Share |
Cherry Linzer Cookies
and Merenda Hot Cocoa

By Maria A. Pardalis

Valentine’s Day is a time for lovers and chocolate. With its aura of being an aphrodisiac, chocolate becomes the perfect gift to give or receive from our mate. Throughout history, people have showed love with food, this is especially true amongst the Greek culture.

Whether you plan on celebrating the day of love with your significant other or with a group of friends, don’t pass up on the opportunity for a little homemade self-indulgence! Try out these seductive and decadent desserts this Valentine’s Day. My Merenda Hot Cocoa and Cherry Linzer Cookie recipes are both classics with a Greek twist and have all the ingredients needed to ignite energy, passion and love. For those of you unfamiliar with Merenda, I suggest you rush to your nearest Greek store and purchase a jar or five. Trust me its addicting, one jar may not be enough! This delicious velvety chocolate hazelnut spread is Greece’s version of Nutella.
Cherry Linzer Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen sandwich cookies

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup lightly toasted almonds, chopped
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • pinch of ground nutmeg
  • pinch salt
  • cherry preserves, for filling
  • confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, orange zest, and continue to mix until well blended.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add these to the butter and sugar mixture and blend on low until just combined. Roll dough in a log form, divide in half and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until well chilled.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 and take out half of the dough from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and punch out fluted circles with a round cookie cutter or the shape of your choice. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned on the bottom, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool.
  4. As the first batch cools, take out the dough for the second batch, roll it out and punch holes in the center of each cookie using cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Spoon ½ teaspoon of cherry preserves in the center of each solid cookie. Lastly, place the cut out cookie on top and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Merenda Hot Cocoa
Serves 2, Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons Merenda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Whip Cream for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in Merenda and cinnamon, whisk until well blended and smooth.
  3. Pour into 2 mugs, garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon.

Serve immediately, preferably with a couple linzer cookies. Now add your valentine, a toasty fire and you will have pure bliss.

Happy Valentine’s Day
Everyone!
©2012 NEOCORP MEDIA

web stats tracker