It’s the 3rd Annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap!
The GFBCS is a multiple nation wide food blogger swap which is sponsored by OXO, Dixie Crystals, and Grandma’s Molasses; all the profits go to the charity Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, which supports pediatric cancer research.
Pretty much a good time all around, right?
Not only did I receive three delicious types of cookies and have the opportunity to share my cookies with three other bloggers, but it was for a good cause.
Also, OXO sent me three super fancy, brand-spanking new spatulas. I’ve never been more excited to see a spatula before. Ugh I’m in love.
This is the second year I’ve participated in the swap, and I’ve worked with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for a service project as well.
It’s always a pleasure.
With that, here are the details:
I received…
muddy buddy cookies (genius idea!) from Marley of Chicago Foodies
date pinwheel cookies (a family recipe!) from Jessica of Kettler Cuisine
and marbled shortbread (so cute!) from Lauren of a Dash of Soul.
I gave…
des petits sablés aux noix: pressed walnut sablés, buttery and rich, half dipped in 70% Scharrfen Berger chocolate
to Jenne of Mooshu Jenne,
Brooke of Crackers on the Couch (who sent out crackers— how perfect is that?)
and Joanna of A Kosher Kitchen.
Happy holidays to all! I hope you enjoyed your cookies.
Until next year, Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap!
Walnut Sablés
ingredients:
660 grams (5 cups) flour
120 grams (1 cup) walnut halves
450 grams (4 sticks, 1 lb) butter
400 grams (2 cups) sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 splashes vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
melted bittersweet chocolate, if desired, for dipping
directions:
In a food processor, pulse the flour and walnut halves until a uniform flour forms; careful not to over process, as the walnuts will start to form butter.
In a stand mixer, beat the butter for 4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Scrape the sides of the bowl and add in the sugar and salt.
Beat for 2 more minutes, until all the grit is gone and the mixture is very pale.
Add in the vanilla and eggs and beat for 2 more minutes.
Scrape the bowl and dump in all of the walnut flour mixture.
Mix on low until a dough forms.
Chill for at least 45 minutes.
Roll out on a very well-floured surface, and press with a cookie stamp (alternately, just cut out shapes) and cut out.
Chill for at least 30 more minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Brush chilled cookies with the egg wash and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool completely before dipping in chocolate.
Place the cookies on a cooling rack to let the chocolate drip through.
December 11, 2013 at 10:58 pm
These were delicious and so pretty! Thank you!
December 11, 2013 at 11:33 pm
I’m really glad you liked them Brooke! I had so much fun with the cookie swap!
December 12, 2013 at 9:50 am
These were so delicious! My husband has already requested I try to make these once you posted the recipe.
December 12, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Thanks Joanna! Sablés are so addictive and deceptively easy to make. I hope you give them a try!
December 16, 2013 at 7:03 am
These look gorgeous! I love walnuts. And chocolate dipped anything is perfect.
December 16, 2013 at 10:34 am
Thanks Sarah!!
December 16, 2013 at 11:00 am
May I inquire where you brought your very nice cookie press and is it for sale ?
Will make the cookies regardless–not to sweet!
Happy Holidays!!!
December 16, 2013 at 11:36 am
I bought my cookie press on the Amazon UK site, just by searching “French cookie press” and doing some sleuthing. I hope you find it! Let me know how the cookies go if you end up making them
December 16, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Oh your press is just too cute to handle! I must purchase one immediately. I can’t wait to make these, sables are one of my mother’s favorite cookies. I wonder if I’ll have time to make them before Christmas? What beautiful photos as well.
December 16, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Ace- these cookies are surprisingly quick! I have even kept sablés in my freezer for a week when I’m pressed for time, to no detriment of the cookies. Thank you for your kind words, and have a lovely holiday!