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Alfajor Dessert - History and Recipe

Of course! I can help you with that. I’ll be your guide through the world of Alfajores, a delicious treat with a rich history.

The Alfajor, a beloved confection, has a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle East, where the Moors brought the cookie-like treat to Spain during their occupation. The Arabs who invaded Andalusia between 700 and 1,400 A.C. introduced the “al-hasú,” a precursor to the Alfajor, to Spanish cuisine.

The Spanish embraced the Alfajor, adapting it to their own tastes and traditions. They incorporated it into their cuisine in the 17th century, and it eventually spread to Latin America with the Spanish conquistadors.

Today, the Alfajor is a cherished dessert in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and the Philippines, among other countries. It’s a symbol of cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring power of culinary traditions.

Preparation of Alfajores:

The Alfajor is typically made with flour, honey, and nuts. The dough is rolled out and cut into shapes, often round or rectangular, and baked until golden brown. The baked cookies are then filled with a variety of fillings, including dulce de leche, chocolate, or fruit jams.

Here’s a basic recipe for Alfajores:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Dulce de leche, for filling

Instructions:

  1. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Roll out each half of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  9. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
  10. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. Let the cookies cool completely before filling.
  13. Spread dulce de leche on one cookie and top with another cookie.

Enjoy your homemade Alfajores!

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