Saturday Baking

I got myself a little present. A pizelle maker. I've been waiting until Saturday to use it, because my Weight Watchers Points reset on Saturdays, and it's the day I've designating for relaxing my eating AND for baking.

So I made some yummy cookies.

This is a messy project. Keep a wash cloth handy.

I first tried a pizelle at the home of an Italian friend. She made traditional, anise-flavored cookies. I was impressed not only with the flavor, but also the texture of the cookie and its presentation.

Ever since then, I've wanted a pizelle maker. I got mine from Sears.com for about $50.

Pizelle makers' nooks and crannies are much shallower than waffle irons'.

Pizelles can be formed into cannoli shells, waffle cones, or any number of finger foods (fruit and cream in pizelle bowls would be gorgeous). However, they're super yummy plain, straight off the cooling rack. And that's how we're eating them today.

Chocolate Pizelles
makes 24 large cookies, at 3 Weight Watchers Points Plus value each cookie

What You Need:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled (salted sweet cream butter)
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

How it's Done:

1. Plug in and preheat your pizelle maker. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter (only do this before your first batch of the day).
2. Beat eggs with sugar until smooth and creamy yellow. Add butter and cocoa powder.
3. Gently fold in flour and baking powder only until combined.
4. Drop by heaping tablespoon onto preheated pizelle maker and close the lid.
5. Bake 30 to 45 seconds each batch. Remove from maker with spatula. Cool cookies on wire racks.