Spritz Food

SPRITZ

Steps:

• Demo about using cookie press http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=243023.
• Set out the butter so it is at room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, add the vanilla.
• In a different bowl combine flour and baking powder; add this dry mixture to creamed mixture and mix well.
• If you want to add a drop of food coloring, do so.
• Put a portion of dough into the cookie press.
• Shape dough with cookie press. ( When I use the swirlie plate, I like to get some dough onto the cookie sheet with press' feet? down --whatever you call them- LOL-- right on the cookie sheet and then turn the screw gizmo about 3 rotations. The first few usually do not look the best but by about the third one I have it figured out.).
• Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 14-15 minutes. If you use a dark cookie sheet it will take less time.

SPRITZ

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar, add egg yolk, almonds and extracts, beat again, until well blended. I like to beat for a few minutes at this point, . Blend the flour in gently a cup at a time, until the flour is completely incorporated. Be careful not to over mix, as this will toughen the cookies.
• Cool the dough slightly, if it is too warm, but don't chill for long, as the cookie dough will not cooperate with the press if it is too cold!
• Preheat oven to 375, press out the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet. I decorate with colored sugar or candied cherries which I cut into fourths.
• Bake for 7-9 mn. taking care not to brown them.

APEROL SPRITZ

Steps:

• Put a couple of cubes of ice into 2 glasses and add a 50 ml measure of Aperol to each. Divide the prosecco between the glasses and then top up with soda, if you like.

THE BEST SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Thirty minutes or longer before baking, set an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C.
• Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until pale gold. Stir once or twice to ensure even toasting and avoid over-browning. Cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
• Food processor method: In a food processor, process the almonds and sugar until fairly fine. Cut the butter into several pieces and add it with the motor running. Process until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and process until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and pulse in just until blended. Stand Mixer Method: Use a nut grater to grate the almonds powder fine and then whisk them into the flour mixture. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, on medium speed, beat the sugar and butter until fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat for 30 seconds, or until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated.
• Scrape the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and use the outside of the plastic wrap to knead together the dough until it is completely even and soft enough to pipe smoothly.
• Scoop the dough into the pastry bag (or spoon some of the dough into the cookie press and cover the remaining dough). Pipe 7 rosettes or 14 stars about 13⁄4 inches in diameter onto the cookie sheet, no less than 1 inch apart.
• To get the best possible shape for the rosettes, use your fingers to smooth the ends of the rosettes after piping. For the stars, hold the bag in a vertical position (straight up and down) with the toothed edge of the tube just slightly above the cookie sheet. Squeeze the bag firmly without moving it until the shape is as wide as desired, just at the point when the lines in the dough are on the verge of curving. Stop squeezing the tube and push the tube down slightly. Lift the tube straight up and away. Decorate with the glacéed cherries set in the centers, and/or top with sugar sprinkles or dragées.
• Bake for 5 minutes. For even baking, rotate the cookie sheet halfway around. Continue baking for 5 to 7 minutes, or until pale gold.
• Set the cookie sheet on a wire rack and use a pancake turner to lift the cookies onto another wire rack. Cool completely.
• While each batch of cookies is baking, shape the dough for the next batch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 month, or refrigerated or frozen for 6 months.

APEROL SPRITZ

Steps:

• Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice. Add the Aperol, prosecco and sparkling water, and stir twice with a spoon. Serve with an orange slice if desired.