Food is deeply rooted into every culture around the globe. Regions and countries are identifiable by specific recipes and culinary uniqueness leaving undeniable memories on travelers. The smell, the taste and the visual appeal of regional food specialties imprint in our memories often being recalled years into the future.
Have you ever walked into a restaurant or a home to the smell of a familiar meal or delicious treat? Recipes, even from our childhoods, come to life under our very noses. One taste and we are transported through time and across culture to a familiar place no matter how distant it may be.
The beautiful thing about food is that you don't even have to leave your home to experience variety and culture half a world away. Today (thanks to the internet) you can search for recipes far outside of our daily experience.
Below is a couple of our favorite cookie recipes from our childhood. If you would like to download a Free PDF of 15 full cookie recipes (Brazil, Argentina, Poland, India, Australia, + More) plus Links to 100's of more from around the world keep reading!
Nicaraguan Rosquillas
Photo Credit: heneedsfood.com
These crunchy savory and sweet cookies are a fabulous reminder of early mornings in Nicaragua. Rosquillas are a sweet treat and often a simple breakfast dipped in coffee. From street corners to local panaderías these familiar treats can be found throughout the country.
Ingredients
115g Unsalted Butter (Softened)
3/4 C Caster Sugar
1/2 C Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 C Masa Harina
80 g of brown loaf sugar shaved or chopped
Directions
Cream the butter and caster sugar for a few minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the milk and vanilla, then stir in the masa harina and salt until a dough forms. It may seem a little wet, but keep stirring or just let it sit for a few minutes so the masa harina has time to absorb the moisture.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Divide the dough into 20 pieces, or use a heaped tablespoon to portion it up. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and arrange them onto the lined baking tray, leaving an inch between them.
Take a glass or something with a flat bottom and press it gently on each ball of dough, flattening them to 1 centimetre thickness. Don't worry if they crack and split on the sides. Use your finger and press an indent in the centre of each flattened round of dough, then press more indents around the perimeter to form 'petals.'
Drop a small amount of chopped brown sugar onto the centre of each cookie, then bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until golden on the edges.
Cool completely on the tray before storing in a sealed container.
Recipe Notes:
Masa harina may seem to have a fine texture, but it's still a little coarse for rosquillas. Use a spice grinder to make it even finer, almost like regular wheat flour.
Brown loaf sugar is basically a solid block of unrefined cane sugar that's grated or chopped when needed.
Persimmon Cookies
Photo Credit: pinchmysalt.com
Persimmons are a unique fruit that originally came from China. The common persimmon is found in a wide ranging habitat from the central united states, into the southeast and westward into Kansas and Texas. Persimmon trees can grown in virtually any climate and soil. While they are wide ranging, few people are familiar with the fruit and even less have likely tried its unique flavor.
Ingredients
1 Stick of butter
1 C white sugar
1 Egg beaten
1/2 C Persimmon Pulp
1 1/2 C to 1 3/4 C flourC
1/2 tsp Soda
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Pinch of Salt
Directions
Cream butter and sugar
Add all of the other ingredients. Mix well.
Drop on greased cookie sheet
Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 min (Do not over bake)
Take the Cookie World Tour. Download 15 full recipes and links to 100's more.
Free International Cookie Recipes. Download the PDF Below!
Image Credit: FOOD52.COM
About El Taller del Maestro
El Taller del Maestro conducts outreaches throughout rural Nicaragua. Projects include health clinics, food, clothing and school supply distribution, agriculture projects, community development, at risk youth mentoring, and outreaches to disabled and elderly. Through generosity and needs based ministry, the hope of the Gospel is shared with each individual.
For those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, the ministry is developing a rehabilitation center located in El Jicaro, Nicaragua. The center will provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, classes in biblical understanding, life skills, health and wellbeing, job training and micro business development.
For more information about the ministry and past outreaches visit the
Ministry Website at www.jesusws.org.
