Happy 2009!

We all had a very, merry Christmas.
It was also very busy. The Bozos are on vacation all week. We are spending it at home, playing with all our new toys. I will be scarce here this week...I really don't see myself cooking a thing. But, I might.
Happy New Year to all! I will see you in 2009.

Holiday Gifts

Here are a few favorite gifts I received this holiday...
a. Barefoot Contessa's NEW cookbook! I just love her cooking...it's beyond words. It was actually a pre-holiday gift from my Pop. Thanks Pop! I can't wait to cook something from it.

b. A set of organic cotton flour sack dish towels with Parsley on them! Love them! Thanks Sarah!

c. The Nintendo DS game, Cooking Mama. It is super addictive! But, I won't have much time with it, since the Bozos like it as much as I do. Santa brought this in my stocking.

d. Another great cookbook...this one is from Martha Stewart & it is a collection of all her cookie recipes from over the years. Many of which I use during the holidays. It's a paperback & has amazing color photos.
I received this from my MIL. Thanks Gammy!

Christmas Cookies

Today we finally finished the last of our cookies! I made nearly 500 this year.
The whole process can be stressful at times. But, it's a family affair. The Bozos have fun helping. DH helped out with the package assembling & lots of dirty dishes....as well as all the taste testing!

Finding the right boxes proves to be a challenge year after year. The boxes have to be the right size & depth. Something that is not always easy to come by in a craft or baking supply store.
This year, I found mine here.
I have to give them a shout out, because I love them! They have boxes, and any gift packaging you could imagine. The quality is amazing...as well as the prices.

Throw in a description of the cookies, a gift label & a bow...ready to go!
Who wouldn't love to receive a gift like this?

Almond Shortbread Stars

This is my last cookie post for the Holiday season. It is also one of first ones I ever made, and still gets included year after year. I found the recipe in the Martha Stewart Living magazine special issue, titled *Holiday Cookies*, published in 2001.
A few reasons I make them every year....I love the festive look of these little white powder coated stars. The almond flavor is delicious. They are super easy to make & can be made ahead of time! Something essential while baking as many cookies as I do.

Rum Balls

These are probably my most requested Christmas cookie (if you can call it a cookie). They are made with dark rum & have a very strong alcohol flavor. So, they are definitely not for kids!
I found the recipe in the December 2003 issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. But, it can also be found on her website.
Rolling out all the balls can be quite time consuming. But, other than that, they are super easy.
This recipe makes about 4 dozen.
You will need a 12" x 17" rimmed baking sheet. This is pretty essential, as the amount of batter is based on this size pan. It's a standard size & should be easy to find.

Hawaiian Wedding Cookies

I usually include Mexican Wedding Cookies in my Christmas baking repertoire. They are also known as Italian Wedding cookies, butterballs, or Russian Tea Cakes. The traditional recipe is made with almonds, or sometimes pecans, and vanilla.
This year, I decided to try a new spin on the classic. These have the exact same texture & buttery, shortbread taste. But, they are made with macadamia nuts, toasted coconut and lime. I found the recipe in Cuisine at Home magazine.
The recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Spiced Cardamom Snowflakes

I love ginger snap cookies and I love animal crackers. So, when I read that this cookie was like a mix of the two, I knew I would love it.
The recipe is from Martha Stewart Living magazine.
Rather than make them exactly the way they were described in the magazine, I made them in the shape of snowflakes. The flavor is very unusual...but delicious!
The recipe makes about 60 assorted shaped cookies.

Start by cutting 2 sticks of unsalted butter into chunks & set them aside to warm to room temperature.
Put 5 1/2 cups of flour in a large mixing bowl. Scoop & level the flour for an accurate measure.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda,

1 tablespoon of coarse salt,

1 tablespoon of ground cardamom,

1 teaspoon of ground allspice,

1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper,

and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.

Whisk to combine & set aside.

Measure a 1/4 cup of heavy cream & put in a separate mixing bowl,

Add 1 egg,

and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Whisk to combine.

Next, put a 1/2 cup of sugar into a large saucepan.

Add 1 cup of dark brown sugar,

and 1/2 cup dark corn syrup.

Bring the mixture to boil & whisk to dissolve the sugars. Remove from the heat.

Put the softened butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Pour the sugar mixture into the mixer & while on low speed, mix with the butter until combined.

Add the cream mixture & mix again.

Then add the flour mixture, in batches,

and mix. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.

The batter will be very sticky & have the consistency of taffy.

Pour the batter out onto a lightly floured surface,

and divide into 3 equal portions.

Wrap each section with plastic wrap & refrigerate overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350.
Remove the dough from the fridge & let sit just long enough to become pliable.
Roll the dough out to an 1/8" thickness.

Use a snowflake cookie cutter...or the cutter of your choice,

to cut out the shapes.
Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet & bake for 12 minutes.
Rotate pans halfway through.

Cool cookies on a rack,

and serve!
These would be exceptionally beautiful decorated with icing, or powdered sugar.
But, I didn't have time for that.

Open it!

Few things make me more mental than trying to get toys out of their packaging on Christmas morning. Why do they have to make it so freaking difficult?
This tool is at the top of my stocking stuffer wish list!
It slices & cuts through anything...and even has a screwdriver & box cutter.
You listening, Santa?

The Tree

This year my children are finally at the age when all I had to do was has hang the lights & garland and they did the rest.







A llama from Brazil.


Capiz shell star garland. I love this.