Vera's Nut Pastries
This delicate, melt-in-your mouth pastry was one Vera was so proud to serve. Vera was my mom’s best friend. They went shopping every Wednesday to the malls in Paramus, New Jersey and had lunch. My mom always brought something home for my sister, brother and me. Often she wouldn’t buy herself anything – that is just the way she was. Vera was awesome – in my mind she knew everything about everything. No matter what the project, Vera knew how to do it – she made Martha Stewart look inept. She drove a classic Thunderbird and had a wooden Chris-Craft boat. And she was a classy dark-haired beauty who could wear a bikini well into her 50’s with style & grace. She touched my family’s life so much – a true friend to my mom – a fashion influence for my sister – a skier and outdoorsman for my brother – a great cook and home décor expert for me. She didn’t have any children of her own but always had time for us. Her husband George was a very smart businessman and taught much by his actions. Although no longer with us, the Piensinski’s, George & Vera, will forever have a place in my heart.
Ingredients
Dough
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 2 sticks Butter (at room temperature)
- ½ tsp Salt
- 3 cups Flour
Nut Mixture
- 2 cups Chopped Walnuts
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon
- 4 tbsp Melted Butter
Instructions
Dough
- To make dough place Cream Cheese, Butter, Salt and Flour in mixer. Let dough rest refrigerated for 20-30 minutes before rolling.
Nut Mixture
- In processor pulse Walnuts, Sugar, Cinnamon and Melted Butter until well blended.
Assembly
- Roll dough on lightly floured surface to about ⅛” thick. Cut dough into 2-3” squares. Take a square of dough and turn it on a diamond shape. Place a small teaspoon of nut mixture in center of dough and pinch the side points together.
- Bake in 350℉ oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Lightly dust with confectioners’ sugar to serve.
