~Coated Nuts~ This recipe makes an excellent hostess gift!

I thought I would share with you a few pictures from my hometown of 

Bethlehem, PA

It is known as the Christmas City, USA.   Founded by the Moravians in 1741 it has become a very quaint and artsy community.   Rich in its Moravian History, they have embraced it as you will see with some of the photos here of the Central Moravian Church.   Moravian College is one of the oldest colleges in the USA founded in 1742.

The largest employer Bethlehem Steel shuttered its doors years ago and in its closing left huge empty industrial buildings.   Eye sores to some.   Due to the art and education influence

ArtsQuest

was founded and has created a wonderful art and education center on the grounds on the former Bethlehem Steel.   It is best known for its free 10 day music festival Musikfest

held each year in August.

Central Moravian Church on Main Street

Central Moravian Church and part of Moravian College on the right.

To the left of the Church is the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continually running book shop in the world !

Horse and Buggy Rides during the holiday on Main Street

Main Street during the holiday season  

I guess you can tell, that I am proud of my hometown.  I am very fortunate, that even though I live in New Jersey,  I am only 30 minutes away from Bethlehem.

Okay now that I bored you to death with the brief history of Bethlehem, here is my recipe for today!

Coated Nuts

Beat one egg white with 1 tablespoon water until foamy. 

 Mix in 1 pound of pecans or walnuts in the egg white  mixture, completely coating the nuts (or 2 pounds of peanuts, or a combo)

  In another bowl combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.  

 Combine nuts and sugar mixture.

  Spread on rimmed baking sheet and bake at 250 for 1 hour. 

 Stir every 15 minutes.  

 Cool in pan

**Hungarian Pastry **

As a child I remember my Hungarian Grandmother and Aunt making this for the holidays.  This is done in layers.  There is a bit of work involved, but so worth it.   Use any flavor fruit preserve that you and your family likes.

HUNGARIAN PASTRY

1 cup soft butter

1 cake of yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 cup lukewarm milk

6 eggs - separate all

3 cups flour

2 cups fruit preserves

1 pound finely chopped walnuts

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Dilute the yeast in the sugar and warm milk and stir until dissolved.

Stir in egg yolks and butter.   Add flour to form a soft sticky dough.  Divide the dough into 3 balls.

Roll out 1 ball and place in a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.   Sprinkle 1 cup of the walnuts over the layer of dough.  Roll out the second layer and place on top of the walnuts.   Top with the 2 cups of preserves and then another cup of the walnuts.   Roll out third layer and place on top of walnuts again.   Press the edges together and set aside in a warm place to rise 1 hour.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  

While baking, beat your egg whites until soft peaks form.  Spread on top, finish with more walnuts.

Bake additional 15 minutes.

ENJOY !!

Christmas Cookies ~ Hazelnut Balls ~

Today's recipe is one that practically melts in your mouth.  These are easy to make and you can substitute Walnuts for the Hazelnuts.  They are flaky, light and crunchy.

Hazelnut Balls

1 cup flour

1/2 cup margarine

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

2 Tablespoons sugar

1/8 Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients and mix well.   Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.  Form into 1 inch balls or crescents.   Bake on un greased cookie sheet.

Preheated 350 oven for 15-20 minutes.

When ready to serve, take a baggie of Confectioners sugar and drop the cookies in for a light coating.

ENJOY !!