Keeping All Those Cookies

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. …

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Almond Button Cookies Recipe

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 …

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Pseudo Shepherds Pie Recipe

Heather.jpgHeather 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.

Pseudo Shepherds Pie Ingredients

  • 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.

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Gingersnaps Recipe

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 …

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Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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 …

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Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Heather says:

These traditional Christmas cookies can be found under many names: Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cakes, sand tarts, or butterballs.

russiantc1.jpg

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract*
  • 2/3 cup nuts (your choice: pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • additional confectioners sugar for dusting

Directions after the jump.

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Sugar Cookies & Royal Icing Recipe

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 …

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