• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Living The Gourmet logo

  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Featured
    • Writings
  • Recipes
  • Wines
  • Interviews
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

The Curse of the Polar Vortex & The Linzer Charm

Jan 7, 2014 · 41 Comments

Once upon a time, there was a young girl who lived in a small cape in a small town.  To the townspeople, she was the Baking Gypsy.  She would travel far and wide, embarking upon dangerous adventures throughout the world, in order to gather rare and wonderful ingredients to bring back home.

People loved her baking and all fell under the spell of her magnificent cakes and cookies (ahem ;))…

Somewhere north of this town- past the snowy lands and foothills, far across the crystal lakes and dense forests of respite, lived the Winter Witch.  She despised the Baking Gypsy…and even from her frozen tundra, she could sense the joy of the mariner’s village.  Their joy and happiness were disrupting the desolate winter spell.

So one night, in the dead of winter, the witch cast a curse upon the town and confined them into a Polar Vortex.  The temperatures dropped to a deadly low and rain came down in torrents, melting the blanket of heavenly snow that cloaked the town, glazing it over in ice.

Soon the joyous scene was now a portrait of the bleak and dreary.

The Winter Witch rejoiced, for now the whole world was under her nefarious spell, and the only thing that could be heard were the echoes of her wicked cackle.

With the town in sorrow, trembling from the cold, the Baking Gypsy knew she had to act quickly before all was lost.  There was still hope.

She tore through her books and scrolls, searching for that spell…the one spell she knew could break this icy trance.

Alas, she found what she was looking for- The Linzer Charm.  With the help of the townspeople, the Baking Gypsy began her work…Double, Double, Toil and Trouble; Fire Burn and Caldron Bubble!

Soon the ice encasing the town began to melt away.  The warm cinnamon and spiced rum tore through the Vortex, and soon shafts of celestial light blazed down and cast away the bitter chill.  The Vortex twisted and warped until it finally gave in and burst into a trillion stars.

The light was so powerful, that the Winter Witch melted and evanesced into the atmosphere, turning to snow.

And so, all the beauty and cheer had been restored in the little mariner’s town…music and laughter filled the snow covered lanes and all lived happily ever after…for now.

Linzer Cookies
(Adapted from Dorie Greenspan for Bon Appetit)

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups slivered almonds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2/3 cups sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 large egg
2 teaspoons dark rum
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup seedless raspberry jam or your preferred jam
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

In a large bowl combine flour, almonds, cinnamon and sea salt.  Set aside.

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until fluffy.  Add egg; beat until well blended.  Beat in rum and vanilla.  Reduce speed to low; and add dry ingredients.  Beat dough just enough to blend, and gently knead if necessary to form a ball.

Divide dough in half.  Place each half between sheets of parchment paper and flatten into a disk.  Chill dough in paper until very firm, at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Working with 1 dough disk at a time, roll out on a floured work surface until 1/8 inches thick.  Cut out cookies using about a 2-inch cookie cutter and transfer to baking sheets.  Repeat with remaining dough. Then, using a smaller cookie cutter, about ½-inch, cut out the cent of half the cookies.

Place the cookie trays in the oven and cook for about 10-12 minute until they are dry and firm to touch.  Cookies will firm up as they cool, so it is important to be precise about this.

Arrange whole cookies flat side up.  Spoon 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of each, dabbing slightly to spread.  Arrange cookies with cutouts flat side down and dust each sandwich cookie with powdered sugar.  

Enjoy and be sure to store in an airtight container at room temp.

 
Yours Truly,
The Baking Gypsy 
—
Linkups:
Totally Tasty Tuesdays
Two Cup Tuesday
Create Link Party
Recipe Sharing Monday
Tweak It Tuesday
The Scoop
Time to Sparkle
Whimsy Wednesday
Wonderful Food Wednesday
Wednesday Whatsits
Four Seasons Blog Hop
Wake Up Wednesday
All Things Pretty
Full Plate Thursday
Thursday Favorite Things
Showcase Your Talent Thursday
Foodie Friends Friday
Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
Foodie Friday
Friday Favorites
Eat. Create Party
Weekend Potluck
Freedom Fridays
Be Inspired
Fabulously Creative Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Fridays Unfolded
Best of the Weekend 

More from my site

  • Comforting Cabbage & Bean SoupComforting Cabbage & Bean Soup
  • Chocolate Brownie M&M’s CookiesChocolate Brownie M&M’s Cookies
  • Gluten Free Hot Cross BunsGluten Free Hot Cross Buns
  • Apple Cinnamon Bundt | #BundtBakersApple Cinnamon Bundt | #BundtBakers
  • Foodie Friends Friday Linky PartyFoodie Friends Friday Linky Party
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Music MondayCreamy Mashed Potatoes & Music Monday
0

Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grace says

    07/01/2014 at 7:38 pm

    I love linzer cookies; that is a great photo and this post was just plain fun!
    Reply
  2. Sandee says

    07/01/2014 at 7:43 pm

    What a lovely story to feature such yummy looking cookies. I loved it Tammy.

