Foodie

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Yin-Yang Cookie








Originating in the early Han dynasty, around the time of the birth of Christ, yin and yang are two opposing yet complementary principles or forces such as light (yang) and dark (yin), or wealth and poverty. The shape of the black-and-white symbol that in Chinese philosophy represents the understanding of how the universe works. To me, when i think of yin-yang , it is balance and harmony and what better way to honor the new year than with harmony and balance in our universe. So, instead of wishing for prosperity, i will serve all my friends, yin-yang cookies and wish them harmony and balance. YIN-YANG, -YIN-YANG

Ingredients:


Vanilla Dough

2 1/2 cups(12 1/2 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (5 1/2 oz)superfine sugar(process granulated sugar until superfine)
1/4 tsp salt
16 tbsp(2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, softened but still cool
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda


Cocoa Dough

2 cups(10 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(2 1/2 oz0 cocoa
3/4 cup (5 1/2 oz)superfine sugar(process granulated sugar until superfine)
1/4 tsp salt
16 tbsp(2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, softened but still cool
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 tsp baking soda


Decoration:

Black and White sesame seeds



Method:


For the vanilla dough:


In the bowl of a standing mixer or with a handheld mixer, mix the flour, sugar, and salt at low speed until combined.


With the mixer running on low, add the butter 1 piece at a time; continue to mix until the mixture looks crumbly and slightly wet. Add vanilla and cream cheese and mix on low until the dough just begins to form large clumps.


Knead the dough by hand in the bowl for 2 to 3 turns to form a large, cohesive mass. Turn the dough out onto a work surface; divide it into 6 equal parts and roll into a 1 inch log. Let dough rest in fridge for at least 30 minutes.



Cocoa Dough


Follow the same method for Vanilla Dough


To make Yin Yang Cookies

Throughout the process it’s best to work with the vanilla (the yang) dough first to keep it free of chocolate (the yin) flecks.


Imagine a 3-D apostrophe when shaping each dough log into its half of the cookie — that’s what a cross section should look like..
To create the shape, slice the log into half horizontally then use the handle of a wooden spoon to tip slightly off center on the log making a depression along the length of the log. Then gently flatten the smaller side and round up the bigger side.

The two logs fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and you solidify the connection by smoothing the seams and rolling them together. Put in the fridge for 30 minutes and then slice into 1/4 inch thick cookies.
Dab a little egg white on the spot where the sesame seeds should be.
Bake at 375 f preheated oven for 8 - 10 minutes




Serves

18 comments:

Juyee Teo said...

Auntie Lily - your gongfu is so good to make such a beautiful biscuit. I will go away and think about this and perhaps make a shortbread with the same yin yang idea. You are so clever.

BTW I have started a new blog and I have used your name in vain there. Do visit when you have time.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/zhangruyi/food/

May I wish you a wonderful New Year and may the year of the rat bring you many many happiness and more grand children.

Little Corner of Mine said...

Nicely shaped! Can't wait to try your Yin-Yang cookie. :)

Anonymous said...

Lily,

What beautiful cookie creation! Great job!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy & Healthy 2008!

Brilynn said...

I've made something similar before but mine never turn out so perfectly shaped! Well done!

slowfoodstl said...

These are delightful. I have been invited to a New Year's dinner and was perplexed as to what to bring. Perfect. As an aside I just bought 2 books on Taoism today!
Beki

jadepearl said...

This is so creative! :)
Have a wonderful reunion dinner! :)

hoangtam/tt said...

happy new year lily!

Florence said...

Lily,
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Happy New Year

East Meets West Kitchen said...

That looks so good, I can't wait to try this recipe!
HONG HEI FATT CHOY to you and you lovely family!

Little Corner of Mine said...

Wishing you & family:

Xin Nian Kuai Le!
Sheng Ti Jian Kang!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your Yee Sang Recipe. I googled it, and your's was up there first!

It worked! I had to improvise abit cause I couldn't find everything, but it was a really good guide. Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

rokh said...

very cool looking cookie. gong xi fa cai!

Anonymous said...

i came across ur blog and really loved it!!! i am a malaysian student studyiing in uk and for the 1st time of my life have to cook to save myself frm starvation, hence ur extensive use of microwave in ur receipe is just right for me=)might try ur pineapple tart receipe coz my frens are craving for them

happy cny!!

daphne said...

Happy CNY!

What a good looking cookie! Nice!

ICook4Fun said...

Lily, thank you for dropping by to my blog. I just notice you comment on my angku kueh. Wishing you and your family Gong Hei Fatt choy.

hoangtam/tt said...

Hi lily, I have something for you ;)

http://pwmf.blogspot.com/2008/02/friendship-ball.html

Anonymous said...

love it ...love it! A beautifully made cookie! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Great looking cookie,will try later this week.Thanks.still cant figure out how to fuse them together.

TRIPLE AAA

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