A Feast for Our Lady of Guadeloupe

Her story is told tomorrow but, first, a popular fiesta recipe!

Truth in advertising, you can tell by their perfection that I DID NOT make these cookies. They come from a great article on holiday desserts from around the world at the Fodor’s Travel website.

That are multiple great differences between Our Lady of Guadeloupe and other Virgin Marys you’ll meet. That tomorrow’s story to tell tomorrow on her feast day.

But, for now, this cookie is traditionally part of her feast day and a good one to add to your Christmas repertory. Serve it along with other fine Mexican dishes such as mole, tamales and tortas.

Biscochitos

A traditional Christmas cookie made for Our Lady’s feast day, their fleur-de-lis shape is a symbol for the Virgin. They have a nice boozy flavor. Orange juice is suggested as a substitute, which is nice, too. OR consider splitting the liquid measures in half—1 tablespoon wine, brandy or sherry; 1 tablespoon orange juice.

The recipe is from the Our Lady of Guadeloupe website and calls for serving them with wine or hot chocolate for the kids.

1 cup lard or shortening
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons red wine, brandy or sherry or substitute orange juice
1 teaspoon crushed anise seed
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoons salt (optional)
1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Beat lard or shortening until light and fluffy.  Mix in the sugar, then the egg. Beat in your chosen liquid and the anise seed.  Stir in flour (and salt baking powder if using), adding more liquid as needed to form a soft dough.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into the shape of fleur-de-lis, a symbol for the Virgin Mary. Dip the top side of each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake for 10 or until slightly browned.

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THANKS FOR READING TODAY’S STORY! IN APPRECIATION, HEAD OVER TO MY WEBSITE TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY OF MY NEW BOOKLET, “SOUTHERN COOKING,” BY THE GREAT AMERICAN FICTION WRITER, EUDORA WELTY. TYPE IN YOUR MAILING ADDRESS AND I’LL SEND IT TO YOU RIGHT AWAY. IT ALSO MAKES A GREAT GIFT!