Watching Jeopardy I learnt about the Shakespeare Mas in which brightly dressed Peirrots engage in a battle of wits using only lines from Shakespearean plays. The competitor
without a quick reply earns a playful stroke from his opponent's stick. I assume that should be Pierrots. This takes place in Carriacou in the Caribbean and is part of their festival. which takes place before Lent. That would be absolutely fascinating and I would love to be there. I couldn’t do it any more but I was pretty good at Shakespeare once upon a time.
I posted these cookies for Hallowe’en last year but thought I would do so again, they are such fun.
Broken Finger Cookies
Food Network“Fingernails” made from almonds or banana chips add a realistic touch. But avoid the nuts if allergy is an issue.
Courtesy of Jennifer Low
Yield: 20
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons red cake-decorating sugar
- 20 whole blanched almonds OR 20 pieces banana chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Beat until mixture is no longer “scratchy” sounding against bowl. Beat in egg, vanilla and salt.
- In separate bowl, mix together flour and baking powder (tip for measuring flour: stir flour, spoon into measuring cup, then level).
- Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
- Switch to working in flour mixture with hands when dough gets too stiff to beat.
- Knead into smooth dough. Roll into 3/4-inch thick “ropes”. Break ropes into 3-inch sections. Pat one end smooth. Dip tip of other end of each piece into milk then red sugar.
- Place on lined baking sheet. Pressing in sides of rope to prevent flattening, insert almond or piece of banana chip into rounded end. Repeat process to make 20 fingers.
- Bake on middle rack of oven 17 minutes, or until dough is lightly golden.
Gosh what a young sounding voice you have Jo! You have a similar accent to my grandfather who came from around Bath. Does the radio show increase your blog traffic much? I would imagine it does. The finger cookies are outstanding I must say. We don't do too much for Halloween in Australia. Some kids dress up and knock on our door looking for lollies (Candy Sweets) but not that many. I love it when they do because they look so cute.
ReplyDeleteHm, I replied to this and it has disappeared into cyber space. I think my voice sounds old actually. Your dad probably had a universal English accent.
DeleteWe don't see much of Hallowe'en any more but I used to enjoy seeing what the kids had dressed up as. I enjoyed the parties too.
There are so many cool Halloween food ideas out there now! Kinda makes me wish I was young enough and had a large enough house for a party.
ReplyDeleteI am young enough but don't have the room either. Maybe I will host a dinner party.
DeleteCool, will go listen to you!
ReplyDeleteThose fingers are awesome.
At least I got it working even if I couldn't figure out how to embed it.
DeleteAren't they?
Those fingers are creepy, but a perfect choice - just in time for Halloween. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. You didn't listen to my radio spot?
DeleteYou really need to dig up the photo of Matt in drag.
ReplyDeleteSee what I can do.
DeleteSoothers... Pacifiers?
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed listening to your recordings. Twas good to hear your voice again. Do find that picture of Matt in drag. I must find some way to taunt the man who robbed me of my dwarf tossing title. :)
OK, in the UK they are called dummies.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the MP3s. Even if I find the pic of Matt, I think it is a slide so I will have to get it developed. Not sure I approve of your motive there Mr. Hargett. Poor Matt.
I've seen those broken finger cookies before. Great for Halloween parties.
ReplyDeleteSaw them in green today, they looked pretty good too.
DeleteSo fun, those finger. Muhahaha ...
ReplyDeleteYup, if there were more than hubby and me, I might try making them.
Delete