the rugelach

Rugelach cookies are best known in Eastern Europe but it's roots are Austrian.  In 1793, Austrian bakers created little crescent shaped pastries to celebrate the lifting of the Turkish siege of Vienna.  The crescent shape represented the Ottoman flag . . . the croissant shares the same origins as the Rugelach. 

 The word Rugelach means "little twists" in Yiddish which are a popular treat during Jewish holidays of Shavvot and Hanukkah. 

The dough I used was equal parts cream cheese and butter creamed together.  This made a light, crispy, delicious base for the cookie.  Then filled with cinnamon, sugar, walnuts, and currants, egg washed and rolled in sugar, it was easy to keep popping these little sweat treats into our mouths that by the time we arrived at Easter dinner Dave Mac and I had already eaten a half 

 dozen at least!