Moustachudos (nut confection)

In our home, we have always used a variety of nuts in baking……almonds and walnuts, in particular.  Moustachudos make a good Pesah dessert. The cloves give them a special “kick”.  These treats can be made in advance and freeze well.

Ingredients for Moustachudos:

1 1/2 C pecans or walnuts, coarsely ground

1 1/2 C almonds, coarsely ground

3/4 C sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 egg

water – 1/2 eggshell full

Coarsely grind all nuts.

Add other ingredients including 1/2 eggshell filled with water.  (folks, that’s how it’s done!!)

Shape into triangle or ball shapes about 1″ in diameter.

Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 5 or 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven until lightly brown.

Allow to cool and harden before removing from pan.  Sprinkle with confectioners’ (powered) sugar.

Marochinos (almond macaroons)

Marochinos are a favorite for Passover.  My mom has taught a class at our synagogue, and several people have adopted these as a special pareve (non-dairy) dessert that they now make throughout the year.  Make a batch and enjoy them!!

Ingredients:

2 C blanched almonds

1 C sugar

2 eggs…whites only

Grind blanched almonds to near a fine consistancy.  Mix in a bowl with sugar.

Beat egg whites until frothy and add almonds and sugar.  Mix until biscuit-dough consistency.  Using a tablespoon or metal scoop, drop 1″ apart on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 10 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven.

Allow to cool completely before handling. Will harden as they cool.

Re-Posting…..a Passover favorite!!!!Keftes di Prassa ( Passover leek patties)

We JUST celebrated Purim…..and walking into the market today, I was bombarded with Passover!!!!! Time to start planning our Seder meals, menus for the week…….while preparing delicacies for a Banyo di Novia, in between! Our cooking calendar is busy for the month ahead….all in preparation for happy and wonderful things!!!!

There are several foods that my mom prepares especially and only for Pesah.  Keftes di Prassa (leek patties) is one of those specialities.

In our family, these are vegetarian – others make them with ground meat. (these are one of my husband’s very favorite Sephardic treats!!) Continue reading