Cookie Highlight: Huestele

Huestele (pronounced roo-sta-lay) is a traditional Croatian cookie.  It is really a cross between a pastry and a cookie, but my grandmother always called them cookies.  My Mom, sister, and myself get together every December to make them.  Although only incorporating 5 ingredients, they are a true "labor of love".



Ingredients:

6 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons brandy
1/2 cup butter (melted)
2-2 1/2 cups pastry flour

Canola or other vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar

In a blender, combine eggs with sugar.  Beat on high for 5-7 minutes, until they take on a frothy, off-white look.  Add butter, brandy, and 2 cups of flour.  Blend.  Add additional flour until the mixture takes on a dough consistency.

Transfer to a floured board and knead well until smooth.  Take a small baseball size chunk and transfer to floured board.  With a rolling pin, roll until very, very thin.  With a rolling pastry cutter, cut the dough into 1 inch wide strips that are about 6 inches long.  Continue process until you have cut all the dough.

Heat canola oil in a skillet at 375 degrees.  It should be about 2 inches deep in the pan.  Gently add dough strips to oil.  Cook until crispy, about 2 minutes on each side (use tongs to flip them while cooking).  Transfer to a towel, let "dry" for a minute or two; dust with powdered sugar.

To store, line storage containers with wax paper and use wax paper to layer the cookies.