What's a holiday without cookies?

For best results in Kosher baking, choose stick margarines that contain at least 80 percent vegetable oil. If you can't tell from the front of the package, check the nutrition label. The margarine should have 100 calories per tablespoon.

• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts
• 1 tsp. poppy seed (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 recipe Apple Icing

1. In a large mixing bowl stir together all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, poppy seed (if using), and baking powder; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat margarine and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed till combined. Cover and chill dough at least 3 hours or till easy to handle.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using 2-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes. Place cutouts about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake cookies in a 375 degrees F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Decorate cookies with white and blue Apple Icing. Makes about 36 cookies.

Apple Icing: In a medium mixing bowl stir together 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and enough apple juice (2 to 3 tablespoons) to make a glaze. Divide in half. Tint half of the icing with blue food coloring; Leave other half white.

Nutrition facts per cookie with icing: 105 cal., 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 6 mg chol., 52 mg sodium, 14 g carbo, 0 g fiber, and 1 g pro. Daily Values: 4% vit. A, 0% vit. C, 0% calcium, and 2% iron.