New Holiday Cookie Recipes

This year for Christmas, I was once again attempting to shake things up and try something new. It was a busy month at work, so a lot of the traditional cookies I would normally make (Rum-flavored sugar cookies, Mexican wedding cookies and others) did not happen in 2008. Along with the traditional molasses spice cookies (somehow, these always get made...), I decided to make a type of "holiday" rugelach. Having never before attempted these beautiful Jewish cookies, I turned to Ina Garten, whose recipes, while heavy on the butter, have never failed me.

Ina's recipe for rugelach (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/rugelach-recipe/index.html) is very easy-to-follow. I substituted a mixture of chopped pecans, dried cranberries and raisins for her walnut/raisin mixture to make them more "Christmas-like". Be forewarned - these cookies are not for the beginner! The recipe involves chilling dough, rolling out dough and carefully assembling the cookies with their filling. The result is very rewarding - a tender, not-too-sweet cookie that practically melts in your mouth. These cookies received rave reviews from family and friends alike. Definitely a keeper!