Learning to Love Christmas - Peanut Acorn Cookies

Christmas has always been fraught with landmines. Growing up, my family was not very religious, but as a Muslim family, we did not celebrate or even acknowledge Christmas in any way, shape, or form. My parents did not want a Christmas tree or decorations, and we did not exchange gifts. This is entirely understandable, but not celebrating the holiday was hard as a kid. I would always look longingly at Christmas trees in the store and think about all the lovely ornaments. And it was tough to go back to school in the new year and be asked, "What did you get for Christmas?" Those types of questions are less common. I think we all recognize that there are people of many faiths and beliefs and that Christmas may not be for everyone.

I think there is a lot to be said about the spirit of Christmas. As an adult, I have learned to love the holiday season. (Mostly through the hard work of G. He grew up with a decorated Norfolk pine tree every year, a little reminder of the season.) Though we may not celebrate the holiday, there are many wonderful things to share among us all. The season's mood and festiveness are all around us, from neighbors to decorating their houses to the local Christmas market, complete with ice skating and hot chocolate. (Not this year, but hopefully we can plan on it next year.) Giving gifts to those we love and care for, not just for the kids and family, but everyone who makes our family work - and that number is not a few.

And who doesn't love a Christmas tree? I no longer see a Christmas tree as something that is not part of my culture or not part of our tradition. A tree is fun, festive, and teaches the kids about what others value and find meaningful. Celebrating the holiday may not be part of our religion, but there are many wonderful things the season can teach Poet and Flower. They ask for gifts, and G loves to tell them, "people are the gifts." And really, they do not need any more toys.

So despite my parents' aversion to Christmas, my mother loved Christmas cookies. When we were young, she would make so many different types. She made ones filled with jam (which on her first try exploded and there was jam everywhere), with nuts, and ones with chocolate.

One of her favorites was walnut acorn cookies. They are a delicious, not too sweet cookie that is dipped in chocolate and walnuts. They are perfect for the holiday season. Her recipe came from a reader in Gourmet Magazine years ago. I love Gourmet and have made many wonderful recipes from its pages. Walnut acorn cookies are a Swedish cookie, and this recipe comes from family. G is allergic to walnuts, so one year my Mom begrudgingly made a few with peanuts. She always followed recipes to the letter and was reluctant to make any changes. To her chagrin, they came out delicious. The cookie tastes like it has a hint of peanut butter, and the chocolate is a nice touch.

This Christmas, we will enjoy our Christmas tree, eat some cookies, and think about all that we are lucky to have this year. Happy Holidays!

Peanut Acorn Cookies

An easy Swedish cookie with peanuts and chocolate. You can easily use walnuts or almonds, they would be just as delicious.

Slightly adapted from Gourmet, 2000

Makes about 4 dozen

For Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened (room temperature))
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup finely chopped peanuts (4 oz)

For the decoration

• 8 oz semisweet chocolate (melted)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts (2 oz)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt,
3. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer,  beat the butter, brown sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy.
4. Gently mix in the flour mixture at low speed and then stir in the peanuts.

5. Take about 2 teaspoons of dough and shape into an oval, acorn like cookie. Arrange them 1 inch apart on an un-greased cookie sheet.

6. Bake for 10 minutes until bottom of the cookies are light brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool

7. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Dip about 1/3 of the cookie into the chocolate and then into the chopped peanuts. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to set, about 10-15 minutes.