Christmas Cookies

"I love the smells of this time of year. The spicy scent of the christmas tree, the warm smoky smell of the fire in the stove, the crisp clean scent of cold air and the smell of frankincense bringing back memories of midnight mass. My favourite smells though have to be those of the special cookies baked at this time of year. And the one that will always be the smell of christmas to me is the German cookie Pfeffernuesse. So for everyone who finds this page, here is the recipe for my favourite christmas cookie, that is guaranteed to make your home smell like christmas.

Pfeffernuesse

4 cups of sifted flour
1teaspoon cloves
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon aniseed
1 tablespoon cardamon seed

2 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups icing sugar

Grated rind of 1 lemon
1/4 lb. (100gms) candied orange peel
1/2 bl (200gms) candied citron

5 eggs, seperated

Mix the flour and spices together. Add the seeds. In a large bowl cream the butter, gradually adding the sugar. Beat till light (no lumps of butter). Add the egg yolks. Blend well. Add the dry ingredients, lemon rind and fruit. It will be all dry when mixed together, nothing will be sticking together. Beat the egg whites. Gradually fold into the flour mixture. Blend really well, will still look quite dry. Chill for at least an hour. Shape into small balls and place on a teatowel, letting stand uncovered over night. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 350 degreees for 15-20 minutes. Makes about 9 dozen cookies.

Have these with a good cup of coffee, while listening to christmas music, watching the snow fall or admiring your tree. I hope you enjoy," I whisper.

Are you listening?