Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Three Words: Nonna's. Amaretti. Cookies.



[Image: By Me :)]

There is nothing like Nonna's homemade cookies: Amaretti, Nutella Crescents, Cocoa Fingers... you name it, Nonna makes it. Correction: There is nothing like Nonna's cooking. Whether it's her famous (to me anyways) penne or her veal or even her epic Christmas Eve Feast (as posted previously in my blog). Whatever she makes, it's always yummy.
I know what you're all saying, that it's the love; her love that makes her food heaven sent. While that may be true, without question, it's the simplicity of her gastronomic prowess that makes her culinary delights... delightful!

Today, let me talk to you about my Nonna's cookies, specifically her Amaretti (i.e. almond cookies for the non-paesanos). Even though I have been sworn by the Godfather himself not to indulge on all the ingredient details, I can say that the recipes my Nonna has created and make, use only the best and fewest ingredients. Why? Well, my Nonna, she's always been one for the simple things in life. Whether it's fashion, entertainment, or food, my Nonna appreciates the basics. Her humility is admirable to say the least. But, I digress. 

Her Amaretti are composed of 5 simple ingredients:
- fresh ground almonds
- sugar
- vanilla powder
- vanilla extract
- egg yolk

Whaaaaa, you say? Yeah, it's that simple. But the simplicity of those ingredients allow for those strong flavours to speak for themselves. I salivate just thinking about them (could totally eat a couple with a piping hot cup of espresso right now haha).

My dad's mom, my Nonna, is THE queen of cookies. My mom's mom, my other Nonna Cas, is THE queen of lasagna. But that's a different post ;)

Buon Appetito!
Tonia