Christmas Viennese Crescent Cookies

Every year on December 25th we celebrate Jewish Christmas. We relax at home, go to the movies, and then eat Chinese food.  This year unfortunately we'll be traveling on Christmas day.  Since we'll miss our annual tradition, I decided it was time to try to replicate Mom’s Viennese Crescent Cookies as they’re often associated with Christmas time. Viennese Crescent Cookies, or Vanillekipferl, are similar to sugar cookies and the most distinctive characteristic is their shape: they are formed into crescents.  The cookies use ground nuts for … [Read more...]

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are traditionally associated with Christmastime.  Even though we don't observe Christmas, this Jew has been to plenty of Christmas "tree trimming" parties where poinsettas and tinsel decorate the room and egg nog and shortbread cookies adorn the table.  In fact, one of the most memorable experiences of my life was as a college student attending midnight mass in the third largest cathedral in the world in Seville, Spain on Christmas Eve.  And, guess what was being offered to all the "congregants" on the way out?  Shortbread … [Read more...]