MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES

As I had a need to bake cookies and I wanted to use the macadamia nuts which were sitting in my cupboard since weeks, I found this "Macadamia nut cookie" recipe on a very interesting Malaysian food site called Kuali. Actually, it is a creation of the cookbook writer and food culumnist Amy Beh.

Needless to say that those cookies were fabulously yummy and very successful!!!

They had a very pleasant honey taste, a beautiful golden brown colour and a unique nutty flavor that the coconut and macadamia nuts conferred beautifully.

Macadamia nuts have a very interesting aroma and terxture that is quite different from other nuts; sweet, delicate, not overpowering and very creamy (they contain 80% monounsaturated fat!). These nuts are very good for your health (against cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart-attacks and cancer) and will give you full satisfaction to your demanding palate...

These "Macadamia nut cookies" were really fine, crunchy and I will bake them again for sure. So, if you are looking for a healthy treat, do try this recipe!...

Ingredients:
120g Unsalted butter
60g Castor sugar
1/2 Tsp Vanilla essence
2 Tbs Runny honey (I added 1 Tbs more)
A pinch of salt
180g Plain white flour, sifted
1/2 Tsp Bicarbonate of soda
50g Desiccated coconut
1/2 Cup Coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line cookie trays with greased baking paper.
3. Cream butter, castor sugar and vanilla essence until light and creamy.
4. Beat in honey and salt until well combined.
5. Fold in sifted flour, bicarbonate of soda, desiccated coconut and macadamia nuts.
6. Mix well into a dough.
7. Shape into balls (app. 1 Tbs).
8. Press down slightly and place them onto prepared trays.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes.
10. Cool for 1–2 minutes then transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Remarks:
Before chopping the nuts, I lightly roasted them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F).
I baked the cookies for about 15 minutes.
Store in an airtight container.

Serving suggestions:
Those cookies are ideal when served together with tea or coffee.

(Macadamia Nuts -Pic by www.directoalpaladar.com)