Sweets – Helua

Harsha Cookies

These are a mix between a cookie and cornbread and are quite tastey especially with a little bit of honey drizzled on top.

Our host mom taught us how to make these.

1/2 cup sugar (or more if you prefer a sweeter cookie)

1/4 cup veggie oil

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/4 tsp. yeast

juice from a small lemon (optional)

juice from a small orange (optional)

2 T. vinegar

3/4 cup water (use only 1/2 cup if you use juice from both the orange and lemon)

2 1/2 – 3 cups fine cornmeal

1 T. baking powder

1/2 cup course cornmeal (for sprinkling on tray and rolling the dough in)

Combine all ingredients except the baking powder and course cornmeal in a bowl. The mixture should have the texture of a paste. Add the baking powder and combine. Allow mixture to sit for 5 – 10 minutes until it thickens and puffs up some.

Meanwhile turn oven to 350 degrees and sprinkle a baking sheet with some course cornmeal. Pour remaining cornmeal into a shallow bowl.

After the mixture has risen some, with your hand gently scoop out a portion of dough about the size of a child’s fist. Roll into a ball and flatten slightly. Roll the ball in the course cornmeal to fully cover and then set on the prepared baking sheet, flattening even more to about half of an inch in thickness. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown. When finished, drizzle one with a little bit of honey and eat!