Breakfast Cookies

I enjoy just a little something uncomplicated and euro-like with coffee first thing in the day.  

I don't like sweet cookies in the morning. These however, are a satisfying shortbread style cookies. 

Preheat oven to 325

Mix these item together with a fork in the bottom of a glass 8 x 8" pan.

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


Add

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

With a sandwich baggie over the hand, press the dough evenly.  Using a sharp knife, score through the dough into squares.  

Bake just until the dough is set and beginning to color, about 25-30 minutes.

Let cool a few moments, then retrace the scored lines with the tip of the knife while still warm.  Cool.  With a fork gently slide the flat side under and remove each one carefully.  

Ancho Chili Sauce

This is my favorite rich and delicious mexican, red sauce that can be used to make Pozole, Mole, or is great the way it is on tacos or topped on eggs etc. 

Break-open and shake out the majority of seeds from 4-6 dried Ancho Chilies

Break them up into pieces in a small bowl

Pour 1 to 2 cups boiling water over
Cover the bowl with a small plate to soften and steam, about 15 minutes

Place in a blender or food processor
the softened pieces and some of the water
a tablespoon of chopped garlic
2-3 tablespoons oil (I use olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
pinch of sugar


Blend well, eventually adding all the water,
Adjust salt and sugar for taste, and serve or store in the refrigerator


Note:
Use any remaining Ancho Chilli Sauce for Huevos Rojo (eggs with red sauce) adjust it's thickness with water, add salt.  

Or Huevos Rancheros by adding 1 large tomato to the blender or adding a chopped, large tomato to the sauce, or even a can of tomato puree or sauce.  Adjust salt to taste for any changes made.  

This is also a base for the desirable and hard to come by Mole Sauce, add cocoa powder and...