Milano Lemon Cookies Recipe

Milano cookies are a classic European style cookie, usually sandwiched with a chocolate filling…but I like my cookies simple and plain so I opted out filling them.

Chewy, sweet and crispy all at once, these cookies are super easy to make and not time consuming at all. They are small and petite cookies, so if you just wanted to nibble on something sweet, these cookies won’t leave you with that guilty aftermath.

These make yummy tea cookies, you can dip them as you like.

They would make as great little favours too, pack them in a cellophane bag and tie a bow on it and ta-da, a cute take away gift for any occasion.

Milano Lemon Zest Cookie Recipe: Set oven at 350, preparation time: roughly 15 minutes, baking 12-16 minutes

150 grams butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
6 egg whites
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest (add more/less as you like)
3/4 cup all purpose flour

1. cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
2. gradually add in egg whites, and mix well
3. add lemon juice, zest and vanilla
4. add the flour in two parts, and mix till there are no clumps
5. grab a piping bag, using the tip is optional, you can just cut a hole in the bag
6. fill the bag and start piping strips of the batter onto parchment paper, roughly 1.5 inch in length
7. pop into oven and bake for 12-16 minutes, edges should be a golden brown

Well, there you have it, super easy simple cookies to make!

By the way, i’m sure if you decide to make this recipe, you’ll notice that you have those unused egg yolks…well don’t worry they can be put to good use. Next post will be creme brulee, deliciousness awaits :)

The Fish Store, Hidden Gem of Toronto

The Fish Store, not to be confused with “The Fish House” which seems to be the case every time I talk about it…Store sounds like a grocery/market…house sounds more restaurant-ish, but aside from that…This wonderful place is located on College street, in the heart of Little Italy downtown Toronto.

Actually, how I’ve come to discover this place was unintentional. Last year on a summer night out craving for Italian food, we walked around Little Italy for a bit, as we were reluctant to try any of the places on the block we kept walking by this place that was emitting such a powerful delicious smell, we saw there was space on the patio and prices are tempting enough to give a shot…best choice ever.

Mostly designed for take out, there is fortunately a small patio for those breezy summer nights.

It’s a very small establishment, but don’t let the cheaply made menus and condensed space scare you, they serve seriously good food. Fantastic fish sandwiches and rice plates, the menu itself is so well priced it amazes me the value I get for my money.

I absolutely love the Korean owners, they are sweethearts and super nice every time I make a visit. I always leave a tip in the jar on my way out.

This was my dinner, Fresh Artic Char fish meal that includes sliced tomato, cucumber and a delicious Japanese dressing to dip everything and anything. Everything is full of flavour and the fish is cooked to perfection. Avocado is additional $1, it compliments the mixed grain brown rice and fish perfectly, it’s worth every penny. The total cost of my meal was $11, jaw dropping cheapness I know.

My friend Nada opted for the Dry Rub Scallop, $13 with the avocado, you get a decent amount of scallops; they were big and very juicy.

We decided to share a soup, with the option of either butternut squash or clam chowder $4.25 a bowl, I was feeling for something not too creamy so I chose the butternut. The soup was alright, not squashy enough for my taste but my main dish made up for it anyways.

While waiting for my food, I was trying to take snapshots of the store but alas my 50mm is only good for close ups…the avocados they use are ALWAYS perfect in ripeness!! I do eat these fatty fruits pretty often so I’m usually very picky with my avocado.

I hope this place lives forever, it’s just one of the staple eateries that everyone should come eat at, well that is if you do enjoy fish.

Funny thing, as I was waiting for my food I see this man smiling very intently at me and for a second I was very puzzled as to why he was looking in my direction…then I finally realized it was my boss(owner) from work…I couldn’t recognize him right away because of his attire, he was sporting a dirty cream t-shirt with cargo shorts and chewing on a toothpick.  Mind you whenever he does his store visits he is in a full suit with tie…interesting to see him outside of work. We made small awkward conversation but we both agreed The Fish Store was a favorite.