; microwave on high for 1 minute and stir until smooth. Drizzle over each cookie and let set.