Hi. I'm Julia. I'm four and a half.
This week Mommy said I could be in charge of talking about the cookies she made.
They're called "Coconut Butter Thins," and Mommy said she got to pick out the recipe.
I don't know what that means.
She always gets to pick the recipes out at our house.
She made these cookies a few whiles ago but she couldn't talk about them until now because I think it was a secret or something.
I helped make these cookies. I help a lot. I'm a good helper.
First I have to wash my hands. With soap.
Then Mommy has to put my hair in a pony tail. So I don't get butter in my hair.
I'm wearing an apron, just like Mommy does, so I don't get food on my clothes. And I have to stand on a chair, 'cuz I'm not a really big girl yet. But Mommy lets me crack the eggs. Only there weren't any eggs in these cookies. So I didn't get to.
But there was the skin from a lime. I didn't shred it. I can shred cheese on pasta. But Mommy shredded the skin from the lime.
And there were other things, too. There was flour, and sugar, and coconut, and corn... corn... cornstarch, Mommy said. And salt. And............coriander. And lime. Oh, yeah, I already said that.
Oh, and nuts. I like nuts. Do you like nuts? Alex has a - Alex is my brother, he's six and a half. Alex says "Do you like nuts?" and if you say yes, he laughs and laughs. I don't know why. He's silly.
Mommy says these are macademia nuts. And there's also vanilla. And butter. I like butter.
Now you mush up the lime things with the sugar. It smells really good. Kind of like lemonade candy.
Now you put the butter and the sugar and the lime stuff in a mixer bowl and mix it all up really fast.
Mommy has to do this part.
I have to keep my hands away from the mixer machine or I can't help.
If you touch the mixer thing when it's on, you could get VERY, VERY BAD BOO-BOOS!
And Mommy won't let you help.
Mommy let me have a taste. It was yummy.
Oh, and then we put in the flour and the corn...cornstuff...and the sugar and the salt and....that other stuff. The teeny tiny brown stuff. The coriander.
And then you put in those nuts and the coconut.
And Mommy mixed it all together.
And she let me have one more taste. JUST ONE. It was yummy.
Then she put it in a bag and rolled it out with a rolling pin! In a BAG! And then she put it in the fridgerator for a few whiles.
When Mommy took it out of the fridgerator, it was all flat and hard! Look! It didn't even bend!
Mommy cut off the plastic bag and I got to peel it off the dough while Mommy took a picture.
Then she wanted to take a picture of it again. I put my hand there when she wasn't looking. Hee hee hee....
Then she told me to take my hand away and don't do that again, Julia.
Then she took a RULER and made lines on the dough! With a knife. Knifes are VERY sharp. VERY SHARP. Mommy wouldn't let me use the knife.
But she did let me use a fork! We put all the little squares on the cookie sheet and then I got to poke holes in them with a fork. TWO times. I had to poke the fork in each cookie TWO TIMES.
Mommy took a bunch more pictures after we poked all the holes in the cookies and then she put the pans in the oven and took MORE pictures AGAIN after she took the pans out.
They look very yummy, don't they?
But wait!
We have to wait until the cookies cool before Mommy will let us have one.
Alex kept asking if they were ready yet. Mommy kept saying no.
She kept taking pictures and saying "Not yet. Not yet." It was taking a long time.
But finally she said we could have one.
That's Alex. My brother. He's being silly.
Me and Alex and Daddy all liked them.
And we got to have more cookies.
I think Mommy liked them, too.
She had a bunch.
And she took more pictures.
She said lots of other people were going to make these cookies, too.
I wanted to go over their houses and help, but Mommy said they already had helpers.
She said if you wanted to see all the cookies they made with their helpers, you could look on your computers here and find all the people on the list.
They're called Tuesdays with Dorie.
I think that's a funny name. Tuesday's not a NAME!
Oh, yeah, and Mommy put the recipe down there, after the other cookie picture.
You should make these. You and your helper. They're yummy.
"Coconut Butter Thins"
Dorie Greenspan
Baking: From My Home to Yours, pg 145
"There was a moment when I thought I shouldn't include these because they are so fragile--but they're too good not to share. They are like shortbread cookies in their preparation and melt-in-your-mouth butteriness, but once they're slid into the oven, they become more wafery and lacy. Because they also contain coconut and chopped macademia nuts, they've got a bit of bump and crunch."
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of ground coriander
2/3 cup sugar
Grated zest of 1 lime
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped macademia nuts (don't be afraid to use salted nuts)
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt and coriander.
If you want to get a little more flavor out of the lime zest, put the sugar and zest in the mixer bowl and, using your fingertips, work the zest into the sugar until the sugar is moist and the mixture fragrant.
Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar and zest on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture, mixing only until the dry ingredients disappear. Add the coconut and nuts and pulse to incorporate them. There will probably be some dry ingredients in the bottom of the bowl--don't work them in with the mixer, just reach into the bowl and knead them in.