    Have a fabulous day. My best to you both. ☺
    Reply
  3. Chatty Crone says

    07/01/2014 at 7:57 pm

    Oh my goodness these bring back memories - my dear mother in law used to make those and they were so good. Not many people cook and bake like this these days. They look so beautiful!
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 1:31 am

      Sandie you're the sweetest! Thank you...I haven't had cookies like this in a while either...I'm a creature of habit- I always end up baking chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin, but I loved mixing it up a bit and going for some of the lost classics. Glad to hear you enjoyed it too!

      xo
      Reply
  4. Linda A. Thompson-Ditch says

    07/01/2014 at 8:08 pm

    I've always wanted to make these cookies. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Reply
  5. Linda A. Thompson-Ditch says

    07/01/2014 at 8:10 pm

    Oh, and I thought the story was great fun, too!
    Reply
  6. Pam says

    07/01/2014 at 8:59 pm

    I always love a good story and Linzer cookies to go with it. Way to go, Baking Gypsy!
    Reply
  7. David says

    07/01/2014 at 9:12 pm

    Tammy, Your linzer cookies look great! They are definitely comfort food... Nevertheless, I'll take the relatively mild weather here in East Tennessee over the cold weather and delicious cookies. By Sunday, we should be in the 60s. Only a trace to a 1/2 inch of snow so far this winter. Thanks for reminding me of these great cookies and providing the recipe...haven't had any since we moved here from the upper midwest in 2009. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 1:29 am

      Dave it's always a pleasure hearing from you! Thank you so much. ...There really is no telling when this cold spell will pass, but personally I'm ok with being stuck inside and baking away the winter blues! ^_^
      Reply
  8. HOOTIN ANNI says

    07/01/2014 at 9:34 pm

    What a fantastic post...reading the lore of the Linzer Cookie and then...having the actual tasty treats to sample at the end!! You're magical today!!! And, with these a friend for life!! Yum.

    PS...I too loved Peter Sellers movies. My favorite was Death by Murder...'same wing as Wang' cracked me up.
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 1:27 am

      Why thank you Hootin Anni! :D :D

      I loove Peter Sellers...I recently just saw him in The Party & Dr. Strangelove...he is just the greatest!
      Reply
  9. ~~louise~~ says

    07/01/2014 at 9:55 pm

    Just the story I needed to brighten my day, Tammy. I just got off the phone with my sister on Long Island, she sure could use the Baking Gypsy in Islip! Of course she would also welcome these delectable Linzer Cookies too. Thank you so much for sharing, Tammy...Hi to Mom, stay warm...
    Reply
  10. Kim G. says

    07/01/2014 at 10:19 pm

    Love this tale as well as the cookies, looks perfect!
    Reply
  11. Blondee says

    07/01/2014 at 10:27 pm

    I loved your story!! You put a lovely spin on miserably winter weather. Divine cookies!!
    Reply
  12. Chiara Giglio says

    07/01/2014 at 10:35 pm

    lovely cookies Tammy, perfect for tea time ! Have a great week, a hug...
    Reply
  13. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says

    07/01/2014 at 10:46 pm

    Tammy, what a great post! I loved your story, and the cookies look great, too!
    Reply
  14. La cucina di Molly says

    07/01/2014 at 10:54 pm

    Bella la storia e deliziosi e biscotti, bravissima! Un abbraccio e felice 2014, Molly!
    Reply
  15. La cucina di Molly says

    07/01/2014 at 10:59 pm

    Bella la storia e deliziosi i biscotti, complimenti! Un abbraccio e felice 2014, Molly!
    Reply
  16. Zainab Mansaray says

    07/01/2014 at 11:24 pm

    Love love the story Tammy!! And of course the cookies ;)
    Reply
  17. Nee says

    07/01/2014 at 11:33 pm

    Hi Tammy , a wonderful story and the cookies looks delicious , thanks for sharing :)
    Reply
  18. Carol Z says

