Holiday Rosettes & Gifts for Bakers

Every year around the holidays, we roll up our sleeves, pull out the flour, and start baking. Last weekend we experimented with making rosettes, one of the Scandinavian treats of my childhood. My mom came from Pennsylvania with her rosette iron, and I bought a new one at The Atlantic Spice Company in Truro. 

Lighter than a funnel cake – a Pennsylvania delicacy – the thin batter is dipped into hot oil with the rosette iron. Once the dough is cooked, it falls off the iron. (Or, you have to get it off without sticking.) We scoop out the lacy shape and dust them with powdered sugar. It takes practice! They are light, crispy, sweet, and delicious.

 Rosettes are common in many countries and cultures, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, and in countries like Turkey, Iran, Tunisia, and Afghanistan. Rosette irons have been around for centuries, and in fact, are a collectible. There are rosette irons in a variety of shapes like hearts, snowflakes, and stars, and a range of sizes. 

Rosette Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Cup milk
1 Cup sifted flour
1 tsp.pure vanilla extract (or lemon extract, brandy, rum or anise)
Topping:
Powdered sugar and cinnamon

Directions:

Beat eggs slightly. Add sugar and salt. Add flour and milk alternately, blending until smooth. Do not overbeat. Stir in vanilla. The batter should be the consistency of pancake batter. For crisper rosettes cover and refrigerate batter approximately 2 hours before frying.

Dip rosette iron into batter, then dip into hot oil Fry and cool as directed. sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Makes approximately 20 cookies.

Gifts for Bakers

Some of these items are on my wish list, others I use all the time and recommend.

Row 1: Martello Chocolate Melting Machine, $164 (This one doesn’t temper the chocolate. Good tempering machines cost around $900!); Callebaut Chocolate chunks, 1 bag $14.95 from King Arthur Baking Co. (I’d prefer a year’s supply!); Classic Thermapen, $83, great for candy-making; Sparkling Crystal Sugar, $8.95, makes everything look pretty!

Row 2: SandSnow Linen quilted potholders from Etsy, $22.46. I prefer cloth over silicone potholders and gloves; Smaller springform pans like this 7” one from William Sonoma, $19.95 (great for a Saturday snack without guilt); Pre-cut parchment rounds save time, like these 9” parchment rounds, 50 for $14.95; Show off baked goods with a beautiful pedestal, like this Marble and Walnut Cake Stand from Food52, $115.

Bottom Row: Cover up your baked goods with these shatterproof glass cloches in a variety of sizes from 8” to 14” with prices from $64-175; I love anything from Heath Ceramics. This Seasonal Winter 2021 Rim Dessert Bowls set is calling my name, $182.

Bakers, start shopping! Happy Holidays from my kitchen to yours.