Baking Galore

Mom and I have been baking up a storm the past few days. Of course, only sweets! ;)

I thought I would share with you some of my favs--all quick and easy! And even a couple gift ideas that are super inexpensive that make into great gifts!

First--My mom's famous sugar cookie recipe!

3 cups of flour

1 cup of shortening-Butter flavored

**Shred with knives (cornbread texture)

Separate bowl

2 eggs

1 cup of sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp soda

3 tblsp. milk

1/2 tsp nutmeg

**mix with mixer

Combine with flour and shortening!!

Bake at 375 degrees --lightly brown:)

Decorate as you desire! I used red hots for the stripes on the candy cane!

Christmas Cookies

2 sticks margarine

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 cups chopped pecans

mix-

shape into small balls-

bake on 350 degrees for 20 minutes

roll in powder sugar while warm!!

Festive Pretzel Sticks

1 bag of pretzel--which ever size your heart desires

White chocolate bark

Sprinkles

Melt white chocolate

Roll pretzel in the chocolate

Sprinkle while wet

Lay on wax paper to dry

Here are two really easy and inexpensive gifts ideas!

I bought the mug at TJ Maxx..add some tulle and ta da!!!

This is a silver platter..wrapped in press and seal!

Now this recipe you have to bake--it is DELISH!

Pumpkin Cake

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 cups sugar

3 tsp. cinnamon

1.5 cup crisco oil

4 eggs

1 can pumkin

In large mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients. Mix until batter is smooth. Pour into well greased and sugared bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. ***Make sure to PAN the bundt pan and I like to sprinkle sugar around the pan to add a little MORE sugar to the crust!;)

Please comment your favorite Holiday recipes! I love trying new recipes! :)

Have a great day!

Claire

Sweet treat for a Sweet Season

One of my favorite memories as a little girl was baking sugar cookies with my mom and sister. It is something my mom always did with my Grandma and my mom being the mom she is, carried on the tradition. I LOVE baking sugar cookies but not as much as I LOVE decorating sugar cookies. Here is a great recipe and different ideas to decorate your cookies for the Holiday Season!!! Enjoy:)

1 cup of Sour Cream

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups flour

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Mix sour cream and baking soda; set aside. Beat butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs; mix well. Blend in nutmeg, vanilla and sour cream mixture. Gradually add flour, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. or just until centers are set and edges are lightly browned. Let stand on baking sheets 3 minutes.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

Mix powdered sugar and milk until well blended; spread onto cookies. Let stand until frosting is firm.

1. 

A fun Christmas cookie countdown to do with your family or friends...Enjoy!!

http://allrecipes.com/features/holidays/christmas/cookiecountdown/2009.aspx