Wednesday, October 23, 2013

HALLOWEEN: LADIES' FINGERS



One of my favorite Halloween treats (other than candy, of course!), is Martha Stewart's Ladies' Fingers.  It took a little while to get past the gruesome look, but once I did I realized how delicious they are!  Stick your ladies' fingers in a platter of dried lentils, and they will look like fingers crawling out of dirt.  Enjoy!

STEP 1:  Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Silpats or parchment paper, and set aside

STEP 2: Place 2 tablespoons of red food coloring in a shallow bowl.  Using a small paintbrush, color the face of 30 blanched almonds.  Set aside to dry.

STEP 3: Separate 1 egg.  Set aside white.  In a small bowl whisk together yolk, remaining egg, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.  Set aside.

STEP 4:  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.  Beat on medium speed until well combined.  Add egg mixture, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.  Add 1-2/3 cups of all-purpose flour, and mix on low speed just until incorporated.  Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.  

STEP 5: Divide the dough in half.  Work with one piece at a time, keeping remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and shilled.  Divide the first half into 15 pieces.  On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes, 3 to 4 inches long.  Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles.  Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife.  Transfer fingers to prepared baking sheets.  Repeat with remaining dough.

STEP 6: When all fingers are formed, brush lightly with egg white.  Position almond nails; push into dough to attach.

STEP 7: Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool completely.  

Recipe and image from Martha Stewart www.marthastewart.com

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