Monday, November 29, 2010

Biscochitos

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"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone." ~G.B. Stern

What a full weekend it has been
so many little moments to cherish
I couldn't possibly pick a favorite
such a glorious time of fellowship
surrounded by the ones I love
exchanging stories and smiles
rejoicing in plentiful provision
counting blessings
sleeping in
prayerful solitude
late night movies with friends
putting up the christmas tree
Anthony's pancakes
children's laughter
baking with my sisters
an eggnog toast
and biscochitos
chocolate dipped biscochitos
*recipe below*

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I am so very humbled when I think of
how God took a broken vessel like me
and made it useful,
beautiful even,
restored...
blessed in ways that are too numerous to count.

A thankful heart is a happy heart.
and this heart is doing cartwheels.

I am also exceedingly grateful
for new friendships
that have blessed me beyond measure...
you know who you are
and with all that is within me
thank you....

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Biscochitos
This is known as New Mexico's Traditional Cookie, and it's a staple in our family around Christmas. But this year, I decided to make them early, cut out with festive fall shapes of maple leaves, acorns, pumpkins, turkeys and apples. I don't remember who originally gave me this recipe, but I'm certain that any true New Mexican has it written down somewhere, on an old piece of notebook paper with faded ink, and it will continue to be passed down for generations to come. Anise is the star ingredient in this simple cookie, and as a tribute to my sis in law Jo, who brought us our first "chocolate dipped" biscochito from Orlando's Restaurant in Taos years ago, and then insisted it become tradition thereafter, it is half dipped in chocolate to add one more layer of decadence....but one disclaimer: it has lard in it....yes, I know, lard. I can barely say it without gagging...however, it is the authentic way to make this recipe, and I'm all about authenticity.....

6 cups of flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups lard
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons anise seeds
2 eggs
1/4 cup brandy (you may also substitute rum, or even grand marnier)

cinnamon sugar dusting:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Cream lard with sugar and anise seeds until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in flour and brandy until well blended. Turn dough out on floured board and pat or roll into 1/4" to 1/2" thickness. Cut into shapes (fleur-de-lis is traditional). Dust with mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Place on parchment paper on baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until browned.

If desired, half dip in chocolate.

21 comments:

  1. Oh lovely! I imagine that the anise seeds make these cookies pop! I can't wait to give your recipe a try. I loved reading your poem of gratitude too. It sounds like you had a weekend of blessings and joy. I love how you chose to celebrate all of the beauty in your life. It encourages me to do the same. Whenever I see that you have a new blog post, I feel peace wash over me. I know that your words will speak truth into my life. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

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  2. Such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Thanksgiving and gratitude ... happy holidays! Your biscochitos look wonderful! BUT, may I substitute butter for the lard?

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  3. This post, along with the music and always, ALWAYS, your words...fill me with peace, my beautiful friend and sister! I too am blessed beyond measure! Words are not sufficient for the gratitude within my heart for His love (so abundant), and your friendship (priceless)! xo

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  4. delicious!!! ciao from your 230th follower!!xoxoxoxox

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  5. I saw the first picture and thought I need one of these. And then I saw the picture dipped in chocolate...and realized that I definitely need one of these :) They look delicious!

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  6. Oh my goodness...these biscochitos are gorgeous! And dipped in chocolate! Perfect for the holidays. Anise is such a wonderful flavor in desserts. Your post is beautiful.

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  7. Okay...this is going to make me sound very undomesticated, but where does one get lard? :) Great post!

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  8. Oooh, these cookies look gorgeous! I think they'll definitely need to get added into my holiday cookie rotation. All the yummy treats are one of my favorite parts of the whole Christmas-y season.

    Lovely Thanksgiving post, by the way. :)

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  9. @ birdie - in most grocery stores in the aisle where you buy vegetable shortening (crisco) :)

    @spice garden - hmmm, i assume vegetable shortening would be the best substitute, but not sure about butter...it would be an experiment!

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  10. I have never seen these little beauties! wow, what have I been missing all my life, I will have make these! I love the verse, somedays I wonder why he bothers with this broken vessel,I am just grateful he does.
    Have a wonderful weekend my friend, I am truly blessed to know you
    Dennis

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  11. What a lovely post, we are all blessed to have you. These cookies are delightful and I have all of the ingredients, now if I could just manage to bake cookies without involving the
    fire department :)

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  12. I have not had a biscochito in years. Oh how I miss New Mexico sometimes. You have written such a beautiful post here and my heart has been touched. Thank you!

    Blessings~
    Candace

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  13. This looks delicious. I can imagine the wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen when they are baked.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  14. ohhh, cant go away without following you, you have a lot of delicious post here, I have to STOP for a while here :)
    hope to see you on my blog too :)
    http://smartandfunnyvideo.blogspot.com/

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  15. oh yum! this looks so good. i love your creations:)

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  16. Super-yummy! Which reminds me...Christmas baking awaits! SITS sent me by, and I'm glad they did...

    The Christmas Shoes

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  17. Those look scrumptious!!

    I love, love the quote about silent gratitude -- how true that is. We have so many gifts to give thanks for -- out loud!

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  18. What a beautiful post, your words are so gracious, your food so delicious. I wish I was there to share these lovely cookies with you:))
    You are a true ruby among women, and a blessing to all who know you:))

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  19. I always wondered what to do with anise seeds. The pictures blessed me almost as much as the post. Thank you for reminding me to focus on the blessings in life.

    Love your friend,
    GodsyGirl :)
    (from GodsyGirl.Com)

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  20. Merry Christmas to you! Thank you for visiting my blog, so I could find you here and read your beautiful poem. I bet the anise in these cookies really sets them apart and, since they're a New Mexico tradition, I'm sure the perfect sweet treat after a special dinner of tamales!

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