Christmas Cookies

Cookie Decorating Essentials

One of my fabulous co-workers suggested that we do a cookie/treat exchange at work. I loved the idea. After all, I like to bake and decorate.

I’m terrible at cut-out cookies.

The dough doesn’t roll right. The cookies rip when I transfer them from the counter to the cookies sheet. The edges end up burned.

So, I bought Holiday Cut-Out Cookies from Market Day. I’m not a fan of the frosting, so I also got Betty Crocker Whipped icing and decors.

Lily got to decorate first. She got 6 of each cookie (snowmen, stars, trees), half of the candies, and 4 decor shakers.

We attempted to have her do the icing before decorating, but that wasn’t working out well, so I iced and she decorated.

Navy had fallen asleep while the first batch was in the oven, so he decorated his after dinner.

He got the remaining cookies and candies, but only 3 shakes. I thought the one “holly” shaker would be too messy.

He did really well. Didn’t lick or eat any cookies he wasn’t supposed to. Didn’t stick his fingers in the frosting.

I can definitely see our family repeating this next Christmas, hopefully with homemade cookies!

Got a good (fool proof) cut-out cookie recipe?

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Dec12

Little Chef helping make buffalo chicken dip.

2 Market Day ChicNSteaks (approx 1/2 lb.), cooked, shredded
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. Frank’s Red Hot
1/2 c. Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Dressing
1/2 c. shredded cheese (I use Mexican, taco, or fiesta for a little extra kick)

Place the cream cheese, Frank’s, dressing, and cheese in a 1-1/2 Quart Slow Cooker on high. Stir to blend well.

Mix in the chicken. Stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and the mixture is well blended.

Reduce heat to low, still stirring occasionally.

Serve with tortilla chips and pretzels.

I would love to show a picture of this all plated up, looking delicious, but it went fast.

Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

Sep23

Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

I am not much of a jelly or jam person. Lily is. She loves the stuff. Two big spoonfuls on her toast every morning.

I think it’s too sweet. It really doesn’t taste much like the fruit that it’s supposed to be made of.

After a sale on raspberries at Kroger, I decided that we’d give this recipe a whirl. If it didn’t work, I was only out a couple of bucks for the berries. If it was a success, we could have tasty new jams and jellies whenever we want.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. berries
3 T. honey
2 T. chia seeds
1 t. lemon juice Continue reading →