February 11, 2008

Thumbs-Up

Joanne Chang’s Pecan Thumbprint Jam Cookies Recipe

Kids get their fingers in everything. So we convinced Flour’s Joanne Chang to share her favorite kid-friendly (and hands-on) Valentine’s Day recipe.

Pecan Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Makes two dozen

Ingredients
1 lb. unsalted butter
1½ c. pecans, toasted and ground
¾ c. confectioners’ sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3¼ c. all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. table salt
½ c. raspberry (or other favorite) jam with seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350º.

2. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed (or mix by hand with a wooden spoon) to beat the butter and pecans until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the confectioners’ sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until thoroughly combined.

4. Sift together the flour and salt and slowly add to butter and sugar mixture until the flour is blended and the dough is homogeneous.

6. Roll dough into walnut-size balls and place on a baking sheet about two inches apart.

7. Press thumb into a V shape in the middle of each dough ball.

8. Spoon a teaspoon of jam into the heart-shaped crater.

9. Bake 30-35 minutes until cookies are golden brown.

10. Give yourself a hand.

Available this month at Flour, 1595 Washington Street, South End (617-267-4300); 12 Farnsworth Street, Fort Point Channel (617-338-4333 or flourbakery.com).

This Week in Boston

CELEBRATE
Lunar New Year Celebration
What: Ring in the Year of the Rat and learn about the Asian holiday with art projects, demonstrations, and live performances.
Why: You’ll be over the moon.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Peabody Essex Museum, East India Sq., 161 Essex St., Salem (866-745-1876).

SLITHER
Lizards & Snakes: Alive
What: Living exhibit includes more than 60 scaled reptiles from around the world, interactive stations, and an activity center for children.
Why: It’s hissterical.
When: Sun.-Apr. 27.
Where: Museum of Science, Science Park, O’Brien Hwy., b/t Edward H. Land Blvd. & Storrow Dr. (617-723-2500).

SEE
Dolphins & Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean
What: Jean-Michel Cousteau’s IMAX film explores the world of these sea creatures up close and personal.
Why: Take a dip.
When: Opens Fri. Schedule online at neaq.org.
Where: New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Waterfront (617-973-5200).