Nana's Italian Love Knots

 Italian Love Knots

Ingredients:

For the Cookies

3 Cups Flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tbl baking powder

1 stick butter

1/2 Cup sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Icing:

1 1/2 Cups powdered sugar

4-5 tbl milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and give a spray of Pam.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and soda.  Set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. 

With the mixer on low add 1/2 cup of flour mixture at a time.  Scraping the sides until your dough forms. 

Using a small scoop or tablespoon, for uniformity, make balls of dough.  Roll them into fat ropes, then holding one end in each hand, place one end over the other and press slightly to adhere, forming a "knot"

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and slightly golden.  Leave them to cool while you make the icing. 

Whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth.  Icing should be runny.  Dip tops of cookies into icing and decorate with colored nonpareils.  Let dry and store....or consume immediately.  

*Remember these cookies are traditionally made with anise*

My Grandmother Natalie, an amazing woman and cook, has left us at the ripe, old age of 98.  A skilled chef and baker, she made Italian Love Knots for special occasions, and for her favorite reason, no reason at all. 

 I have these images of her hands; ensconced in dough, covered in oil, delicately holding a small canister of sprinkles or sprinkling talcum on a baby's back, folding tea towels and caressing her rosaries. 

 I loved my Nana and everyone loved her.  

Not just for her cooking but for her kindness.  My Nana had an unparalled hospitality.  

So welcoming and warm that godchildren, cousins, grandchildren, second cousins, uncles, third cousins removed, widows, friends, co-workers, and supposed black sheep flooded the funeral parlor.  I wasn't shocked because she was so loved, but upon reflection, I realized that all these people felt the same maternal love and loss that I felt, as she held everyone in the bosum of her heart.  A cup of coffee and a talk with a few meatballs poked from her always simmering pot of sauce, made EVERYONE feel like she was their Nana.  That is why I chose to share her most treasured recipe.  So, make a batch for your family and invite them for a chat, and of course my sweetest and most heartfelt condolences to all of you, her family.