Heather says:
Today’s cookie was conributed by my longtime, non-blogging friend Carol.

Italian Knots
- 2 sticks butter
- 6 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/4 c sugar
- 6 c flour
- 6 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Directions after the jump.
Dear Home Ec 101, When should one begin their holiday baking if they want to give out cookie platters the week before Christmas? Last year I did all my baking in 2 days and it nearly killed me, but I don’t want to do it too far in advance or the cookies won’t be fresh. …
Heather says:
Today’s cookie was conributed by my longtime, non-blogging friend Carol.

Italian Knots
- 2 sticks butter
- 6 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/4 c sugar
- 6 c flour
- 6 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Directions after the jump.
Heather says: These soft, cake-like almond button cookies are straightforward and not overpoweringly sweet. If you would like, feel free to substitute almond extract for up to half the vanilla. These cookies are simple and nicely complement a cup of coffee as an afternoon or after dinner treat. Almond Button Cookies Recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup …
Ivy says: These cookies aren’t quite as tasty as Heather’s peanut butter cookies, but if you are in a major hurry, or are craving cookies and are out of most ingredients, or feel like eating some cookies but don’t want the fuss of making something that takes a long time, these are your best bet. …
Heather says:
Traditional Shepherd’s pie contains lamb, gravy, and vegetables, covered with mashed potatoes. Its close cousin cottage pie contains beef. This version substitutes vegetable stock for the broth used to make the gravy and contains kidney beans to provide protein. As the mashed potatoes contain milk and are topped with cheese, this one dish* meal is suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians. If you are opposed to alcohol, just use an additional 1/2 cup of stock.
*It ends up in one dish but takes several to cook.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic – minced or pressed
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms – sliced
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup red wine (or substitute an additional 1/2 cup of stock)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 cups or 1 can kidney beans (fully cooked)
- 1/2 cup frozen vegetables (use whatever you have on hand: corn, green beans, peas)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 4 potatoes – peeled, and cut into 1″ cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 oz of cheddar cheese
Directions after the jump.
This recipe makes cookies that are a nice balance between crispy and chewy. If you like your ‘snaps to have a sharp bite add a little crystallized ginger and even a pinch of cayenne pepper. This version is kid-friendly but is a great base recipe for experimenting to find your favorite flavor combinations to make …
Ivy says: I expect the entire world knows how to make Rice Krispie treats, but in case you don’t, here’s a recipe. Rice Krispie treats are probably the highest reward for the least amount of work that I know of. If I were on Death Row, I would want my last meal to be homemade …
These are the black sheep of the cookie family. Not a whole lot of class, but we love them anyhow. Don’t let the no-bake name fool you. These are less kid-friendly than most baked cookies, as the hot butter and sugar mixture could cause serious burns. If you have a little one helping in the …
Heather says:
These traditional Christmas cookies can be found under many names: Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cakes, sand tarts, or butterballs.

Ingredients:
Directions after the jump.
Heather says: It’s time for the age old Christmas classic, sugar cookies. I will be honest, royal icing is too sweet for this salt loving gal, but it is indispensable for its gorgeous sheen. If you are not scared of a mess, let the kids get in on the decorating. There are tons of new …