Shortbread sandwich cookies, Mama Ía blog

December 8, 2023

Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Lemon and Coffee filling—and the First Circumnavigation at the IFLTA Conference

Natacha Sanz Caballero Desserts and Sweets, Events & Travel AATSP, Christmas treats, conference, Congreso, dulces de Navidad, first circumnavigation, First voyage around the world, foreign language teachers, galletas, IFLTA, Indianapolis

Christmas is just around the corner, and nothing says Christmas more than Christmas cookies! This is at least the case in this part of the world where I live, where cookie exchange parties are common—and where shortbread sandwich cookies will be on our menu this year. Of course, they will share the dessert trays with chunks of turrón, polvorones in their silky wrappers, cute mazapanes, marzipan figurines, and the always present homemade nanaimo bar. Our three nationalities are always represented at our Christmas table.

Our exhibit table at IFLTA 2023 in Indianapolis

Thanksgiving weekend was the start of it all. After the yearly longed for and always warm gathering with our friends and family around the table, the long weekend allowed us to get started on the Christmas spirit. In a series of (more…)

December 20, 2017

Tiramisu, an Italian Dessert for a very Spanish American Christmas

Natacha Sanz Caballero Desserts and Sweets Christmas, Christmas treats, Italian dessert, Spanish Christmas

It is true that this blog is dedicated to Spanish cuisine in America; it is also true that some dishes have been made on both sides of the Atlantic, and beyond, for many years. Just like sangría is now made in many countries, with different variations on the original Spanish recipe (which you can find here, on this blog), I would think another of those dishes is tiramisu, an Italian dessert that has become, like many others, almost international. I make it often at home, so it has become part of my repertoire of recipes. As Christmas, and the festive days ahead, approach, with many of us hosting family and friends, this is one dessert that will not disappoint, and that can be made in large sheets and refrigerated, ready to feed a crowd. With coffee and some liquor in it, it is a crowd pleaser (and I don’t let the coffee and liquor part stop me from sharing it with my children, ha!)

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December 8, 2016

Chocolate Medallions —and the Nostalgia of Christmas

Natacha Sanz Caballero Desserts and Sweets candy, chocolate, Christmas, Christmas treats, dried fruits, nuts, toppings

If you’re not a baker, or even think you’re not, this is the Christmas dessert for you to make. Medallas de chocolate, chocolate medallions, with a few toppings, will be the talk of the party (don’t they look beautiful?) Nobody will know that they are so easy to make. It only requires some organization, and very few baking skills. In fact, (more…)