Yin-Yang Cookie

Originating in the early Han dynasty, around the time of the birth of Christ, yin and yang are two opposing yet complementary principles or forces such as light (yang) and dark (yin), or wealth and poverty. The shape of the black-and-white symbol that in Chinese philosophy represents the understanding of how the universe works. To me, when i think of yin-yang , it is balance and harmony and what better way to honor the new year than with harmony and balance in our universe. So, instead of wishing for prosperity, i will serve all my friends, yin-yang cookies and wish them harmony and balance. YIN-YANG, -YIN-YANG

Ingredients:

Vanilla Dough

2 1/2 cups(12 1/2 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (5 1/2 oz)superfine sugar(process granulated sugar until superfine)

1/4 tsp salt

16 tbsp(2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, softened but still cool

1 tsp vanilla essence

2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature

1 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 tsp baking soda

Cocoa Dough

2 cups(10 oz) unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup(2 1/2 oz0 cocoa

3/4 cup (5 1/2 oz)superfine sugar(process granulated sugar until superfine)
1/4 tsp salt
16 tbsp(2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, softened but still cool
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 tsp baking soda

Decoration:

Black and White sesame seeds

Method:

For the vanilla dough:

In the bowl of a standing mixer or with a handheld mixer, mix the flour, sugar, and salt at low speed until combined.

With the mixer running on low, add the butter 1 piece at a time; continue to mix until the mixture looks crumbly and slightly wet. Add vanilla and cream cheese and mix on low until the dough just begins to form large clumps.

Knead the dough by hand in the bowl for 2 to 3 turns to form a large, cohesive mass. Turn the dough out onto a work surface; divide it into 6 equal parts and roll into a 1 inch log. Let dough rest in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Cocoa Dough

Follow the same method for Vanilla Dough

To make Yin Yang Cookies

Throughout the process it’s best to work with the vanilla (the yang) dough first to keep it free of chocolate (the yin) flecks.

Imagine a 3-D apostrophe when shaping each dough log into its half of the cookie — that’s what a cross section should look like..
To create the shape, slice the log into half horizontally then use the handle of a wooden spoon to tip slightly off center on the log making a depression along the length of the log. Then gently flatten the smaller side and round up the bigger side.

The two logs fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and you solidify the connection by smoothing the seams and rolling them together. Put in the fridge for 30 minutes and then slice into 1/4 inch thick cookies.

Dab a little egg white on the spot where the sesame seeds should be.

Bake at 375 f preheated oven for 8 - 10 minutes

Serves