Joe’s piano recital is tomorrow and I want to take something a little bit fancy, not so sugary, in an attempt to broaden the palette of the young musicians. (Or at the very least to give the parents something interesting to eat.) These cookies have no sugar or eggs in the dough, sweetened only with a dollop of jam and a dusting of powdered sugar.

I love Joe’s piano recital. It is a very sweet event, held on a grand piano in a church sanctuary, lovingly run by Mrs. Todd and her family. First the really little kids play their pieces, with Mrs. Todd helping them make things even more musical by accompanying them on a duet. Then the older kids play their pieces solo. After wards, the Todd family has a reception with punch and treats donated by parents.

I botched this recipe tonight, but I’m posting the finished product because they still tasted pretty good. My teenagers like them! I left out half of the butter, so if you’re interested in a flaky little, not-too-sweet cookie with not quite so much butter fat, then you can do as I did.

Tomorrow morning I’ll make a new batch using the correct recipe (below), so that I can properly spoil the young musicians.

Cream Cheese Cookies

• 1 8-oz package of cream cheese
• 2 sticks butter
• 2-1/2 c. flour

Cream the cream cheese and butter, then slowly mix in the flour. Knead for a moment to make a smooth ball, and then refrigerate for an hour or so. Roll out about 1/3″ thick in some powdered sugar. Cut into shapes and dent the middle with something round like the back of a wooden spoon, or your thumb. You can dip the spoon end into a little powdered sugar if it sticks. Pipe or spoon in a small dollop of thick jam. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown. Dust with powdered sugar when cool.