MACADAMIA NUT CRESCENTS

These are great Christmas treats. If macadamia nuts are not available you can substitute pecans, almonds or walnuts.

FOR THE FILLING:
2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp brown sugar
FOR THE DOUGH:
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
2 cups flour
2 Tbsp sugar
2/3 cup butter
1 egg
1 egg white, beaten until frothy
sugar (for topping)

TO PREPARE THE FILLING:
Combine the macadamia nuts, butter, and brown sugar; set aside.

TO PREPARE THE DOUGH:
Soften yeast in lukewarm water.

Sift flour and sugar into a bowl and cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Stir egg and yeast into mixture. Work dough with floured hands until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

TO SHAPE AND BAKE:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each into an 11-inch circle. Cut into 12 wedges. Put 1 tablespoon of filling at the widest end of each wedge. Roll from widest point into a crescent shape and place on greased cookie sheet. Brush with egg white. Let crescents rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Sprinkle with sugar and bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 24 crescents
Source: Woody