Almond-Mahleb Cookies

Based on the poppyseed shortbreads, but distinctly flavored due to the mahleb

Sheets ungreased         Oven 300 degrees F        Time 20 minutes plus

2/3 C unsalted butter
2/3 C oil


Mill together:*
  600 g soft wheat
  150 g rice
  1 t mahleb
 
1 t soda
1/2 t salt
1 C brown sugar

1 C chopped toasted almonds, plus more whole almonds to decorate

1 1/4  C buttermilk

Stir together the brown sugar, flours, mahleb, soda and salt.  Beat in the butter and oil, and beat until the mixture is of uniform crumbly texture.  Stir in the chopped almonds.

Add the buttermilk and stir until evenly moistened.

On ungreased cookies sheets, pat the dough into 6" rounds, each about 1/4" thick (this recipe will make several).  Press whole almonds into the tops to decorate.  With a knife or pastry cutter, score the rounds into wedges.  Bake until they are firm and golden at the edges. 

If you prefer a dry, crunchy cookie, you can arrange them on a baking sheet and leave them in a 200-250° oven for half an hour to an hour to dry out.

          45% fat        49% carbos            6% protein

*Substitute 1t freshly ground mahleb PLUS 5C unbleached or whole wheat pastry flour OR 4C unbleached or whole wheat pastry flour + 1C rice flour (the rice flour helps the crunch).

Return to Recipe Index

Return to Diane's Food Page

Return to Diane's Home Page