Cookbook Countdown #94 -- Spicy Lemon Crescents

My friend Louise hosted Cookbook Wednesday for years, but  she is not feeling so well, so it is suspended for now.

I am not taking up the weekly commitment, (with a Mr. Linky, etc)  I just have one of my cookbooks to 'count down' and I am going to do it on Wednesday and think of how great Louise's blog is and hope she is up to par soon!

Months of Edible Creations!

This is cookbook number 94!

You can see them all so far if you click here.

The Cookie Bible is the essential guide to baking cookies. It presents comprehensive guidelines for foolproof baking, with kitchen-tested advice and solutions to common baking problems. The 320-page hardcover cookbook features 162 cookie and brownie recipes, from classic drop cookies to elegant holiday cookies.

Whether you're an experienced baker or just getting started, The Cookie Bible can guide you through the process step by step with indispensable information about ingredients, equipment, and techniques. Detailed instructions and helpful how-to photos teach the basic techniques.

First of all---why do we need crescent shapes?  I feel I can't make a decent crescent shape.

2nd --  I spent $12 on cardamom.  Now I have to find a lot of recipes with cardamom in them to justify spending that much for cookies.

3rd --  my good cookie baking pan got ruined and I am having to use a substitute pan and I'm not a fan. Things bake differently.

Having said all that, the cookies were fine.  A little short-bread cooking with a taste of lemon and a little bit of spice.

Would I make them again?

I should, since I have a whole spice bottle full of cardamom!

But I probably won't---not because they weren't good--they were, but drop cookies are so much easier. I feel this isn't an everyday cookie, but a special occasion cookie, so maybe I'll wait for a special occasion.

Spicy Lemon Crescents

1 cup butter--softened

 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar--divided

1/2 tsp lemon extract

1/2 tsp grated lemon zest

2 cups cake flour

1/2 cup finely ground almonds, walnuts or pecans (I used almonds)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1 3/4 cups M&M's chocolate mini baking bits

Preheat oven to 375F.  Lightly grease cookie sheets; set aside. In large bowl cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar; add lemon extract and zest until well blended.  In medium bowl combine flour, nuts, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture until well blended. Stir in M&M's. 

Using 1 T of dough at a time, form into crescent shapes; place about 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. 

Bake 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden.  cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets.  Gently roll warm crescents in remaining 1 cup sugar.

Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in tightly covered container.

I picked up the Cookie  Bible at a Goodwill thrift store, while perusing with my mother in law.

It's  a good one--lots of good cookie recipes.

And that is my 94th cookbook!!

Cross another one off!!