Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I'll Be Back

I am back!! Who new moving was such an ordeal that it puts other things in your life on hold? Not that my sister let me forget.
"Are you going to get internet soon? When are you going to update on your blog? Have you seen this picture I put on facebook? Have you heard the new Michael Buble song? Its on youtube!"
That was the basic line of questioning that she gave me for several weeks. I don't even like Michael Buble as much as she does.
Anyway I am back with a new recipe, just in time for Christmas!
"Gramma's Christmas Sugar Cookies"

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup shortening, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp grated orange peel, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs, 8 tbsp milk(thats about 1/2 cup), 4 cups flour, 3 tsp baking powder




These amounts are for a double batch, which I recommend making if you like huge sugar cookies, like I do. I made 2 double batches. You will see the quality of the photo taking goes down as the day grows longer.


Directions:


Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla





I don't own a cool little grater, so I have to use my huge cheese one, thats also broken. Its quite deadly, not gonna lie.


Add egg, beat until light and fluffly. Stir in milk.



Sift together dry ingredients, blend in cream mixture.



I also do not have a sifter. I almost bought one, but talked myself out of it, which I usually do with all my almost purchases. Anyway, what does sifting do anyway? Does it really make a huge difference?

Action shot!



Divide dough in half, chill one hour.




My sister chills hers as long as over night, so she doesn't have to do it all in one day. Thats smart. But I wouldn't be able to do it. I need to do it all in one day or it will never get done. And trust me it takes ALL DAY. The following is a picture of how I stay energized.




Here are my cookie cutter. The mug in the back is my circle cookie cutter.


On a floured countertop roll to 1/8 inch thickness. You don't want to think or the cookies will nothing but break.


Cut in desired shapes with cookie cutters.



Bake on cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. It took my new stove 6 minutes, its a gas stove, so basically I think I will blow up the house whenever I turn it on.


My home state!Woot woot!




Cool slightly and remove from pan to frost.



Frosting Recipe: 1/2 butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp almond extract, 1 bag of powdered sugar(32 oz), Milk

Do not make this frosting if you do not have almond extract, it will not be as good.
I did not take a staged pic of the ingredients, it was getting late, and the end was in sight. Note on the amount of milk. For me it was about a cup. Just add as much or as little as you want. Its really about what kind consistancy you want. I wanted super smooth so it was easier to frost with.





Use food coloring and sprinkles to make it way more festive!









Phew! It was an all day project, but I got it done! Frosting used to be my favorite part as a kid, but these days I just want to throw the cookies in the frosting and make one big mass of cookies and frosting. But I took my time, and look how beautiful they turned out. I know. Amazing. And they taste fantastic as well! If you make a ton, freeze them! It makes them last longer and something about them frozen, makes it really good too. Well thats all for me, I will probably see you next year! Holidays also make it very hard to post!

Happy holidays....is what terriosts say. Merry Cristmas from me!



(30 Rock is a very hilarious show, which I got the above quote from)