A New Beginning
January 29, 2021 - Lunar New Year Cookies
Last week, after the inauguration, I belted out the title words to the song "we've only just begun" and hummed away. Elated.
Another new beginning is right around the corner - Chinese New Year (February 12) welcomes the year of the ox. I recall the elaborate preparations where the entire house is scrubbed clean until everything is gleaming, new clothes for everyone, preferably in red and special treats and dishes that symbolizes good wishes for the year ahead were made with gusto.
I can't say that I'm keeping up with the traditions on the cleaning and clothing front but definitely the cooking and baking part. This year, in addition to pineapple tarts which I introduced last year, I will also be baking three other cookies; all of which are staples on the table welcoming guests during Chinese New Year open houses.
- Bangkit means rise - as surely as the sun will rise, so will we! Kuih Bangkit has a light powdery texture with a delicate coconut aroma. Pop one in your mouth, feel the smooth crunch when you bite into it and let it melt luxuriously.
- Fah Sang Peng - not your ordinary western Criss Cross Peanut Butter cookie. The freshly roasted peanut used in this cookie packs a savory fragrant nutty punch with just the right balance of saltiness and crumbly texture. A favorite with my kids!
- MCBC - I know there are plenty of butter cookies out there and I didn't want there to be any confusion hence aptly named after the initials of My Childhood Butter Cookie. Feel the crispiness on the outside and taste the buttery richness through each bite.
- Pineapple Tarts - crumbly melt in your mouth, enjoy a hint of tartness followed by the natural sweetness of the slow cooked spiced pineapple jam (no sugar added)
Happy Lunar New Year!
Thank you!
--eilien
INGREDIENTS
As always, fresh organic ingredients are used where available and no artificial coloring
Pineapple Tart NF
Butter, Eggs, Condensed Milk, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cloves, Organic All-Purpose Flour, Pineapple
Kuih Bangkit GF, DF, NF
Arrowroot Flour, Corn Flour, Confectionary Sugar, Egg Yolk, Pandan Leaves, Coconut Cream
Fah Sang Peng DF
Peanut, Peanut Oil, Organic All Purpose Flour, Confectionary Sugar, Salt, Egg Yolk
MCBC NF
Butter, Confectionary Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Corn Flour
Cookies can be stored in air tight container at room temperature. Best consumed within a week.
GF Gluten Free, DF Dairy Free, NF Nut Free
