The BEST Sugar Cookies

I have very fond memories of making cut out sugar cookies as a child.  Before she retired, my mother was an elementary school teacher, and the day school let out for Christmas vacation was always "Cut out cookie making day"!  We also did them at Easter.  I know these special times with mom and my sisters began my love affair with cookie cutters!  

Then there is my fascination with cupcake liners...but that's another story for another day! ;)

When my children were old enough to help make sugar cookies I found this recipe on the Gooseberry Patch Message Board.  They were called, "Amy F's Valentine Butter Cookies".  They are the BEST, and ONLY sugar cookies I make.  

The BEST Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2C sugar

1/4C brown sugar

2 sticks butter (1C)

2 eggs

6 tbsp milk

4C flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

Preparation:

Cream the butter and sugars.  Add eggs, milk, and vanilla - mix well.  In a separate bowl sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture - beat until blended.  (I find sometimes I need a bit more milk) Chill for 1 hour.  Roll onto floured surface and cut out with your favorite cookie cutters.  Bake on greased or parchment lined pan @ 350 for 12 min.

Printable Recipe

I made these sugar cookies for our Thanksgiving Potluck with my husband's family.  I did a pumpkin for each of the little ones, and leaves for the adults. 

All cooked, and waiting for some icing.

Cookie Glaze Frosting Recipe

This is my sister, Paula's, recipe to glaze cookies before you decorate them.  (i.e. the orange icing below)

1C icing sugar

4 tsp milk

2 tsp corn syrup

1/4 Tsp vanilla

food coloring

Mix icing sugar & milk til smooth.  Mix in syrup and vanilla til glossy.  Add more syrup if too thick.  

Butter Frosting - Five Roses Flour Cookbook

This is my "go to" icing for so many things.  It is my favorite for decorating cupcakes.  

1/2C butter

pinch of salt

5C icing sugar

8 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and salt together.  Add sugar gradually alternating with milk.  Beat until smooth.  Add more milk or icing sugar if necessary.  Stir in vanilla.  Yield approx 3C.

I see a pumpkin for Emma, Micah, Andrew, Naomi, and Eva!

This pumpkin was either for Jake, Jackson, or Joel!  :)

I must say, there were some adults who were just as excited to grab a cookie as some of the children were!!

Joining:
Foodie Friday
Sweets for a Saturday
On The Menu Monday
Food Trip Friday
Creative Me
Clever Chicks Blog Hop

Continue Reading....

Fall Decor 2012

My fall decor is in three areas this year.  The dining room, living room mantle, and the front entry. You already saw the dining room in my Lia Sophia post.  Today I'm sharing the front entry and the living room mantle.

Continue Reading....

The girls. Chocolate cake. Lia Sophia.

The girls came over recently.

We tried on beautiful jewelry.

Grabbed a cold drink.

Tried on more beautiful jewelry.

Enjoyed a snack.  Chocolate, of course!

Grab a plate.  You are welcome to have a piece. 

It is Chocolate Zucchini Cake.

We had a great time!!  I love beautiful jewelry...and chocolate.

~Tanya

Photos courtesy of Nicole Payzant Photography

I am not being compensated in any way by Lia Sophia.  I just wanted to share our fun time with you.

Continue Reading....

"New" Fall Wreath

~Welcome Fall~

 Hubby painted the front door black this summer.  We've only lived here 10 years, so that's not bad eh?  For the first few years, there were other projects that took priority.  But I have to admit, it was me dragging my feet on the color.  Decisions are hard sometimes.  ;)  Once it was done, all I could picture was a beautiful colorful fall wreath welcoming everyone who came to the door.  

Continue Reading....