Rainbow Cookies

373.  Living in New York brought many flavorful experiences with bakeries, restaurants and bagel shops around every corner.  The fresh bread, daily-made bagels and any type of pastry your heart's desire at your whim and wish.  One of those bakeries, with the very best Italian Rainbow Cookies, was Country Boy Bakery in Long Beach, New York.  They would even make a Rainbow Cookie Cake that the Head Baker, Morris would make for his daughter for her Birthday every year.
If you love almond, chocolate and a cake-like texture with a slight sweetness, this is a cookie to try.

 I made Rainbow Cookies and was delighted at the process involved.  First the three separate cake-like layers, colored to create the Italian flag colors.

Then the spreading of toppings layering of each level. One level with Raspberry seedless jam and the other with Apricot jam.

 Next, stacking them carefully.  The suggestion was to place something weighted on top to press the layers together. This is important for the cookie to be compact  for easier cutting.   I used a marble slab on top which was the perfect size of my baking pan and the cakes.  And this was then topped with melted chocolate.

A similar recipe is this Taste of Home recipe.  It is tried and true but you will just need to commit to the process and not be in a hurry.  Perfection is not the goal here but patience and seeing the recipe through.  The edges are uneven but you only need to use a long knife to trim them lengthwise.  Cutting with a hot knife helps the process.  A cold knife bends the cake

You will be so proud of your accomplishment.  And the flavors...MMMmmmmmm, so good!

To save recipe select and drag to desktop and print or select and print from your smart device.

This recipe could be colored in so many different varieties, i.e.:  Red, White and Blue, your team colors, Orange, Green and White for St. Patricks Day, or any colors you choose.  I have seen one Rainbow Cookie made with White, Chocolate and Orange colors where one layer of cake was chocolate and Orange Marmalade was used.  Be creative...incorporate your favorite flavors and colors.  Make it your own.

"My grannies would both bake things like cookies and shortbreads.  I think whenever I smell those kinds of things, it really takes me back to my childhood.  ~  Curtis Stone, Australian Celebrity Chef

"Baking  can be done with a few simple ingredients, so it's about simplicity and nostalgia - people are reminded of their childhood."  ~ Paul Hollywood, Chef, The Great British Bakeoff Presenter

Kerber's Farm Long Island New York

327.  Do you like to explore?  Try new foods or go to new places?  This has always been a happy place for me.  To jump in the car with a fresh cup of coffee, my yarn project and good music.  Heading off to a new destination mapped out or unknown.

The day after Thanksgiving, for the past 35 years, we have always made a day of cutting down our Christmas tree from a local tree farm.  I heard about this great little place on Long Island that celebrates good food and has been making a name for themselves recently,  Kerber's Farm.  Here is their website:  http://kerbersfarm.com    They have delicious homemade foods and baked goods, guest houses for overnight visits, produce and antiques.  It is rustic and basic, a farm stand vibe yet upscale Hamptonesque.  The fact that they describe their offerings as provisions leads your expectations to experience something needful, homey and gosh, I can't live without it!

It was an A+ from my experience!  We set out earlier than usual and when we pulled into the parking lot at 9:00a.m., it was busy.

Walking in the front door you are welcomed with large cases filled with everything that makes life delicious!  Pies, muffins, biscuits, cookies calling to you..."You need me!"

We ordered breakfast sandwiches and coffee and found a garden table to sit and wait for our order.

My sandwich was egg, cheese, bacon and Swiss on a homemade biscuit.  Hot, fresh, delicious and so satisfying! 

 
 Outside was a small yard with chickens, antiques and quaint seating.

 If you go onto their website you can read their 75 year history.  It is a great place to visit, enjoy baked goods, breakfast or lunch or just to sit and read a book.

 If you live on Long Island or plan to visit sometime, make a day trip to Kerber's Farm.  You will be happy you did.  Article features here: http://kerbersfarm.com/press/

"The farm was always known for its

 fine baked goods, chickens, eggs, ice cream and fresh produce."

- Kerber's Farm History