Transfer the soft, sticky dough to a gallon-size zipper-lock bag. Put the bag on a flat surface, leaving the top open, and roll the dough into a 9-x-10 1/2-inch rectangle that's 1/4 inch thick. As you roll, turn the bag occasionally and lift the plastic from the dough so it doesn't cause creases. When you get the right size and thickness, seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or for up to 2 days.
GETTING READY TO BAKE: Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Put the plastic bag on a cutting board and slit it open. Turn the dough out onto the board (discard the bag), and, using a ruler as a guide and a sharp knife, cut it into 32 squares, each roughly 1 1/2 inches on a side. Transfer the squares to the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them, and carefully prick each one twice with a fork, gently pushing the tines through the cookies to the sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom and fromt to back at the midway point. The shortbreads will be very pale--they shouldn't take on much color. Transfer the cookies to a rack and cool to room temperature.
Makes 32 Cookies
Serving: Save these for an after-dessert dessert, so they'll be the last taste you have with your last sip of coffee or tea.
Storing: Wrapped well, these will keep for about 3 days at room temperature or for up to 2 months in the freezer.
~~~
Well, Mommy said I have to go to bed now. I have school tomorrow.
See ya later, crocodile!
Thanks for choosing the recipe this week Jayne!
though i must say.. the cookies spread way too much. Yours look excellent though. MIne were slightly devastating. But still good to eat!
Posted by: Sihan | March 31, 2009 at 01:06 AM
Wow, what a great little helper! I wish I had one just like Julia :)
Your cookies look amazing, mine spread out more and got a bit more tan... But the taste was absolutely amazing! Thanks for picking this recipe!
Posted by: Marthe | March 31, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Oh Jayne, I think this must be the cutest TWD recipe post ever!
Thanks for picking these -- I love shortbread cookies and these were fabulous!
Posted by: Barbara | March 31, 2009 at 01:54 AM
Hhaha.. how cute !!! Thanks for choosing this recipe, the cookies were great !!!
Posted by: Jin Hooi | March 31, 2009 at 05:31 AM
Great pick! They are delicious, thanks!
It's nice to see your children having fun in the kitchen with mommy!
Posted by: Julie | March 31, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Adorable! :) I love how your daughter narrated! :) This was a delicious recipe. Thanks for choosing it!
Posted by: Karen | March 31, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Nice post Julia... and good job on those cookies. Those fork holes look perfect! You and Mom sure do come up with some yummy treats.
Posted by: jomamma | March 31, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Awesome post, Julie will be a great baker.
Posted by: Jim | March 31, 2009 at 08:17 AM
What a wonderful, wonderful post -- I was smiling all the way through it. I love how you and Julia work together and I know that Julia will keep these memories forever and ever. Is there anything better? I don't think so.
Posted by: dorie | March 31, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Great pictures! I love the narration from Julia. =) I feel really bad that I didn't get these made. Maybe this weekend, since I'm off (worked the last two, ugh). I'm sure Brianna would love to help me. Though she'll be disappointed, since cracking eggs is her favorite part, too. =)
Posted by: Di | March 31, 2009 at 08:39 AM
What a fantastic post :) I really loved reading it and your daughter is beautiful!
Your cookies look great, i really wish mine had held their shape like yours. Mine spread a bit and were delicious!
Thank you for such a great choice :)
Posted by: farah | March 31, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Merci beaucoup Jayne d'avoir choisi cette recette ! j'ai adoré et vais probablement la refaire :)
Posted by: isabelle | March 31, 2009 at 08:57 AM
What a wonderful post! I loved these cookies and I thought that they were such a great choice. Thank you!
Posted by: Jessica | March 31, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Thank you so much for hosting this week! I absolutely love your post...so fun! Now...how on earth did your cookies not spread? They look perfect!
Posted by: Courtney | March 31, 2009 at 09:02 AM
That post was adorable. tell Julia she did an awesome job. Thanks for picking such a fabulous cookie.
Posted by: Mary | March 31, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Julia, this is the most precious TWD post ever! Thanks for writing down the recipe so well and telling us all about how it worked. And please tell your mom that we loved the cookies here. Reading your description made me realize I was supposed to cool the cookies on a rack, which is why mine were a touch too well done.
Jayne, thanks for such a superb pick!
Posted by: Leslie | March 31, 2009 at 09:12 AM
The greatest post ever! Ever! So cute. Let Julia know she did an awesome job. I forgot to put holes in my cookies...I need a good helper like her! (Or read the directions...) :) Great pick!
Posted by: food librarian | March 31, 2009 at 09:21 AM
What a cute post Jayne! Looks like Julia is a fantastic sous chef in your kitchen.
These cookies were a fantastic pick! I didn't expect much reading the recipe, but now I think this is one of my fav cookies.
Posted by: Linda @ tender crumb | March 31, 2009 at 09:32 AM
The cookies look wonderful. I love coconut!! Love your site!