    07/01/2014 at 11:45 pm

    Great post! I made cookies this afternoon, too, and the scent of baking and the warm oven melted the Vortex for me, too.
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 1:26 am

      Aren't cookies magical, Carol? ;) Thank you so much for stopping by. :)
      Reply
  19. Mary Frances McNellis says

    08/01/2014 at 1:20 am

    What a fun post! All cookies need a story now! These look so good and I really, really enjoyed this post! Double thumbs up, Baking Gypsy! ;)
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 1:32 am

      Hehe thank you Mary Frances!!! ;D


      Reply
  20. Jasline @ Foodie Baker says

    08/01/2014 at 2:07 am

    Your linzer cookies look really good and delicious!
    Reply
  21. Katherines Corner says

    08/01/2014 at 2:59 am

    Oh my goodness, this is fabulous!!!!I I read every word and smiled all of the way through. A wonderful cookie story my friend. Yummy recipe too xo
    Reply
  22. Rebecca Subbiah says

    08/01/2014 at 3:46 am

    fun post and hope it warms up after the cookies charm
    Reply
  23. Elzbieta Hester says

    08/01/2014 at 12:43 pm

    Nice story! Love these cookies with almonds. I would fill them with raspberry jam as well :) ela
    Reply
  24. From the Kitchen says

    08/01/2014 at 3:33 pm

    Oh how I love your story and the look of your linzer cookies. When life puts us into a Polar Vortex, it's time to bake.

    Best,
    Bonnie
    Reply
  25. Dottie says

    08/01/2014 at 4:35 pm

    Dear Baking Gypsy, Great story! You should think of making your story into a childrens book, with the recipe. That would be fabulous...You are not only a fabulous baker, photographer, but also a fun writer. Very good descriptive words...I wanted to hear more...but those cookies are amazing. I think if I had to choose that would be my favorite cookie of all time. Very flavorful and love the jam. Thanks for sharing....Baking Gypsy come back someday with another story and recipe....Blessings, Dottie :)
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 8:00 pm

      Dottie you're a sweetheart and your words of encouragement mean so much. This was just what I needed to read. Thank you for your support and love. God bless!

      xo
      Reply
  26. RAJIV SANKARAPILLAI says

    08/01/2014 at 4:37 pm

    Beautiful story !
    Delicious looking cookies, yummy !
    Thanks
    Rajiv
    www.magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com
    www.magicalpresent.blogspot.com
    Reply
  27. Liz Berg says

    08/01/2014 at 7:10 pm

    I recognize a beautiful Tammy post when I see one! Great story...and fabulous recipe!!! xo
    Reply
    • Tammy says

      08/01/2014 at 8:01 pm

      ;) hehehe Thank you for coming Lizzy!!! It's always a treat to hear from you :)

      xoxoxoxoxoxo
      Reply
  28. Sandee says

    08/01/2014 at 9:48 pm

    Thanks for visiting me Tammy. It was awfully nice of you. Nice like your wonderful mother.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺
    Reply
  29. debbie says

    08/01/2014 at 11:02 pm

    Oh wow......linzer cookies and rainbow cookie are my favorites. This is one great recipe and a gorgeous cookie!
    Reply
  30. bj says

    09/01/2014 at 11:44 pm

    OMY....a very favorite. These are so pretty.
    Here from Showcase.....
    Reply
  31. Reeni says

    10/01/2014 at 1:58 am

    I LOVE the story Tammy! So magical! I was thinking you should make it into a book too. I love linzer cookies - they look absolutely delicious! This is one of my favorite posts ever. xoxo
    Reply
  32. Adelina Priddis says

    10/01/2014 at 9:27 pm

    Oh my gosh, I love the story! The cookies look absolutely delicious too.
    Reply
  33. Miz Helen says

    11/01/2014 at 5:37 pm

    What a wonderful post and your photo of the snow is just beautiful. I love your cookies they look delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
    Miz Helen
    Reply
  34. Diane Balch says

    17/01/2014 at 1:20 pm

    Your recipe is being featured today on foodie friday. Stop by and get your button. I will be pinning and tweeting it this week.
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to LTG

The heart of our home lies within the kitchen. For us, it is so much more than a place where meals are created; it is where memories are made over meals that are meant to be shared. It was from this belief that Living the Gourmet was born. Read More...

Looking for Something?

Subscribe to the LTG Newsletter

Find Your Influence

Copyright © 2021 · Cravings Pro

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Living The Gourmet
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.