memories of Scotland... thanks to a Brazil nut

It was Mel's birthday last weekend - and so a weekend away meant that treats were an absolute necessity :0)

When Mel visited me in Scotland we became OBSESSED with chocolate covered brazil nuts (makes you wonder why anyone would waste their time with chocolate covered almonds or peanuts...seriously). So in my Golden Book of Patisserie I found a cookie recipe that brought back memories of those delicious nuts ;0)

This batch makes 3 dozen little bite-size cookies - cute, yummy, and oh so easy to make. And this recipe was all about Melanie. I hope you all enjoy these cookies as well...

Chocolate & Brazil Nut Cookies
ingredients:
1/4 c. butter, room temperature
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp b. powder
2/3 c. brazil nuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 c. white chocolate
1/4 c. dark chocolate

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line two cookie sheets with wax paper.

Beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla using a hand mixer. Th result should be pale and creamy. Add the egg, beating everything until just combined. Lower the speed of the mixer to low and add the flour and b. powder, combine well. Stir in the nuts and chocolate by hand using a wooden spoon.

Now, wet your hands so that they are damp, and roll the mixture into 36 walnut sized balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. (space them a little apart - but they don't really expand while they bake)

Bake them for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Let cool on the cookie sheets for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

these are probably my new favourite cookies.