Make Mouthwatering Memories with Christmas Cookies
I had the privilege of watching some family videos of our kids when they were younger.
I’m not really sure how I managed to keep somewhat sane
having four children in five and a half years. I am extremely grateful that no matter how busy it was we have many wonderful memories.
One of the videos was me making Christmas cookies with three of my boys when they were about 6, 4 and 2. Benjamin was a baby so sat in his bouncy chair and belly giggled at his brothers and the mess they made.
And oh the mess that they made! But the laughter and learning and excited child-like anticipation while they peeked through the window of the oven watching their cookies bake was worth every fleck of flour strewn throughout the kitchen.
What could be more wonderful than doing something festive and fun with your family making memories to cherish forever.
Through the years we have come upon a tried and true Christmas cookie recipe that has come to be a tradition in our family. These are the official cookies that are baked faithfully every year to share with Santa on Christmas Eve. And I have it on good authority that he is very partial to these particular cookies.
The most difficult part about making these cookies is keeping all the dough from being eaten before the cookies even make it into the oven!
White Velvet Cookie Dough 2 cups butter 8 oz. cream cheese 2 cups sugar 2 egg yolks 1 tsp. vanilla (could use almond, peppermint or coconut flavouring) 4 and one-half cups flour
1. Cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg yolk and vanilla or flavour of choice.
2. Gradually add flour, mixing well. 3. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or until firm.
Roll out onto floured surface until about one-quarter inch thick or a bit thinner if desired and cut into cookie shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes or until firm but not browned.
For variety you could also get a little fancier and make festive flowers.
Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball that is about one inch in diameter. Roll the ball in coloured sprinkles until it is evenly covered. You can also use sugar that has a few drops of food colouring and a few drops of water, mix well then dry and stir to break up any clumps. Place the coloured balls onto a cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Take a pair of clean scissors and snip the ball from the top into 6 pieces (cut in half and then cut each half three times) leaving about one-quarter of an inch un-cut at the bottom of the ball. Carefully pull each piece down to separate. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until firm but not brown. As soon as the cookies are removed from the oven place a small colourful candy into the centre of each. Any small candy will work, I used jelly beans cut in half, jelly tots work well or smarties or M&M’s, whatever you happen to have on hand. Let cool on pan about 5 minutes then remove to
cooling rack. Presto! You have a beautiful festive flower! 5 Make any day special........
Come shop at Over the Moon’s boutique on 3rd Street NW in Riverside. We off er everything from fun and whimsical children’s accessories, unique toys, extra special party favors, and many more enchanting treasures.
Party Themes Off ered........
Fairy, Princess, Spa Diva, Pirate, and Teddy Bear Picnic. {more themes coming!!!}
All of our children’s party packages include a host,
entertainer(s) dressed in theme, crafts, games, ceremony, take home party favors, and face painting (optional).
Our all inclusive approach allows the parents to enjoy their childs birthday. Over the Moon wants you to be a part of their memories rather than stressing over the details.
Contact the “Fairy Queen” Jennifer at 403-866-0321 or email
overthemoon.jen@
gmail.com Find us on the web........
overthemoontoday.blogspot.com and on Facebook.
41074508•12/06/11
JOANNE SMITH Registered Dietitian
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