There are several important people in my life who turned 60 this year but next Saturday night we are celebrating Norm’s 60th. The kids are coming in, friends are coming over, and together we will light both Chanukkah candles and birthday candles. Norm wanted a party, a big party, surrounded by the people he loves. We have both been busy baking in preparation of the event and tonight I made a batch of these very small cookies for my 60-year-old hubby who has a very big heart. Happy Birthday Norm!
Elka’s Jam Cookies
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 stick butter, room temperature
1 cup flour
Cream sugar and butter till smooth. Add egg yolk and mix well and then add flour. When dough is smooth, place in Saran wrap and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll olive size pieces of the dough and place on cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper. Gently press down on the cookie with a small shot glass. Then take a very small spoon (the size of a baby spoon) and make an indent in the middle of each cookie. Dot with a tiny bit of strawberry jam. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove cookies before they brown. Allow to cool completely on rack. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.
Enjoy,
Irene
Bamitbach 
December 26, 2011 at 9:01 PM
Somehow I missed this last week when you posted it! Elka was my grandmother’s name — I was named after her, and I’m told she was an amazing baker (unlike her namesake).
Keep up all the entertaining stories and delicious recipes!
December 27, 2011 at 8:07 PM
I had no idea. Which grandma??? I am sure it is in there, buried deep. We just have to coax it out.
Thanks Elin!!!!
Love,
Irene
December 27, 2011 at 8:43 PM
My mother’s mother. I think it’s a little late in life to discover my inner baker!
December 21, 2011 at 8:53 AM
who is elka?
have a great hannukah, i will try to make these cookies next time
December 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM
Anna G’s mother-in-law! She said to press on the slightly more than I did and brown them a “tad” more too!
December 20, 2011 at 10:22 AM
I certainly hope that he is always surrounded by the people that he loves and that love him. Given that, I am surprised that you are not holding the event at the Shrine Auditorium or at the coliseum. May you all know only happiness, kindness and love from all that share your lives with you.
Happiest birthday wishes to Norman and the others that are having such a special birthday
December 20, 2011 at 7:46 PM
Thank you so much Estelle. We are most thrilled that our children are all coming to be with us. Happy Channukah!!!
December 19, 2011 at 7:43 PM
these really are delicious yummy channukah cookies…….. I actually made them for the holiday . yummy yummy……… enjoy and don’t eat toooooo many!!!!!!!!
December 19, 2011 at 7:49 PM
The same ones??? Really?? How many batches did you make?
Happy Chanukkah!! We will miss you!