Portuguese desserts

by UL
(US)

For me, desserts at weddings are all about traditions and culture. I know a really great Portuguese family, and they have the most awesome desserts. I got really turned onto Lavadores at one of their daughter's weddings that I went to a few years ago. I found a good recipe for these cookies on portuguesecooking.com. This site has a lot of great recipes.

Lavadores (Washboard Cookies)
So called for the horizontal lines made with a fork to resemble the ridges of a washboard. Delicately flavored with lemon, they are perfect with tea or by themselves.

•1/2 cup butter, softened
•1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
•4 eggs
•Grated peel of 1 lemon
•4 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
•1 tablespoon baking powder
1.Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.
2.With medium-high speed of an electric mixer or by hand, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar, about 1 minute. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each, until the batter is fluffy and pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the grated lemon peel.
3.In a medium bowl,whisk together the flour and baking powder, stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly. Using a wooden spoon, fold the flour into the egg batter. Mix well. Gently knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes.
4.Place the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Shape pieces of dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll in the sugar and place on parchment-lined or lightly greased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart. Flatten gently with the tines of a fork to make horizontal lines. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a light golden color.
Makes about 4 1/2 to 5 dozen.