When someone speaks of Austria the classic tunes from The Sound of Music soon-after flood my mind. They deftly solicit my imagination to dance along in lush green landscapes and mansions while singing grandly. If I linger, they'll woo me to tear down the curtains and sew play-clothes for my daughter. On a quiet day tales of Austria call me to my oven. Born in a land well-known for its delicious desserts and pastries the Linzertorte among them, Austrian recipes will never disappoint.
Linzer Cookies are a re-mix of the original Austrian Linzertorte, a re-invention of the wheel if you will but bite-sized. Historians attest the Linzer recipes hail from the city of Linz, Austria and date them in the 1700's. The cookie, much like the torte involves a dough filled with ground nuts, traditionally almonds and an interior laden with blackberry jam. I opted for hazelnuts in this recipe to try something a little different. As far as filling is concerned; finding seedless blackberry jam is often challenging in area grocery stores. The modern adaption of Linzertorte and Linzer Cookies will usually feature seedless raspberry jam for this reason.
These cookies fascinate me not only with how well the jam and nut flavors marry - the cookie consistency changes as it ages. They come out of the oven slightly crisp and soften to a cake-like texture. Moisture in the jam after the sandwiches are constructed causes the cookies to relax this way. Who knew cookies could sigh? (smile) Finished Linzer Cookies are dusted heavily with confectioner's sugar and the jam center well-covered. A short time later the dusted sugar will dissolve over the jam to reveal a bright red center again. These cookies are truly an old-world wonder and have yet to disappoint me in taste or beauty. I adore them and found it absolutely necessary to share the recipe with you. Don't be fooled - they're fairly easy to make!
Love, love, love them, they are my absolutly favs during xmas-time when my mother makes them:-)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of those before, they look delicious
ReplyDeleteThose do look tasty! My list of things to make when our kitchen is finished is growing--and I'm your newest follower :)
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