The Finer Cookie:
Coconut Alfajores

Like a Fist Through a Precious Canvas

By Kimberlie Robert

Date #7 – The hike was long and satisfying. The mountain pushed us hard on the ascent, but rewarded us amply with infinite vistas of dark blue lakes and lush green forest. At the evening campsite, with the dishes put away, the roaring fire, and calm lake, the thrushes starting their song. Twilight is upon us and we finally sit in the low flung chairs. Gazing into the fire, I’m handed a container of Coconut Alfajores (I’ve loved Alfajores my entire life). The thrushes pause to listen to my soft cooing and happy sounds that spark around the campfire—my song of contentment and delight.

The softened sandwich cookie is filled with lots of sweet Coconut Dulce de Leche, and I adore that you rolled the edges in chewy coconut. The silky milk filling puddles across my palette, while the coconut bits settle on either side, seducing me to take another. There is nothing stopping us from clearing the batch in one sitting, as the feeling of wellness that is born from the outdoor air is swollen now for the sweet contribution the Alfajores have made. The world is perfect in this moment, until I announce that I’m leaving for Spain for an undetermined amount of time.

The birds, the fire, the breeze fell silent in concert, much like a fist through a precious canvas. Naturally you asked why, but I couldn’t bring myself to explain the paltry incidents of life. You would want to come, but it was my mother’s final wish that I alone carry her ashes the entire length of the Camino de Santiago. I asked for your understanding, but the delicate charring of trust was now visible. We doused the fire and stood together in the darkness.

Click here for the Coconut Alfajores recipe.

The Finer Cookie: A Delicious Affair sequel:

Lemon Macaron with a Tart Lemon Curd Center
Sour Cherry Amaretti
Sesame Coconut Shortbreads
Panellete de Pinyon
Hazelnut Lime Sticks
Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Coconut Alfajores
Cinnamon Wafers
Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies
Currant Caraway Shortbreads
Chocolate Pretzels
Orange Truffles
Churros with Cinnamon
Pecan Polvorones with Muscovdo
Flourless Peanut Butter with Bourbon Soaked Peanuts and Smokey Bacon
Corn Meal and Olive Oil Biscotti
Browned Butter and Red Wine Brownies

Photographed by Kimberlie Robert

Kimberlie Robert is currently the Executive Cookie Maker at The Finer Cookie. As of recently, she has worked as an Executive Assistant for five years. Prior to that she was the Coordinating Director/Partner of an Advertising Agency. She has earned an MA in Art History and a BA in English Literature. She is also a writer and researcher, short story editor, pastry chef, tango dancer and gardener.