Cardamom Cookies

 

                                                                     
Taking this opportunity, I would also like to inform that last week me, my son and hubby had gone to visit Aero India 2011( International Airshow) at Yelahanka Airforce base, Bangalore. Asia's biggest air show in Bangalore came to an end this weekend. Fearing a full packed house during weekend we decided to show on a weekday. Needless to say that my little one was thrilled to sit in the cockpit which was open for public display. 
We had a great time watching many wonderful aircrafts and helicopters both in airborne and static mode for the entire day. Leaving you with a few of those moments in this show. Hope you like them and try to be in Bangalore for the next Air Show scheduled at year 2013

Coming back to today's recipe, I love making these cookies simply for the unique flavor. these are best to enjoyed with tea or coffee. For me it's divine and tastes best with my cup of milk early in the morning. Immediately after baking these cookies, for a period my kitchen fills up with the aroma of cardamom. 

Yields: 24 approximately, Baking Time: 20-25 minutes


Ingredients:
2 cups All purpose flour
3/4 cup Sugar (granulated) 
1 tsp Baking powder
1/2 cup Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1 tsp freshly ground Cardamom seeds
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (for decorating)
1 tsp Cardamom essence
1 Egg
1/4 tsp Salt
5-6 Almonds, blanched


Method:
Sift the flour, baking powder and slat into a bowl. Slice the butter into small chunks and place it in mixing bowl. Turn on the hand blender on low speed and mix till the butter becomes smooth . Add sugar and run it on low speed in between to stop and scrape the bottom and sides of mixing bowl. Continue doing this till you get creamy and light texture. Add cardamom essence and grounded cardamom seeds. Beat egg in a separate bowl and keep aside. 
Now add flour little by little in the butter mixture along with the egg liquid to knead a smooth dough with your hand. The dough should be neither too dry nor sticky. Wrap the dough in a cling film and keep it in refrigerator for 25 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 350 Degree Celsius. Take out dough from fridge and pluck lemon size dough and roll them into 2 inch ball between your hands and press it lightly when you place it on baking tray. Press a piece of sliced blanched almond in center and sprinkle little cardamom powder and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep and eye on the color of the cookies as the time taken to bake varies as per the heating capacity of your oven. Enjoy these flavorful cookies with strong cuppa milk or tea.

Have a close look here......