πͺ Almond and Apricot Sables πͺ
What is it?
Almond and Apricot Sables are delightful French shortbread cookies that are both buttery and crumbly. These cookies are named “sables” after the French word for “sand,” which refers to their sandy texture. They are known for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality and are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
History:
Sables have been part of French baking traditions for centuries. The term “sables” was first used in the early 20th century by French pastry chef Pierre HermΓ©. However, shortbread-like cookies have been made in France for much longer, with recipes dating back to medieval times.
Components:
- Butter: The primary ingredient, providing richness and flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to give the cookies structure.
- Almonds: Ground almonds or almond meal add a nutty flavor and texture.
- Apricot Jam: Adds sweetness and a fruity twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and a tender texture.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Flavorings:
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of ground almonds.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
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Shape the Cookies:
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten each ball into a round cookie shape.
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Make an Indentation:
- Use your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
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Fill with Apricot Jam:
- Spoon a small amount of apricot jam into the indentation of each cookie.
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Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
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Enjoy:
- Once cooled, these delicious Almond and Apricot Sables are ready to enjoy!
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking: 12-15 minutes
- Cooling: Varies, but around 30 minutes
So, in total, you can have these delightful cookies ready to enjoy in about 1 hour, including preparation, baking, and cooling time. ππͺπ©βπ³
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond and Apricot Sables (per serving, approximately 1 cookie):
- Calories: Around 100-120 calories
- Total Fat: 6-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 milligrams
- Sodium: 40-50 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 11-13 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation: While Almond and Apricot Sables are delicious, they are also relatively high in calories and saturated fat due to the butter. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat.
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Nutrient Content: These cookies provide a small amount of protein and some fat. Almonds contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as it’s easy to consume several cookies in one sitting. Keep track of your intake to manage calorie and sugar consumption.
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Added Sugar: The apricot jam adds sweetness to the cookies. Be aware of added sugars in your diet and try to balance them with healthier food choices.
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Allergen Alert: These cookies contain almonds, which are tree nuts. If you have nut allergies, be cautious or consider alternatives.
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Enjoy Mindfully: When enjoying these cookies, savor the flavor and texture, and pair them with a hot beverage like tea or coffee for a delightful experience.
Remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, so it’s essential to check packaging or calculate values based on your exact ingredients and serving sizes.
