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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How To Make Beef Stew

Heather says: Growing up, I thought I hated beef stew. I avoided it at all costs. Then came the day I was on complete bed rest during my first pregnancy. I had just gotten out of the hospital, and my ex-husband’s grandparents were kind enough to bring over dinner. Not knowing the depths of my …

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Cookie-a-day: Pepparkakor (Swedish Cookies)

Heather says: Many thanks go to Crystal for submitting her family’s recipe for pepparkakor.  This version has been simplified if you would like a traditional version, take a peek here. 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp molasses 1 tsp boiling water 1 large egg 3 cups …

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Oatmeal Scotchies with Toasted Pecans Recipe

Heather says: Don’t let the idea of toasting pecans scare you away from making these Oatmeal Scotchies with Toasted Pecans. Simply scatter pecans on a baking sheet and place in a 300F oven for 5 – 7 minutes, stirring once. Be careful not to leave them in too long, as they will be be cooked …

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Cookie-a-day: Divine Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

retrochick.JPGIvy says:

I know Heather already posted chocolate chip cookies, but a couple of times a year, when I was a kid, my mom would make these cookies and they were fabulous. Not just good, not just great, fabulous. Divine, even. I never understood why Mom only made them every once in awhile, and I resolved to make them all the time when I was a grown-up.

Once I was an adult and Mom finally gave me the recipe, I found out why Mom only made them every once in awhile. They’re a tremendous pain to make. And these are the kind of cookies that if you skip a step or take shortcuts, they’re good, but not fabulous. Also, all the ingredients except the one that is marked optional are imperative that they be added exactly as written. No substituting, no leaving anything out. Like I said, they’ll probably still be good, but they will not be fabulous.

With those disclaimers out of the way, here are the best chocolate chip cookies you will ever eat:

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 C unsalted butter*
  • 3/4 C white sugar
  • 1/3 C brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract**
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 C sifted flour***
  • 1/3 C old-fashioned oats****
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 C milk chocolate chocolate chips*****
  • 3/4 C walnuts (OPTIONAL)

To read the long, drawn out directions, click to

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Cookie-a-day: Chocolate Biscotti Recipe

Heather says:

I make this every year for Christmas parties and brunches.  Biscotti are twice baked cookies and the name comes from the Italian words bis and cotto.  This recipe freezes well and can be made up to a month ahead of time.

Pictures will be added soon.

Chocolate Biscotti

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I am in love with Hershey’s Special Dark)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 TBSP butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup walnuts (optional)
  • 3/4 cup semi -sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 TBSP confectioners sugar

Directions after the jump.

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Cookie-a-day: Snickerdoodles Recipe

Heather says:

I took today off, but Malia was kind enough to send in her recipe and instructions for snickerdoodles; just the name  makes me grin.  Malia is currently on break from her blog Live.Laugh.Love, but she can be found at Music City Bloggers where she is a contributing author.

Snickerdoodles

 

While the origins of the cookie and its name have a varied history this cookie, no matter what you call it, is a quintessential crowd pleaser.  The dough can be refrigerated for a day or two as a make ahead recipe and  these cookies freeze well. Make some now and save them for holiday parties/consumption.

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup stick butter, softened
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar*
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions after the jump.

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Molasses Cookies Recipe

These molasses cookies are like soft ginger snaps. These are delicious any time of year, but especially good for holiday time. How to round your cookies. These are large cookies, so you will need a wide-mouth ring for mason jars or a small bowl for these. While the cookies are cooling, place the ring over …

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Cookie-a-day: Basic Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Heather says: Shortbread cookies have very few ingredients, so it is important to ensure those used are of high quality. This means no margarine and no imitation vanilla. Shh, I don’t want to hear your arguments. Shortbread Cookie Recipe: 1 cup butter – room temperature 1/2 cup confectioner’s (powdered) sugar 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups …

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Chocolate Drop Cookies Recipe

Heather says: Drop cookies refer to the method they are placed on the cookie sheet. Some are rolled into balls, other pressed into circles, still others are rolled out and cut into shape. These are scooped and dropped onto the baking sheet. Soft and moist, these chocolate cookies are somewhat delicate right out of the …

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