- Salt (balances sweetness, enhances overall taste)
Steps
### How to Make a Classic 1996 Honorable Mention Kourambiedhes Almond Shortbread
Kourambiedhes are traditional Greek almond cookies known for their rich taste and buttery texture. First created in the early 20th century, these cookies have remained a favorite among bakers due to their simplicity and delicious flavor profile. If you're interested in recreating one of the honorable mention entries from 1996, follow this detailed recipe guide.
#### Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (use organic for extra texture)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (finely sifted for better consistency)
- 400 grams sweetened shredded coconut (unsweetened can be substituted if desired)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into small pieces
#### Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cookie cutter in the shape of your choice (commonly round)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare Your Ingredients:**
- Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
3. **Add Coconut and Sugar:**
- Stir in the shredded coconut and granulated sugar until well mixed.
4. **Melt Butter:**
- Place the butter pieces on a baking sheet and melt them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. Ensure it’s just melted, not browned.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
- Once the butter is melted, add it to the flour mixture.
- Mix with your hands or use an electric mixer until you achieve a crumbly dough consistency that holds together when pressed gently but falls apart easily.
6. **Shape Dough:**
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness using your rolling pin.
7. **Cut Cookies:**
- Using the cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. **Bake:**
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
#### Tips for Perfect Kourambiedhes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this will help with dough consistency and texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring you get uniform shaped cookies.
- For an authentic touch, add a pinch of salt to the dough mixture. This balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
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- Kourambiedhes recipe
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- 1996 honorable mention baking
- Traditional cookie making
By following these steps, you can recreate the classic kourambiedhes that were honored in 1996. Enjoy your baking and the delightful taste of these traditional treats!