Category: Cookies

  • Pam’s Cookies

    Pam’s Cookies

        The recipe that was used around the world This cookie recipe was given to me years ago by a well-traveled friend of mine who, at some time in the past, had met a woman called Pam when she was visiting Borneo. Pam gave her this cookie recipe. My friend carried on with her…

  • Chocolate Afghan Cookies

    Chocolate Afghan Cookies

        A Special Cookie From New Zealand This cookie is for some reason called an Afghan cookie, although it is not from Afghanistan, and is not made by an Afghan dog.  Afghan cookies are a specialty from New Zealand and are one of those sweet treats that you find in just about every cafe…

  • Yoyo Biscuits, Escalator Rides, And The “Two Things” Rule

    Yoyo Biscuits, Escalator Rides, And The “Two Things” Rule

        The excitement of going to town when I was a kid When I was a kid growing up on a farm in New Zealand, we used to get to visit “The Town” a handful of times a year.  It was always a very exciting trip.  We would get dressed in our best clothes,…

  • Baci Di Dama

    Baci Di Dama

          The joy of choosing tiny pastries Baci di Dama are cookies that you find in pasticcerias all over the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy. We always choose to have a few when we go in to order a tray of pasticcini. I adore this Italian tradition of picking up a tray full of all…

  • Christmas Tree Cookies

    Christmas Tree Cookies

        What to make when you can’t give a present My younger son’s teacher laid down the law in his class this Christmas, and said that she wanted NO Christmas presents from the families.  In fact, she’s getting the kids to do a “reverse advent calendar” this month instead.  Each day, a different child…

  • Fave dei Morti – Cookies For All Saints’ Day

    Fave dei Morti – Cookies For All Saints’ Day

          What are Fave Dei Morti cookies? I decided not to translate the name of these biscuits in the title, Fave Dei Morti, as I’m not sure how many people would want to read about cookies called “Broad Beans of the Dead”.  They don’t sound very appetising in English! The almond cookies are traditionally…

  • Snickerdoodles: The Great American Cookie

    Snickerdoodles: The Great American Cookie

        What is a snickerdoodle anyway? I spent a few years living in California, which is where I was introduced to these fabulous cookies called snickerdoodles. When I first heard the name “snickerdoodle”, I thought it was another one of those strange poodle crosses, like the labradoodle (now, who wouldn’t want one of those?!). In…

  • Chocolate Caramel Cookies

    Chocolate Caramel Cookies

        Why it’s time to make your own cookies My kids have been eating way too many commercial cookies out of a packet recently, so I decided it was time to get baking. I often make ginger/cinnamon cookies with this recipe that I am going to share with you, but decided it was time…

  • Venetian Butter Cookies (Bussolai Buranei)

    Venetian Butter Cookies (Bussolai Buranei)

        The Venetian butter cookies that you’ve been longing to hear about Last year we went for a trip to Venice, and I suddenly realized that the time has drifted away and I’ve told you nothing yet about our time there!  So, today I’m going to rectify that.  Sorry that I’ve kept you in…

  • Elsie’s Fingers (Sugar-Rolled Biscuits)

    Elsie’s Fingers (Sugar-Rolled Biscuits)

        Bringing back a traditional NZ cookie These biscuits from New Zealand, called Elsie’s Fingers, are a very old (as far as history goes for New Zealand!) cookie that was an integral part of the childhood of anyone born before the 80’s. I remember often snacking on Elsie’s Fingers for afternoon tea when I…

  • Crumiri (Crunchy Cornmeal Cookies)

    Crumiri (Crunchy Cornmeal Cookies)

        Crumiri and cappuccino: a breakfast made in heaven! Whenever I am in Turin, one of the first things I do on the first morning I’m there is go to the bar and drink a cappuccino (of course!) and grab a biscuit to munch on that is made with polenta flour.  The cracking of…

  • Peanut, Coconut, And Chocolate Square

    Peanut, Coconut, And Chocolate Square

        A recipe from way back when This recipe for peanut square is an childhood favourite of mine from New Zealand.  My mother used to make it regularly. She modified it from a recipe published in the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers Cookbook.  It’s not as posh as it sounds. It was an important…