Fattigmann - Our familes traditional Norwegian Christmas cookies

These Norwegian cookies are a very rich traditional cookies. Fattigmann roughly translates to "Poor Man's cookie". Given the ingredients, it is doubtful that these cookies were ever made by any poor men, however the leading theory is that after shopping for these ingredients, you became a poor man. They are very rich and flavorful. Traditionally these were fried in lard.  However we use semi a healthy oil.

Ingredients:

8 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup brandy
1 cup heavy cream
5 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
melted Crisco for frying
powdered sugar

Method:

Beat the egg yolks and eggs until very thick and lemon colored. 
Beat in the sugar and brandy a little at a time beating thoroughly after each 
addition until creamy and thick. Slowly mix in the cream, stirring constantly. 
Sift the flour and cardamom slowly into the mixture, stirring constantly. 
The mixture should never have a build up of flour, it should always be well 
incorporated before adding any more flour. Wrap and chill overnight. Heat the 
Oil to 365-370 degrees in a deep sauce pan, (I use a deep fryer). Take small 
batches of dough, leaving the rest in the refrigerator, and roll out very thinly on 
a lightly floured surface. The dough should only be about 1/16 inch thick. Use a
floured knife or pastry wheel to cut the dough into 5 X 2 inch diamonds. 
Cut a slit lengthwise in the center of each diamond and pull the tip end of 
diamond through slit as far as it will go.(see photo) Drop into hot shortening. I
 use a Fattigmann cutter like this one.  
Fry like doughnuts, but only until very lightly browned.  They cook almost as fast
as they are put into the hot oil, so they must be turned and taken out 
quickly. Drain the cookies on paper towels and cool. Sprinkle Fattigmann with 
powdered sugar. Store in airtight containers.