Panellets (Catalan All-Saints Cookies)

These fabulous 'cookies' come out around the middle of October and are traditionally eaten on All-Saints Day (November 1) in Catalonia, Spain. The traditional ones are made with pine nuts, but you can also find them with almond or coconut.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 250 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• 2 ½ cups white sugar
• 2 egg whites, beaten
• ¾ cup pine nuts
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• ⅓ pound potatoes, cubed
• 3 ½ cups ground almonds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the potatoes in a small saucepan; cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender; drain. Mash the potatoes with a fork. Allow to cool.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly butter a baking sheet.

Step 3

Combine the cooled potatoes and almonds. Slowly add the sugar while stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir in the lemon zest; continue mixing with your hands. Form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the pine nuts; brush with egg yolk. Form each ball into a crescent shape. Cover each cookie with cornstarch and then brush with egg white. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes.