Alfajores

Luckily I was able to get this recipe before my Peruvian cocinares left Healdsburg. Alfajores are flaky little cookie sandwiches with dulce de leche in between. No, we did not make the dulce de leche from scratch - they decided they didn't want to stir and stir for hours - so they brought over a can - I haven't tried to find it yet, but would assume it's available in most grocery stores.

Alfajores made a bunch - I didn't count

1 cup flour
1 cup cornstarch - isn't that odd - but it worked
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 sticks softened butter
dulce de leche

Sift together the dry ingredients and then mix in your butter on the counter until it comes together add about 1 tablespoon of cold water to form it into a ball. Chill in the fridge for about 20 min. Roll out your dough - not too thin - these things are so delicate that they crumble when you look at them. Cut out into small circles and then place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or a silpat) and poke holes into them with a fork. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 min. You don't want them to brown, just lightly. Let cool completely. Carefully spread about a teaspoon of dulce de leche on one side of a cookie and press another on top to form a little sandwich. Gently - we had to eat a few that broke. Sprinkle with powdered sugar on top and serve. They will melt in your mouth.