meals cook
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Shirini Keshmeshi, a classic Persian cookie, is known for its delightful combination of simplicity and sweetness. These raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for tea time or as a treat during Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations. Here's how you can make them:
Ingredients
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - 2 cups
- Butter - 1/2 cup (room temperature)
- Powdered sugar - 3/4 cup (you can adjust to taste)
- Egg yolks - 2 large
- Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
- Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
- Salt - A pinch
- Raisins - 1 cup (preferably golden raisins for a sweeter taste)
- Rosewater (optional) - 1 tbsp
- Saffron (optional) - A few strands, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. If using, add the rosewater and saffron water at this stage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to combine. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more butter or a few drops of milk.
- Add Raisins: Fold in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, then slightly flatten them. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will expand.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Store: Serve Shirini Keshmeshi with tea or as a snack. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips
- Texture: For a crunchier texture, bake the cookies a couple of minutes longer.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for a different flavor profile.
- Raisin Preparation: Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before using them can plump them up, adding to the texture of the cookies.
Advanced Baking Tips
- Butter Quality: The quality of butter can significantly affect the flavor. Using a good quality butter, ideally unsalted, ensures a rich and creamy taste.
- Mixing Technique: When creaming butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This incorporates air into the mixture, leading to softer cookies. Overmixing after adding flour can make the cookies tough, so mix just until the dough comes together.
- Egg Temperature: Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the batter, creating a uniform texture. Cold eggs might harden the butter, leading to an uneven mix.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be pliable but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, a bit of milk or water can help.
- Raisin Distribution: Ensuring the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the dough is key. This prevents clusters of raisins in some cookies and none in others.
- Cookie Size: Keeping the cookies uniformly sized ensures even baking. A cookie scoop or a tablespoon can be used for consistent sizing.
- Baking Time Monitoring: Ovens can vary, so start checking the cookies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be just golden around the edges, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Cooling Process: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.
Flavor Variations and Additions
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios can be added for a nutty flavor and additional texture.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing citrus note to the cookies.
- Spices: A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon can complement the raisins and add warmth to the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: For a twist, mix in some chocolate chips with or instead of the raisins.
Serving Suggestions
- Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant presentation.
- Pairing with Drinks: Shirini Keshmeshi pairs wonderfully with Persian tea, but they also go well with coffee or milk.
Storage
- Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to a week.
- Freezing Dough: The cookie dough can be frozen for later use. Roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
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