Valentines + Cookies = Huge Success!

Since I am the wanna-be over-achiever Mom, I some how was in charge of her class party.  Not a big issue, but you have to coordinate with the other Mom's and throw something together I let Pickle's help me with our party planning, since she was the reason for my involvement.  She doesn't eat cake, and really doesn't eat cookies, but her friends helped her with their thoughts.  She did request chocolate covered strawberries, and they were added to our party as well.

 I am not a big fan of Valentine's day, but it is fun for the kiddos to have a reason to overload on sugar and an excuse for a party.

What says Happy Valentines Day better than the little message candies?  I think a sugar cookie!  For Pickle's school Valentine's Day party, I thought sugar cookies with little messages would be just the perfect treat.

Cookies go over much better than cupcakes, and I think it is because they are easy to eat.

The cookies were a huge hit, and I even had a few left over.  I took it upon myself to eat them so that I could make sure and tell you just how great these were!  Now, next week we will be back to the diet friendly foods...

I hope that you had a wonderful Valentine's day!  I know my children loved all the sugar!!!

So, let me share with you the recipe I use to make just the perfect cookie.  I have been holding on to this recipe for a few years.  A friend shared it with me, and it is supposedly the recipe the Cookie Bouquet uses for their fanciful creations.  I promise you won't be disappointed, and the little kick of Kosher salt is a pleasant surprise!

If you want to make a bouquet, here is a sample photo of one I made for Pickle's class when she was student of the week.  You would know it would have to be ultra girly!!!

Student of the week bouquet...

And because I am a dork, I have a few pictures for you... Not showing every step, but the important ones...

I really measured... since I wasn't making a bouquet, I rolled them to 3/8 inch.  They were really thick cookies.

Using a basic buttercream frosting, I pipe a border around my cookies, and then "flood" them with a thinned down version to get the beautiful smooth finish.

I add corn syrup and half and half to my buttercream frosting to thin it down and then it "floods" the cookies. I wish I could give you exact amounts, but it varies every time based on the humidity.  FYI, it is the secret to get the icing smooth... I learned the hard way. 

Perfectly thinned icing.  It should run, but still have some texture.

Sugar Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

Mix together flour and baking powder.  In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Stir in the egg, salt and both extracts.  Mix well.

Slowly add flour mixture, 1 cup at a time.  Mix until well incorporated.  The dough might look a little dry, that is OK, and form together to a disc.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface to approximately 5/8 inch thick.  Cut the cookies into desired shapes.  Place the cut cookie carefully on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  If you want to make a bouquet, insert a lollipop stick into the cookie.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn light golden brown in color.  Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack and allow to finish cooling.

Basic Buttercream Frosting

1 stick butter, softened
1 bag of powdered sugar (2 lbs.)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Half and Half (about 1/2 cup) but it varies.

Cream butter with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.  Add powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extracts.  Mix well. Start adding cream, a little at at time. Continue mixing.  If you frosting is too thick, add a little more cream.  Be careful as you can quickly add too much and you will have runny frosting...

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

I have a love affair with pecans.  There, it is out in the open and everyone can now be in the know.  It started when I was a small child, and still continues today.  I can remember picking through shelled pecans with my Mom, and eating as many as I put in the keep bowl.  I was so excited this year when the pecans started dropping in my backyard.  You see, we haven't had enough pecans to pick up for the last few years.  This year, the ground is covered.

I was a little sneaky enlisting help picking up these precious pecans.  I got Pickles in on the action.  At first it was just fun, and then she decided she too likes them, and the next thing you know, we have successfully picked up 39 pounds of pecans.  I took them to the local feed store, and they cracked these precious gems for us, and lets just say it was worth every penny.

I am surprised at how expensive pecans are in the store.  I purchased some when we were in Oklahoma for Thanksgiving, and they are much more than almonds or walnuts.  Regardless, I always choose pecans.  I love pecans to eat raw, toasted, toasted in a salad, spiced and toasted in a salad... a little to Forrest Gumpish, but you get the idea.  Last night I made the first batch of Sweet and Spicy Pecans for this season.  I think that I will have to make a few more batches if I am going to have any to give.  They are so delicious, almost like the nut stand in the middle of the fair where you can smell the aroma on the other side of the fairgrounds... My house still smells great, and I guess I will have to make another batch to share with my friends!

My jar of Sweet and Spicy pecans... A great gift for pecan lovers like me!

In a large bowl, place one egg white...

Whisk egg white until it is foamy and no liquid remains...