Posted by: Debbie | March 31, 2009 at 09:35 AM
such a nice recipe--thanks for the choice! julia is a great baker already-soon she'll be zesting those limes all by herself! :)
Posted by: steph (whisk/spoon) | March 31, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Great post! Julia, you did a fabulous job, especially poking the holes in the cookies! Thanks to your Mom for choosing such a fabulous recipe! We loved it.
Posted by: pamela | March 31, 2009 at 09:49 AM
All those helpers and the photos...I loved it. Great choice for this week TWD. Thanks.
Posted by: Lauren...a baking blog | March 31, 2009 at 10:00 AM
This is the most adorable post EVER! Julia is a living doll! Your cookies look perfect. Mine, not so much. Thanks so much for choosing our recipe this week!
Posted by: Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy | March 31, 2009 at 10:02 AM
How cute.
Thanks for such a great pick.
Posted by: chocolatechic | March 31, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Your kids are adorable and the cookies look wonderful! Great pick this week! I love the flower plates.
Posted by: Kimberly | March 31, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Yours look *perfect*. Mind spread and browned a bit but still remained delicious. I hope to try them again because I am a shortbread lover.
Posted by: Amanda | March 31, 2009 at 10:35 AM
This post was so sweet! I loved reading about your little helper. I have the same age at my house who helps me. Your cookies look perfect! Thanks for a great choice this week.
Posted by: Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia) | March 31, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Very cute, I love the tutorial from the newest pastry chef!
The cookies were delish!
Thanks,
Suzy
Posted by: SuzyHomemaker | March 31, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Super choice - sounds like a fun time over there!
Posted by: rainbowbrown | March 31, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Thanks for a fun pick this week Jayne! I love your post. Julia is just the cutest little helper! Your cookies look wonderful.
Posted by: Tracey | March 31, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Awesome helper, awesome pick, awesome cookies! Thanks for a great pick!
Posted by: Teanna DiMicco | March 31, 2009 at 11:22 AM
My 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Sofia, helped with my cookies, too. Too bad Julia wasn't able to come over and join us! These were a big hit with the kids.
Posted by: Amy | March 31, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Perfect post, your daughter is so cute! I loved these cookies and Im so glad you picked them. I will make them again1
Posted by: Michelle | March 31, 2009 at 11:45 AM
OMG...I loved reading your post. This was really fun. I loved the recipe. Thanks for choosing them. As I noted in my post, I had added 1/4 cup more flour and then easily rolled them out without the plastic bag. Your pictures made the plastic bag method look easy. I am going to try them again. Thanks SO much. Reading your blog made my day!
Posted by: Cynthia | March 31, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Julia is beyond cute.
Can't wait until Seven can help me out instead of sitting in the pan drawer.
Great pick and great post!
Posted by: susan | March 31, 2009 at 12:06 PM
You are so lucky to have such a great helper! Plus she's adorable.
I loved the recipe, too, and will definitely make it again.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 31, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Hahahahahahahaha! I love Seven!
Posted by: Jayne | March 31, 2009 at 01:14 PM
I love the post! Your cookies look perfect
Posted by: Spike | March 31, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Oh, your helper/narrator is so very adorable! You picked a fabulous cookie, Jayne. You converted this coconut hater. Your cookies look beautiful!
Posted by: Cathy | March 31, 2009 at 02:37 PM
CUTE!! Great pick this week - I really enjoyed these!
Posted by: Amy (Sing for your supper) | March 31, 2009 at 03:09 PM
I LOVED this recipe, thanks!
Posted by: Liz | March 31, 2009 at 03:39 PM
This is one fo the most gorgeous posts that I have ever read - thanks for being our host and for making my otherwise dreary morning.
Posted by: Cakelaw | March 31, 2009 at 06:39 PM
AHHHHH!!!! Cute. I miss my little kitchen helper, She got married last year so she has her own kitchen now. Thanks for this recipe choice. They were easy and quite tasty. Yours are pretty.
Posted by: Margaret | March 31, 2009 at 07:08 PM
No cuter blog post exists anywhere. Ever. Thanks for giving a glimpse of your house.
Posted by: Babette | March 31, 2009 at 07:33 PM
that is the cutest thing ever! great pick for this week. we loved these cookies!
Posted by: karen | March 31, 2009 at 07:38 PM
your kids are so cute, esp your little kitchen helper
thanks for picking this recipe, i enjoyed it! i'm glad mine turned out similar to yours - they didn't spread as much as i thought they were supposed to
Posted by: Jaime | March 31, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Julia, please tell your mom that these were an excellent choice. Even though mine spread out a ton, they were so tasty. My 4-year-old enjoyed pricking the squares, too!
Posted by: Jessica | March 31, 2009 at 08:39 PM
You should write children's books. This was so fun to read! And your cookies look gorgeous.
Posted by: Kaitlin | March 31, 2009 at 09:18 PM
What a darling post and a fun pick this week. Your cookies look PERFECT!
Posted by: Margot | March 31, 2009 at 09:53 PM
How fun, just like these cookies! I really enjoyed making them and am still enjoying eating them!
Posted by: Karen | March 31, 2009 at 09:56 PM