Palmiers

I was going to go to a party for Christmas Eve, but came down with a cold so I ended up staying home with my son and daughter in law and we had a lovely quiet dinner. I hadn't thought about making any kind of dessert for them, so I quickly made what I think is the easiest cookie in the world - Palmiers. All they require is some Puff Pastry and Sugar - that's it! They used to be one of my favorite cookies, but I no longer eat Gluten and I still like making cookies for those around me who do. These are buttery, flaky, sugary with just a hint of caramel baked in too. I once loved them right out of the oven when they were still hot and a little bit soft in the middle. They crisp up a lot after they cool down and they are still delicious that way too - especially with a cup of tea.  You've probably seen these in bakeries and you can make them for a lot less. They are so pretty and that's always a good thing, as we also eat with our eyes too!

Palmiers

1 package frozen Puff Pastry, unthawed (2 sheets - I used Pepperidge Farm)

1 1/2 cups of Sugar, divided in half (3/4 cup in each bowl)

Heat oven to 450 degrees. On a large cutting board, sprinkle 1/2 of the sugar from one bowl in about a 12 inch square.  Lay one sheet of Puff Pastry on top of the sugar and sprinkle the rest of the sugar from that bowl evenly on top of the Puff Pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12 inch square. Then, from one side, roll the Puff Pastry to the center and repeat on the other side.  Cut into 1/2 inch pieces and place each cookie on a baking sheet covered with  a Silpat baking liner or parchment paper.  Press down on each cookie slightly to flatten and then take some of the sugar left on the cutting board to sprinkle over the top of each cookie. There will be extra sugar left over - don't worry about it. Just repeat the process with the remaining Puff Pastry Sheet and the additional Sugar.

Bake for 5 - 7 minutes or until the bottom of the cookie is browned and caramelizing, but not too dark. Turn and bake for an additional 5 - 6 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and put onto a wire rack to cool.  

Five Element Analysis

Cookies and all very sweet foods always belong to the Earth Element and there is plenty of sugar in these cookies! The Puff Pastry is made from Wheat Flour which contributes the Wood Element and Butter, which adds the Metal Element. These are best served at the end of a meal where the missing Fire and Water Elements are present. Tea or Coffee add the Fire Element so that's a good addition!