the 34 cookies of Christmas: day 22

Day 22 of the 34 cookies of Christmas 2006 focuses on the first of two tiny "cup" cookies... This cookie, made in a tiny muffin cup, combines a dense and flaky cream cheese based dough, with a deliciously gooey caramel pecan filling flavored with fresh Madagascar vanilla bean. The end result is the flavor of a slice of pecan pie, condensed into a bite-sized morsel. These cookies are based upon one we enjoyed while growing up, lovingly referred to around the extended family dinner table as 'nut cups..." Of course, here at orenji catering, we have since put our own twist on this traditional recipe, adding the caramelized sugar and vanilla infusion, and slightly increasing the richness of the crust. Even though they have been modified, these little culinary gems will always remind us of the warmth and delicious smell of holiday baking while growing up!