La Boheme Christmas Cookies

Bohemia was part of the Czech Republic. During the mid- nineteenth century, friends from Bohemia would visit cafes in Paris to socialize and share ideas. Henry Murger  ( the writer who wrote the  novel  La boheme)discovered the Café Momus, on the Right Bank of Paris near the church of Saint-Germaine-L’Auxerrois. It became a popular meeting place and of course is the colorful meeting place in Act II  for the beloved Bohemians of Puccini’s opera LA BOHEME.

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. butter
1 1/4 c. confectioners sugar (sift after measuring)
1 1/4 c. flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts
1/2 pkg. German sweet chocolate
1 tsp. vanilla

Grind nuts and chocolate together. Cream shortenings and sugar and mix well. Add flour and salt alternately with nuts and chocolate. Mix. Add vanilla. Pour scant teaspoons of dough on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 225 degrees for about 40 minutes or until firm to the touch. When partially cool sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.