I found some rose petal 'confiture' (French for jam or preserves) at our local Greek shopping centre. In celebration of the beautiful taste and perfume, I decided to make these wonderful tasting Pistachio-Rose Thumbprint Cookies which I have adapted from Pichet Ong's lovely book "The Sweet Spot - Asian-Inspired Desserts". The recipe makes 36 cookies.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups (180 gm) all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 cup (120gm) unsalted pistachios, shelled
3/4 cup (170gm) unsalted butter
4 oz (115g) cream cheese
2 tablespoons grated fresh orange zest
3/4 (160gm) cup castor (confectioners) sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
3 -4 tablespoons rose petal jam
Instructions:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together then set aside. Grind the pistachio nuts and castor sugar in a food processor until finely ground but not oily.
In a large bowl, cream ground pistachios and sugar with butter, cream cheese, orange zest, and salt until light and fluffy (or in mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed , about 5 minutes). Mix in the egg and orange juice (use a medium speed if using a mixer) then add flour mixture in 2 parts (turn the mixer speed to low). Mix just until the flour is combined.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
This makes a very sticky dough so you will have to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using it. Flour your hands and form the dough into 2.5 cm (1 inch) balls. Place the balls 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets. Chill in the refrigerator again for at least another 30 minutes prior to baking, uncovered, or until firm.
Either using your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon, make 1/2 inch deep indentations in center of each dough ball. Fill each thumbprint with approximately 1/4 teaspoon of the jam.
Bake at 175'C (350'F) for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a rack. They can be stored in airtight container for up to 2 days.
