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It is my honor to be a co-host of the 12 Days of Sharing campaign with Share our Strength.  A virtual cookie swap and fundraising extravaganza felt like the ideal way to honor this Season of Sharing.  While we are fortunate enough to be able to cook & eat (and blog about it!), 1 in 5 children aren’t so lucky.  It is with these children in mind that I encourage you to click on the badge to the left and make your donation to end childhood hunger in America.

Even if you are unable to make a financial contribution, perhaps the recipes in the virtual cookie jar will inspire you to bake with your loved ones and share cookies with people who could use a little lift this season.  And now…the cookies!

Today was my very first attempt at making one of my grandmother’s signature cookie recipes.  I have been thinking about her a lot lately, especially now that my daughter is obsessed with playing my grandma’s favorite card game, Gin Rummy.  While my cookies turned out a bit bulkier and less attractive than what my grandma used to make, I was thrilled that the flavor was spot on.

Ground Almond Cookies
Recipe By: My Grandma, Helen Berliner

While many people consider cookies for the holidays, they think of pretty cookies topped with colored crystallized sugar.  But I immediately think of these.  My grandmother’s Ground Almond cookies are light, crunchy and coated with a light dusting of powdered sugar.  They remind me of Mexican wedding cookies, but the flavor is unmistakably “grandma.”  And for me, that’s what make these extra special during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, creamed
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup ground almonds, blanched
1.5 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream butter in a stand mixer.
3. Add all remaining ingredients and mix well.
4. Scoop approximately 1-2 Tbs of dough, and roll into a crescent shape.
5. Repeat until you have used all of the dough.
6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm warm.

Please don’t forget to click on the 12 Days of Sharing badge to make your donation to help end childhood hunger.  Your generosity may be rewarded!  By donating, you will earn a chance to win some fantastic gifts!  And if you have a cookie recipe that you would like to share, visit the virtual cookie jar.  I can’t wait to see all of the sweetness that has been shared!