Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. Being based on the lunar calendar, the date changes every year. Also called the Spring Festival, New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Lasting 15 days, it is also the longest public holiday. The celebration starts with the largest annual usage of fireworks on the planet after the tradition family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve.

2019 is the Year of the Pig. That means the new year will express the essential nature of the pig – sturdy, determined, and generous. With pigs being the symbol of wealth in Chinese culture and their chubby faces and big ears being signs of good fortune, 2019 holds the promise of a steady increase in wealth and room for growth.

With these auspicious predictions in mind, a traditional Chinese treat seems to be in order. Our favorite Chinese restaurant by our kids’ high school served almond cookies after the meal. They are a Cantonese specialty and much better than the mass produced fortune cookies which are typically served in American Chinese restaurants. With a delicate almond flavor, some crunch, a bit of chew, and a not too sweet taste, these are wonderful after a meal. (Sidenote: Fortune Cookies are nonexistent in China!)

Chinese Almond Cookies

Chinese Almond Cookies (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Prep Time: 20 minutes,  Bake Time: 15 minutes/batch, Yields: 4 – 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon water

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

Cream the butter & sugar together.

Beat in the egg and extract.

Add the egg & extract to the creamed mixture.

Combine the flours, baking soda, and salt and gradually add them to the creamed mixture.

Add in the dry ingredients.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Shape the dough into balls.

Flatten each ball of dough with a fork. In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and water. Brush the egg over the cookies. Sprinkle them with the almonds.

Flatten the cookies, brush with the egg wash, & sprinkle with the almonds.

Bake the cookies at 325°F for 14-16 minutes or until the edges and bottoms are lightly browned.

The cookies should be just barely browned.

Cool them for 2 minutes before removing them from the pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container.

Gong hei fat choy!

May your Year of the Pig be filled with prosperity & good fortune!  ~Linda

Chinese Almond Cookies (adapted from tasteofhome.com) Prep Time: 20 minutes,  Bake Time: 15 minutes/batch, Yields: 4 – 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon water

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and extract. Combine the flours, baking soda, and salt and gradually add them to the creamed mixture.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball of dough with a fork.

In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and water. Brush the egg over the cookies. Sprinkle them with the almonds. Bake the cookies at 325°F for 14-16 minutes or until the edges and bottoms are lightly browned. Cool them for 2 minutes before removing them from the pans to wire racks to cool completely. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container.