Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Christmas Desserts Round-Up


Just wanted to pop in and share a few of the goodies Big Brother and I made for Christmas. We both enjoy baking, so we decided to bake a few favorites and I experimented with doctoring a Sour Cream Pound Cake and transformed it into an Eggnog Pound Cake.  I discovered Sugar Cookie Eggnog from Hood last week and initially thought I'd make cheesecake, but I’m really glad I opted for the pound cake instead.  And  another pleasant surprise from the eggnog carton—a recipe for Sugar Cookie Crème Brulèe, which I’m making for New Year’s Eve.  We didn't make the Key Lime Coolers, they’re from Byrd Cookie Company in Savannah, GA.  Hope you enjoy our round-up!!

Sugar Cookie Eggnog Pound Cake

Ginger Snaps


 Peanut Butter Cookies


Snickerdoodles


What goodies did you bake or purchase for Christmas?

Sheila Denise


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tis The Season For Cookies!!

 
Please don't fall out of your chair.  I know you're probably in SHOCK that I'm actually posting, but over the past several months, I've been forced to focus on a few other things.  I haven't forgotten you and I hope you haven't forgotten me either. 

I baked Ginger Snaps tonight.  Actually, I've been baking cookies almost all week, but I keep getting requests for Ginger Snaps, so back to the kitchen I went.  I've used this recipe for many, MANY years.  When it was shared with me, there was no indication of where the recipe came from, but as I've researched, it's the same recipe  listed on Blue Ribbon Baking.  I always want to credit the proper person, so just in case the recipe I received is indeed from this site, all bases are covered.

 Ready to roll

Cookie sheets #2 & #3 awaiting their turn in the oven

Finished product


Ginger Snaps (Printable Version)

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (light or dark)
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)

*I always add a bit more of the spices and I don't chill the dough.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg in large bowl. In a separate bowl sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until mixed. Dough can be chilled for easy handling.

Shape the dough into balls the size of whole walnuts. Roll balls in sugar, place on baking sheet. Bake 8-9 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool on sheet one minute before transferring to rack.

Makes 3-4 dozen.

As you can see, this is a super easy recipe and these cookies are absolutely delicious!!  If you try them, I'd love to hear your feedback. 

Sheila Denise