Heritage food: Peffer Nusse (the North Dakota way) also known as Pfefferneuse or Pepper Nuts

 

These cookies are soft and at least larger than a walnut as opposed to the Kansas version which is hard and small like a peanut. They are preferably made after Thanksgiving and placed in a container stored in a cold garage until needed so the flavors can bloom or increase more.  I'll always remember the time I got to make these with my sisters after a very big life change!  Without further adieu...

Ingredients

1/4 c butter
1 c sugar
3/4 c honey
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
2 eggs
1/4 tsp anise
1/4 c strong cold coffee (I use instant expresso)
3/4 tsp baking powder
3-1/2 c flour

Steps

1. Mix butter, sugar, honey and spices. Heat until dissolved. I usually do this in the microwave. Let cool.
2. Sift dry ingredients together.
3. Beat eggs well and add to honey mixture, then add coffee and dry ingredients.
4. Chill for 3 hours or overnight.  This way it's easier to handle.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
6. Cool then roll in powdered sugar or coat by shaking in a container or bag with powdered sugar in it.  

Rhubarb Blueberry Dream Dessert

This is my favorite dessert my mom used to make (without the blueberries and just rhubarb).  Whenever my mom asked if I wanted her to make me something before I came for a visit, this was on the list.  Sometimes it was Cloverdale Summer Sausage.

Looks like I was going to post this 8 years ago.  A lot has changed, but I will still look for this recipe and might try an eggless version.  

Crust
1-1/2 c. flour
7-1/2 T. powdered sugar
3/4 c. butter, room temperature preferred

Whisk together the flour and powdered sugar.  Cut the butter in like a pastry dough.  Press mixture into ungreased 9 x 11 pan.  Bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. 

Topping
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 beaten eggs
2 c. chopped rhubarb
1/2 to 1 c. blueberries

Whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.  Add beaten eggs.  Add fruit and spoon onto crust.  Bake for 35 minutes in a 350-degree oven.