Christmas would be incomplete without these traditional cookies, baked only this time of year! The recipe is a staple in Czech households all over the world and variations can be found in Eastern and Central european countries.
I've finally put together this family recipe, and proudly present it here, with the hopes that making it gives you a glimpse into my culinary heritage.
Prepare the powedered sugar a few days in advance, and note that you can also make the dough in advance and refrigerate before use. I usually triple (sometimes more...) the recipe, and make the dough one day, then do all the baking and finishing on another day.
Dough
250g all purpose flour
160g butter
50g sugar
100g almonds or walnuts, ground
1 egg yolk
Vanilla powedered sugar
Mix the contents of one vanilla bean with 2 cups of powedered sugar.
Preparation
Prepare the dough by combining all the ingredients, except for the powdered sugar.
Place the dough in the fridge for a few hours or days, in an airtight container.
Divide the dough in half and roll out two logs, about 3 cm in diameter.
Slice the logs 2 cm thick and roll each piece and shape into a small crescent.
Here, you need to work delicately, yet quickly! Practice and patience is key!
Bake at 350 F for about 18 minutes.
While still slightly warm, place crescents, only a few at a time, in a bowl filled with vanilla powdered sugar and coat each one.
Store only when completely cool.
Divide in pretty tin boxes or glass containers to offer as gifts!
Make sure you save some for your Christmas table !
