Cardamom Currant Snickerdoodles. Snicker what? Yes, a delicious, elegant yet comforting, Fall cookie.
I went a little berserk on the photography... trying new things...
Cardamom Currant Snickerdoodles, Gut Instincts, and The Business of ABBA
Originally Published November 17, 2021
Almost everyone I know is going through a season of transition. Whether it be a change or pause in their relationships, quitting their jobs, or realizing the significance of personal development, I feel like it’s a natural outcrop of society’s collective ennui in response to the last few years. The question now.. "What do you do with these newfound realizations?"
Although I’m a musician, my family is primarily comprised of more traditional jobs, mainly doctors, lawyers, engineers and businessmen (the most exportable jobs for immigration). I grew up knowing that opportunities can be extremely difficult to find and luck is made. Ironically, this attitude served me well with my chosen career (thanks, Mom!) even though it wasn’t entirely the path they had envisioned.
What truly fascinates me is the temerity and vision certain entrepreneurs possess. Why do certain ones choose to take opportunities presented to them and not others? What drives them to decide to say “no”? As a kid, my favorite round table discussions were when I would listen to my relatives discussing business, politics, and (don’t laugh) market trends (in anything). It isn’t even about the profitability of a decision… it was more interesting to me to understand, “why?”
On that note, I’d like to present an idea that (hopefully) will help you make better decisions. Appearances can be deceiving and psychology has always driven market trends. Just because something “looks” a certain way does not mean it is and vice versa.
In music, where the product is simultaneously personal, a commodity, and market driven, how do these economic factors drive decision making? Here’s a quick and fun answer. ABBA was ahead of economic trends in the music industry decidedly before an artist was a simultaneous entrepreneur. Here is the podcast, “Fortune Stories, The Business of ABBA”.
And, their newest ventures, including ABBA avatars… (in case you feel like skimming instead of listening to a podcast…)
I hope the milieu of gut instinct, methodical thinking, and passion (duh….music) helps with whatever problem you’re grappling with… or at the very least, realize that musicians aren’t all ID (at least not most of the time…) Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful week! Xo, Melissa
Cardamom Currant Snickerdoodles! Like an upscale version of the cinnamony ones you're used to!
Cardamom Currant Snickerdoodles
from the Editors of Food 52, “Baking: 60 Sensational Treats You Can Pull Off in a Snap”
Makes about 24 Cookies
Ingredients
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (110g) packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (75g) dried currants
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, 1 cup (200g) of the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of the cardamom to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs, then stir in the vanilla. Pour into the flour mixture, add the currants, and stir just until everything comes together to form a dough. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cardamom. Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2- inch (4 cm) balls, then roll each ball in the sugar mixture. Place the balls on baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, until golden and cracked on top but still a bit doughy in the middle.
Immediately transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly. (Or eat them nice and warm off the cooling rack with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. No one will know some are missing!) Store in airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Note: For the sugar topping, I also added 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to add some cinnamon- cardamom spice for added warmth. Enjoy!
#cardamomcurrantsnickerdoodles, @food52, @abba, @fortune, @fortunestoriespodcast
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