Cuban Food Recipe: Torticas de Maron

(Cuban Sugar Cookies)

Glenn Lindgren: Have you ever had REAL Cuban sugar cookies?

Jorge Castillo:This recipe is easy to make and VERY authentic.

Glenn Lindgren: The lime juice and REAL vanilla extract are key ingredients. They give these cookies that special tropical taste.

Jorge Castillo:Fire up the oven and make a batch tonight!

1 1/2 cups shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 egg yolks

1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

4 1/2 cups flour (more or less)

2 egg whites beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Cream shortening and sugar with an electric mixer. Add salt and egg yolk, blend. Add lime juice and vanilla. Continue beating and add flour gradually until the mixture is stiff, but not too dry. Mix well.

Roll the dough into a cylinder about 2 inches in diameter. Slice the cookies about 1/2-inch thick. Place on greased cookie sheet. Brush cookies with beaten egg white. Bake about 25 minutes or until lightly browned.