Asiago Cornmeal Cookies 🍪
🔍 What is it?
Asiago Cornmeal Cookies are a delightful and savory twist on traditional sweet cookies. These savory cookies combine the nutty flavor of Asiago cheese with the crunch of cornmeal, resulting in a unique and satisfying treat.
📜 History:
The exact origin of Asiago Cornmeal Cookies is not well-documented, but they likely originated as a modern interpretation of traditional Italian recipes that use Asiago cheese, which is a cheese variety hailing from the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region of Italy. Combining this rich, nutty cheese with cornmeal creates a savory cookie that’s perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
🧀 Components:
- Asiago Cheese: The star ingredient, Asiago cheese adds a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor to the cookies.
- Cornmeal: Coarse or fine cornmeal adds texture and a slightly sweet corn flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cookie’s crumbly texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to bind the ingredients together.
- Herbs and Spices: You can enhance the flavor with ingredients like fresh rosemary, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise a bit.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Gather your Ingredients: You’ll need grated Asiago cheese, cornmeal, butter, flour, your choice of herbs or spices, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if your cheese is not very salty.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and your chosen herbs and spices. Stir them well.
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Add the Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add the Asiago Cheese: Stir in the grated Asiago cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Form the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to flatten each cookie slightly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
⏰ Preparation Time:
The time required to prepare Asiago Cornmeal Cookies will vary, but you can generally expect it to take around 30-40 minutes, including preparation and baking time. These savory cookies are relatively quick to make, making them a great choice for a last-minute appetizer or snack.
Enjoy these savory treats with a nice glass of wine or as a unique addition to your next cheese platter. 🍷🧀🍪😊
Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asiago Cornmeal Cookies:
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Serving Size: The nutritional values will vary depending on the size of each cookie, but we’ll base this on a standard-sized cookie.
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Calories: Around 60-80 calories per cookie.
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Fat: Approximately 4-6 grams per cookie, primarily from butter and cheese.
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Saturated Fat: About 2-3 grams per cookie, mainly from the butter and Asiago cheese.
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Cholesterol: Around 10-15 milligrams per cookie due to the cheese and butter.
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Sodium: These cookies can be quite salty, with approximately 50-80 milligrams of sodium per cookie. The actual amount may vary based on the salt content of your cheese.
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Carbohydrates: Roughly 5-8 grams per cookie, with a portion of this coming from cornmeal and flour.
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Fiber: These cookies are not particularly high in fiber, providing about 0.5 grams per cookie.
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Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams per cookie, primarily from the Asiago cheese.
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Sugar: Very little sugar, typically less than 1 gram per cookie.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Asiago cheese provides some calcium and other essential nutrients, but these cookies are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.
🩺 Health Information:
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Moderation: Asiago Cornmeal Cookies are delicious but should be consumed in moderation due to their relatively high fat and calorie content.
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Sodium Content: Keep an eye on your sodium intake, as the saltiness can vary based on the cheese used. High sodium intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure.
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Calcium: On a positive note, these cookies offer some calcium thanks to the Asiago cheese, which is good for bone health.
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Balanced Diet: Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Pair them with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized advice. 🍪🧀👩⚕️
