Mike’s Hot Spicy Food Recipes

Lime, black pepper cookies

A delicious combination that balances sweetness, zest Lime and black pepper cookies

Yes -- a hint of spice can make even the homiest of desserts -- shortbreads, brownies, even a simple sugar cookie -- taste fresh and new.

But how do you go about finding that perfect note without having it turn out gimmicky or weird? The first step is thinking about what ingredients naturally complement each other in savory dishes.

For instance, lime and black pepper is a common combination for seasoning fish or poultry, so it might work well in a dessert too.

Lime and black pepper cookies

Total time: 45 minutes, plus chilling time

Servings: Makes about 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 cups (8.5 ounces) flour
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 5 limes)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Confectioner's sugar, for dusting the finished cookies
• Black pepper, to garnish (optional)

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the milk, vanilla and egg, and beat over low speed just to incorporate.

2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, lime zest, baking powder, pepper and salt, breaking up any lumps.

3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

4. Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log shape about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

5. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the dough log and slice crosswise into cookies one-fourth inch thick. Place the cookies on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake until a light golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Remove the cookies and cool on a rack. Dust the cooled cookies lightly with confectioner's sugar (and black pepper, if using).

Nutrition information:

Each of 48 cookies: 54 calories; 1 gram protein; 8 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 2 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 10 mg. cholesterol; 4 grams sugar; 29 mg. sodium.