Expert: Elyse Grau - 2/9/2009

Question
Hi Elyse,

I am trying a cookie recipe that requires me to grind 1/2 c. almonds, 1/2 c. hazelnuts and 1/2 c. flour in a food processor until finely textured but not powdered. I then have to add 1.5 c. flour, 3/4 c. granulated sugar, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp cloves and pulse to combine. Then I add about 14 tblsp. of cubed chilled butter and pulse again.

My question is: Can I use a blender instead?!

Thank you very much!
Marta  

Answer
Marta:
You can use a blender to grind the nuts, but I would finish the recipe by hand. You can also grind the nuts in a spice/coffee grinder.

You will probably need to grind only 1/2 c or less at a time, and watch that you don't over-grind, or you will end up with nut butter! Grinding it with a bit of flour or sugar will help avoid this.

Elyse