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Published by Editor on Fri, 22/11/2013 - 10:12am
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Name of Event

Christmas (Coptic) Sham el Nassim "fata"

Cuisine From

Egypt

Description

Traditional festive butter cookies flavored with cloves

Summary

Yield 60-70
Preparation time 20 mins + 20 mins refrigeration
Cooking time 30-40 mins.
Main Ingredient Flour/Butter

Ingredients

2 cups plain/all purpose flour
1 cup powdered/castor sugar
1 cup clarified butter/ghee
1 tsp vanilla extract
20 almonds, peeled & halved for decoration
30 cloves for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. In an electric mixer on high speed, mix the clarified butter for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes fluffy.
  2. Add the sugar and continue to mix for another 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is stll fluffy.
  3. Lower the speed on the blender, add  in the vanilla extract then blend in the flour.
  4. Remove the dough from the mixer and refrigerate it for 20 minutes to help it firm up.
  5. Remove the dough from the fridge and divide into 4 parts. Form each part into a tube and slice the tube into the shape of the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet.
  6. Add the almond halves to half the cookies and press on each cookie lightly. Add the cloves and press on each cookie lightly. As cloves have a strong flavor and may not be to every ones taste replace with almonds.
  7. Let the cookies rest for a few minutes, preheat the oven to 375F (190C)
  8. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, turning the tray around mid way through.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool down in the tray for about 30-40 minutes,
  10. Serve!