Day 18: Persimmon Cookies

Today was our 2nd annual cookie baking party. The kitchen in my tiny townhouse was packed with 4 bodies at a time, mixing, stirring, washing dishes, and poppin' sweetness in the oven. There was a total of 9 people other than G and I in my humble abode today. But it felt nice, having my very close friends and family over, to share in the craziness of a cookie bake, and the background noise of Mario Party and Mario Kart and Wii Sports in the background.

My mom and sister divulged several childhood stories, some already told and some new to thoroughly embarrass me. But hey, what's family for? At heart, it's all a good laugh, and good times, and when you have friends in your like that have been there for you for years, it's all good times.


One of the recipes made one the holiday classic (and staple in out home); Persimmon cookies. This recipe is from my grandmother's cook book and has been in the family for years. It's not autumn unless my grandma's cokkies are made.

There are some things you taste, and a a bubble of your childhood flashes before your mind's eye. In this bubble you can taste everything that you remember, that was happy, that made you smile. And by the time you're done eating the cookie, you took a trip down memory lane.

This is what holidays should always be.

-A

Day 17: Cheesy Dog Biscuits

The holidays are a time to think of everyone, including your pets.... and your friends pets. I saw this recipe in Country Living's Dec 2009 issue and thought I'd give it a try.

They smelled very good when they came out of the oven, like a cheddar biscuit. So ... G and I both had one. Needless to say there is no reason why you can't enjoy one of these with your pup!

All that's in them is cheese, butter, and flour, baked to perfection.

I can't wait to hand these out at the gift exchange coming up.

-A

Day 16: Dutch Stroopwafles

Anytime I can whip out my Pizzel machine, is a good time.

Unfortunately, Better Homes and Garden's no longer has this recipe on their website. But I found a similar one here!.

In this instance, I made my own caramel sauce filling (that would also go great over icecream!) For the caramel filling, I followed this recipe here. No candy thermometer required; just 3 easy ingredients: sugar, butter, and cream.

It can easily be stored in a bottle in your fridge for later use (the ice cream sundae possibilities are endless! or even drizzled over cheesecake... wow, that would be delicious!)

Today is a nice day. It's nice because I took my last final (Federal Income Tax), and I am free, free, free for a whole month! I must say, knowing that you have nothing to do, but go home and bake cookies, is a joy.

I did run several errands today, and yes, found a star for the tree!
I also found this adorable mushroom ornament at World Market today:

I guess I'm going for glittery and whimsical? My decorations are a bit eclectic.... but full of cheer!

-A

Day 15: Pignoli Cookies

Giada de Laurentis is my hero. She is to me, what Julia was to Julie. Seriously. Her recipes are light, easy, and phenomenal.

Pignoli (or pine nut) cookies are a a most recent holiday staple. In reality, I usually only make 5-6 different cookies come Christmas time (peanut butter, chewy chocolate gingerbread, pignoli and yet to come molasses rounds, sugar cookies, gingerbread men). This recipe has become a holiday classic in my family.

Now we're 10 days away from completing my cookie mission and 10 days away from Christmas. So far on my list of things to do: get a star for my tree, take my last final, get ready for Saturday's 2nd Annual Cookie Baking Party (yes, it's a tradition in the making!), and clean the guest bedroom for G's brother's 2 week stay.

A few days ago, this cookie bake was getting stressful. Now that there's less things going on, it's back to the relaxing joys of hanging out in the kitchen... and having a bite of something sweet.


-A

Day: 14 Bullseye Cookies

Bullseye Cookies are not an easy cookie to make; as you can see mine look more like abstract art...but fortunately taste very good (being a sugar cookie and chocolate cookie dough).

11 days of cookies left in the countdown! It's amazing how time flies when you're baking cookies. I have 2 finals left, to find a star to find for my tree, stockings to embroider, and to clean up my study/file papers. Its not a long list but still a list.

At least baking is fun :)

Day 13: Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread

Martha Stewart really knew what she was doing when she made these babies. Every year my sister and I devour a batch of this recipe before we even compile our cookie tins.

If you love gingerbread and chocolate, then nothing is really better than a hot, gooey, chocolate gingerbread cookie.

Today was the gift exchange at work. My department is the coolest department; I've been at my current job for the last 5 Christmas, and every year the mound of gifts under out Christmas tree grows and grows. We really get into the spirit of giving!


Now as I am facing piles and piles of cookies, giving out cookie tins seem to be the only solution to this madness!

I love the holidays :)

Day 12: Cinnamon-Sugar Rolls

Food network put this recipe out last year. Last year I only made half the recipe, and I did it with my grandmother's pie crust vs the store bought dough.

O.M.G. These cookies are not to sweet, but very addicting. You can do it the way the recipe calls for, or you can make your own pie dough with:

1 stick of butter
1 1/2 cups flour
and 3 tablespoons of water (you may not need all 3, or a little more than 3, depending on how the dough comes together and the humidity/temperature of your kitchen!)

I let the dough chill for a few hours. It's important, has something to do with the elasticity of the dough... perhaps the gluten? But I'm no Alton Brown. Just know that it is important.

Spread with creamed butter, and sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon, and viola! Sweet, yet savory perfection!