Here is my whipped egg white...don't you love the soft peaks?

Gently add your pecans.  I place mine to one side so they don't deflate my egg white.

Gently toss to coat making sure that all pecans are evenly coated with egg white.  Remember this is the glue that keeps your spices and sugar attached to the pecans.

Add the sugar and spice mixture and toss again until evenly coated. 

Place on a cookie sheet lined with either parchment paper or a Silpat and place in the oven at 275 degrees for 1 hour.

Allow to cool, and place in a pretty jar.  These are ready to go!

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

1 pound pecans (about 4 cups)
1 egg white
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon spice mix
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Dash of Cayenne Pepper

In a small bowl, combine sugar, spice mix, salt and pepper. Set aside.  In a large bowl, beat egg white with a wire whisk until foamy and no liquid remains.  Add pecans and gently toss until evenly coated.

Pour sugar mixture over the coated pecans and gently toss again until they are all evenly coated.  Place pecans in a single layer on a 15 x 10 jelly roll pan that is lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 275 degrees for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and spread in a single layer on waxed paper and allow to cool.  Store in an airtight container.

If you aren't a big pecan fan, try substituting almonds or even walnuts.  I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Spice Mix
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons dried ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl.  Store in an airtight container.

A Quick Dip

After college, I met this older lady in Texas that made the best dip in the world.  I worked with her daughter and she made if for the office one day.  I was in awe.  I didn't know anyone could beat the little packet of Hidden Valley Ranch powder that you mix with sour cream!  Boy, oh boy was I in shock.  I asked my co-worker if she would please get me the recipe.  I am pleased to say that she did, and it is still in my recipe box.

Over the years this dip has evolved a little, but is still pretty much the same.  I am sure that many out there make this dip, or have had it, and only looked for the recipe.  The title is really simple...Dill Dip.  You guessed it, it contains dried dill! My children love this dip, and will eat carrots, celery, broccoli or any other veggie dipped in it.  It is even good on baked potatoes in place of sour cream.  I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Here are the spices you will need...The only one that is special is the Beau Monde and it is made only by Spice  Islands. The others are Dill Weed, Parsley Flakes, Minced Onions and Garlic Salt.

In small jars, layer the spices starting with the onions.

Finish with the dill, and place the cap on and decorate.

To mix you will need 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise.  

Add the dip mix...

And stir... That is all there is to it!

Serve with your favorite veggies...Pickles chose carrots for her snack.

Dill Dip Mix

1 tablespoon dried onions
1 teaspoon Beau Monde Seasoning
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Layer ingredients in a small jar.  To make Dill Dip, mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup sour cream. Stir well and allow to refrigerate for about an hour before serving.  Enjoy!

Spiced Mocha...Perfect for a cold night!

This has been a wonderful Saturday!  This morning, I took my two little ones, on sick and one obsessed with picking up pecans to help Scott haul hay.  We successfully moved all the hay we needed to in about an hour and a half.  It was a miracle that The Little Man never once climbed out of his car seat!  He was content just riding along watching the tractor.  Guess he is sicker than I thought!

Pickles on the other hand, with bucket in tow, couldn't be bothered opening gates, as it infringed on her time picking up pecans.  I am so thankful I have a helper now.  She decided she loves to eat them, and better pick them up before the squirrels and chickens eat them all.

Today was a beautiful December day here in Mississippi.  This was the perfect day to do any outside activities.  I should have gotten my outside Christmas decorations put up, but they will be there another day. We enjoyed playing on the farm and "checking out" our new baby...

The new baby and it's Mommy...Not sure if it is a boy or a girl...maybe we'll find out in a little while.

The best gate girl ever! She loves doing ballet and closing gates... Love this little angel!!!

As I continue giving ideas from the kitchen, today I share Spiced Mocha Mix. This easy to make mix is so delicious. I typically don't like instant coffee or mixes, but this one is super special. I used a good quality instant coffee.  There are some cheaper, but not for this coffee snob.

Ready to give... Little jars of love! Add a card or label with the mixing instructions.

Place coffee, creamer, sugar, cocoa and cinnamon in a bowl.

Mix well...

Portion into little jars...these are left over baby food jars.

To enjoy, mix 3 tablespoons with 6 ounces of boiling water... Delicious!

Spiced Mocha Mix

1/2 cup instant coffee
1 1/2 cup powdered creamer
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix all ingredients well.  Place in an air tight container.  To use, mix 3 tablespoons with 6 ounces of boiling water. Use within 6 months.

