Skip to main content

Featured

The Garden Awakens

Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett

Mexican Wedding Cookies


Slowly getting back in the kitchen and decided to go the easy route for a quick recipe. Michael loves these. Some call it "Mexican Cake" or "Tea Cookies". They have a shortbread type texture and very addictive. The recipe comes from an old Home Economics Teacher's cookbook that both our mothers used.  

Mexican Wedding Cookies
(adapted from "Favorite Recipes of Alabama Vocational Home Economics Teachers") 
(Makes about 3 dozen)

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and sugar.
Add flour gradually, mixing well.
Add the nuts and vanilla.
Shape the dough into small balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes at 350.
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar before they cool.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Something sweet right now would taste good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ugh - makes me wish I was not currently without an oven.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How many does it make? I might have to double the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  4. If I ever come see you in the Pacific NW, will you make some for me? Wedding cookies have always been one of my favorites. Thanks for the recipe!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts