Lemon Clove Cookies

I came across this cookie recipe in Nick Malgieri’s “Cookies Unlimited” book which I found in public library. Last weekend I was at the library looking for some new DVD’s to entertain me during my lazy afternoons, as usual hubby dear was searching some IT books for him. So l happened to go through the nonfiction section and look for books about cooking.OMG it is the motherland of cookbooks! There was a whole aisle full of them. It took me 1 hour to select out 3 books (Cookies Unlimited, 150 Cake Recipes and Sweet Indulgences) from their excellent collections.I’ve always loved going to the library and now that I've discovered their cookbooks, I have no doubt that I will love it even more.Hurry!!!!!go and check it out immediately.

Ok coming to cloves they are actually the dried buds of the clove tree. Used in China for more than 2000 years, cloves are believed to be an aphrodisiac. We do know that clove oil is a time-honored remedy for toothache, and that clove oil is highly antiseptic. The cloves are also used to stop vomiting. My hubby likes clove tea and frequently asks me to prepare for him.These cookies are another way to use the clove in our kitchen.

INGREDIENTS:

All purpose flour – 2cups
Sugar – 1cup
Egg – 1
Ground cloves –1tsp
Lemon extract – 1/2tsp
Butter (melted) – 1/4cup
Baking Soda - 1tsp
Salt

(For Lemon Glaze)

Confectioner’s sugar – 1/2cup
Lemon extract – 1tsp
Water – 3tsp

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In a mixing bowl mix flour, ground cloves and salt together. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and lemon extract; beat until well blended. Gradually add the flour, baking soda and beat until well mixed. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into about 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. Wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Unwrap the cookie dough and cut into desired sizes about 1/4-inch thick using cookie cutter. Sprinkle slices lightly with remaining sugar and place on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned around the edges, about 12 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Lemon Glaze, mix confectioners' sugar, water and lemon extract in small bowl until well blended. Drizzle over cooled cookies (I used a knife). Let stand until glaze is set.

This is my entry for Think Spice : Think Cloves Event hosted by Gretchen and LiveSTRONG Day 2008 event hosted by Barbara.