Sugar Scrub...The Perfect Gift!

The Holiday season can be stressful, to say the least.  It seems that we seem to over schedule in every area this time of year. Sure, the party's, cookie swaps, get together's and family time are fun, but then we try and make sure every gift is perfect and that we try to please everyone.  It all adds up to major stress, especially when our budgets get stretched thin.

Today on the Rachael Ray show, she was talking with Mario Batali.  I have always thought he was not only a great chef, but a really cool guy.  He was asked what the perfect hostess gift would be and his answer was, "Anything homemade."  He said he would like jams, jelly or even a jar of Dilly Beans.  The gift is not meant to be expensive, or even served at the party, but just as a gift of gratitude to show your hostess that you appreciate their hospitality.

Tonight, I wanted to share something that is perfect for any hostess.  It is a sugar and olive oil scrub.  Yes, you read that right, it is not a food item, but rather a spa gift.  I don't know of a woman alive that doesn't like to pamper herself on occasion, and if a man will admit to it, they would love this too!  It is super simple to make, and so easy, even your kids can make it without supervision.  That is, if you are brave.  There are no exact recipes, only guidelines.

Pair this with a small candle, a loofah, or even a nice lotion, and you have the perfect gift for anyone.  Make an extra one for yourself, I promise you will love it!

Two little gifts for two special people.

Here is all you need... Raw Sugar, Olive Oil, Essential Oil, and a clean jar.

Fill jar 2/3 full with sugar.

Add olive oil to bottom of threads on jar.

A few drops of essential oil...this is lavender.

Give it a stir, and you are in business.

Put your lid on, and you are good to go.  Now to decorate the jar.

Cut a small square of fabric, about 3 inches bigger than the diameter of the lid.  Secure the fabric to the jar with a rubber band.  It took me a while to figure this one out!  Slow learner...I know.

Tie with ribbon and remove the rubber band.  It's that easy.  Now you have a wonderful little gift.

This took all of about five minutes from start to finish.  I promise anyone can make this!

Again, I hope you enjoy the ideas from the kitchen...

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah

Hot Chocolate Mix...Another Gift from the Kitchen

When it is cold outside, who doesn't love a nice warm cup of chocolate?  OK, I might know a few, like my sister-in-law who detests chocolate altogether, but she is the exception, and for that we will forgive her and love her anyway.  I personally love hot chocolate, and the mix you stir up in your kitchen is perfect for a little happy.  If you are like me, there are so many Christmas gifts to give.  This little gift is perfect for a small token of your Christmas love.

I have given this gift in several different ways.  A jar full of mix, decorated with a fabric square on the top in a basket with a mug and either cookies or candy. As a single portion in a small plastic bag nestled inside the mug with a ribbon tied to the handle, or with an assortment of other drink mixes.  The only limit is your imagination.  This is is a great gift to give when you need multiple gifts and don't want to spend a fortune!

I found Christmas mugs at the local department store for less than $1. Some of the craft stores had them also, and they were really cute and on sale 50% off. Can't beat that! If you want something a little more, Williams Sonoma had some really cute hot chocolate sets with a frother and mugs, and that would make a great gift with a jar of hot chocolate mix.  I am curious to hear about what you come up with.

This is about as easy as it comes, so get the children involved and have fun. That is what Christmas is all about. Let the children give this as a gift they made and took ownership of.  I promise, the reward will be priceless!

A little happy...

Place the sifter in the bowl before adding any ingredients...trust me on this one!

Add your powdered milk...

...sugar and cocoa

And a little salt.

And start sifting...see the cocoa already peaking through!
 

Sift until all you are left with is pieces too big to fit through the sifter.  Discard this.

My mountain of hot chocolate mix...

Stir until evenly combined...

It is now ready to package!

I placed 3 tablespoons in a little bag and tied it up with a ribbon.  On a label, I wrote the directions for mixing it up!

Hot Chocolate Mix

3 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sift the ingredients into a large bowl.  Package the mix into airtight containers, or individual plastic bags.

To make Hot Chocolate:

4 tablespoons Hot Chocolate Mix
1 cup boiling water
Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional)

Place Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug.  Pour in the water. Stir until mix is dissolved.  Garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream or both! If you feel like the barista at Starbucks, drizzle a little chocolate syrup on the whipped cream for the coffee house touch!

I hope you enjoy.  My Mom made gifts like this every Christmas, and it is fun to make these with my children.

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah