Mad About Maida

Mustard and Walnut Cheese Crackers Source:  Maida Heatter's Brand-New Book of Great Cookies (Random House, 1995 ed.) , pg. 229 . These are like cheese straws except maybe better! They are very spicy and intensely flavored. (I used extra-sharp cheddar cheese.) They would be great for appetizers or a party food. (If making these for a large group, you might want to double the recipe). One recipe makes about 48 crackers. 4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup sifted unbleached flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. black or white pepper (finely ground) 1/2 tsp. dry mustard powder 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne 1/2 lb. sharp che ddar cheese   1 T BS. prepared mustard   1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce 6 oz. (ge nerous 1 1/2 cups) walnut halves , chopped   Cut the butter into 1/2 inch slices and let stand at room temperature (it needs to be room temp. when you use it) Sift together the flour, baking powder, pepper, dry mustard and cayenne. Set aside. Cut the ...

Big Sur Chocolate Chip Cookies Source:  Maida Heatter's Cookies (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1997 ed.) , pg. 221 (page 230 of 2011 edition). You've seen those huge cookies that you can get in specialty stores or at fairs and festivals. Well, why not make your own? These cookies are about 6 inches in diameter. You could eat half and save the rest for later or share with a friend. However, th e se are so good that it might be hard to eat just half. 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 6 oz. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened) 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. lemon juice 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 1/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup quick-cooking (not instant) rolled oats 6 oz. (1 1/2 cups) w alnuts, cut or broken into medium-sized p ieces 6 oz. (1 cup) semisweet ch ocolate morsels Makes 12-15 large cookies Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment or foil. Sift to get...