New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND: Afghans

Not entirely sure what the connection is to Afghanistan, but this is apparently a Kiwi fave.

INGREDIENTS:

200 grams butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups unsweetened corn flakes

Icing:

1 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp. water
Optional: 1/4 cup flaked almonds

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Sift together the flour and cocoa powder and mix into butter mixture with a wooden spoon. Fold in cornflakes and don’t worry if they crumble.

Roll or press 1 1/2 teaspoons of the dough into balls and flatten them slightly. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the icing by combining the icing sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and water in a bowl. Mix well until the mixture is free of lumps and of a creamy consistency.

Spoon a little icing on each cookie, and decorate with flaked almonds.