[flickr id=”8276894702″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]I don’t know how I end up doing this to myself every year.
I swear I’ll pick “only a few”.
But then a new recipe pops up.
Or an old favorite is demanded (begged for).
And suddenly dozens of cookies in 5, 6, 7 different variations are accumulating on my table.
I’m on day 4.
I’ve got at least one day left.
If I don’t come out – send in the troops.
*This is a re-post. These cookies are so good they demand numerous re-postings.
I have made a LOT of cookies in my 30+ years. I’ve tasted even more.
When it comes to cutouts, it’s tricky. Too much sugar and it’s just a sugar cookie – too little and they are way too dry.
I used to think my Mom’s were the best…but they always required a ton of frosting to counteract the dryness of the cookie (sorry, Mom) – I stopped making them when I got married and moved out. My aunt’s Christmas cookies, while good – were just never right either (and it’s been so long I can’t remember why).
I tried several recipes in the 8 years I’ve been married – and for the past 5 years I’ve stuck with these. I stumbled on the recipe when I was looking for Polish cookies – and that’s what these were called. BUT, the recipe called for Anise (*gag* *hurl* Blech)…and I was definitely not down with that. So I adapted the cookies to a flavor that was much better.
Let me tell you, this is the easiest dough I have ever worked with and the flavor, when done as I adapted it, is PHENOMENAL.
****
The Best Sugar Cutouts
1c. Butter
1c. Shortening
2c. Sugar
5 Large Eggs
7c. Flour
2Tbs. Baking Powder
1/2tsp. Salt
1/2oz. Almond Extract (original recipe called for Anise, this substitution makes deliciousness)
And that’s it! The strong almond flavor gives and added touch of yum. The cookies are moist enough that you could eat them plain…but really, who wants to? Frosting is 98% of why we eat the cookies, after all…right?
I hope you enjoy them if you try them. My search for the perfect cutout has finally come to a sweet and delicious end!!
*This is a re-post from last year. These cookies are so good they demand a re-post.
I have made a LOT of cookies in my 30+ years. I’ve tasted even more.
When it comes to cutouts, it’s tricky. Too much sugar and it’s just a sugar cookie – too little and they are way too dry.
I used to think my Mom’s were the best…but they always required a ton of frosting to counteract the dryness of the cookie (sorry, Mom) – I stopped making them when I got married and moved out. My aunt’s Christmas cookies, while good – were just never right either (and it’s been so long I can’t remember why).
I tried several recipes in the 8 years I’ve been married – and for the past 3 years I’ve stuck with these. I stumbled on the recipe when I was looking for Polish cookies – and that’s what these were called. BUT, the recipe called for Anise (*gag* *hurl* Blech)…and I was definitely not down with that. So I adapted the cookies to a flavor that was much better.
Let me tell you, this is the easiest dough I have ever worked with and the flavor, when done as I adapted it, is PHENOMENAL.
****
The Best Sugar Cutouts
1c. Butter
1c. Shortening
2c. Sugar
5 Large Eggs
7c. Flour
2Tbs. Baking Powder
1/2tsp. Salt
1/2oz. Almond Extract (original recipe called for Anise, this substitution makes deliciousness)
And that’s it! The strong almond flavor gives and added touch of yum. The cookies are moist enough that you could eat them plain…but really, who wants to? Frosting is 98% of why we eat the cookies, after all…right?
I hope you enjoy them if you try them. My search for the perfect cutout has finally come to a sweet and delicious end!!
[flickr id=”6408227721″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]It’s that time again. In a few days I’ll be pulling out the decorations. Putting up the tree and adding ‘snow’ to our living room.
I’ve decided to not put so much pressure on myself with the cookies this year. I’m going to focus more on the candies and treats as they are easier, and more fitting to give away. If I feel like taking the extra step with more cookies I will. I won’t kill myself with five million cookies this year.
Presents are slowly being accounted for. A little here. A little there. Somehow there will be presents wrapped up and under the tree on the big day.
The girls saw Santa in the Macy’s Parade. In fact, they watched the whole parade with such excitement that I felt like I was once again that age watching with breathless anticipation. Smiling over familiar balloons, and enjoying their excitement over seeing Spongebob or the Smurf’s.
Every year their excitement and awareness of the holiday grows, and it’s a joy to watch.
It’s also great to be able to use the threat of Santa and his naughty list for almost anything.
It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
[flickr id=”6293299563″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]For relative good health in the house.
For kids that are happy.
For a husband that loves and supports me.
For laughter.
For creativity.
For friends.
For a belly so full I couldn’t eat another bite.
Happy holidays to you and yours.
Each year it’s the same
From storage, boxes emerge
Marked with black sharpie
One by one we find
Carefully wrapped memories
Hanging by thin threads
Sometimes the year blurs
Sometimes it’s plain to be seen
Each time the heart tugs
Family gathered
Love, laughter, peace, understanding
Problems disappear
Memories held close
Pulled from storage once a year
Shimmering brightly
*****
This is a repost from last year. With every passing day I get closer to pulling the tree out of the garage. Only the presence of my parents dog has kept me from doing it yet. Not that she would mess with it – it’s just that there’s enough chaos without the tree & Christmas decorations being dragged out. I’ve been planning for my annual Christmas cookie/candy kitchen takeover. Hoping it goes smooth this year!! Our holidays will be tight financially – but filled with joy as always.