Latin Flair ~ Mexican Wedding Cookies

Last week, my Latin Flair took you all to Cuba. This week I continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing you to Mexico with some Mexican Wedding Cookies. Traditionally served at Christmas and at weddings, these cookies have become increasingly more available due to their growing popularity in recent years. Originally from Spain, they are light, airy cookies that are often infused with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and anise. Other common variations include orange, almond, sesame seeds, and even the non-traditional chocolate. The ones I bring you here are more traditional, flavored with vanilla and pecans and rolled in powdered sugar to finish.

When I first looked at this recipe, I was shocked (and a little worried) that it didn't contain egg. And for a second, I thought Gourmet made a mistake. (I know, I know, I'm crazy) After doing a bit of research, I learned traditionally this cookie is made without egg. Sans egg, I was worried the dough wouldn't keep together and crumble all over the place. So I used a small ice cream scoop to tightly scoop out the dough. Then I pressed it a bit more with my hands. Once I had tight balls of dough, I refrigerated them for an hour for extra security. And after just 11 minutes in the oven magic happened. Well, when they came out they weren't necessarily the prettiest looking cookies. They puffed up slightly and retained their round shape but they were pale, colored only by flecks of pecan. Once baked, these cookies actually looked like raw cookie dough. But after taking my first bite I was in heaven. The flavor was perfect - lightly sweetened and robustly "pecany" and the texture was just as great - crumbly with little bits of pecan.

Let it be with your morning cup of coffee or your afternoon tea, straight out of the oven or as it is traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar, you definitely want to give this one a try. Click here for the recipe.

And now on to announce the winner of my Hispanic Heritage Month giveaway. Note that this giveaway was not sponsored by the Estefans or the book publisher. Random Integer selected comment #6 as the winner - which is Shari from Whisk: A Food Blog one of my favorite food bloggers! Congrats Shari.

Make sure to check back for another giveaway next week to celebrate the end the Hispanic Heritage Month.