Baking with Callie

The other day we had an inside day inside of going out to the pool. (Momma needed a break from the sun), so we baked some cookies.

We used a recipe from Southern Living's Christmas Cookies

Decorated Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup of butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

decorator frosting

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl, add sugar beating until light nad fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.

Combine flour, soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture, blending well (Dough will be very stiff)

Divide dough into thirds; rol each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. cut with assorted cutters. and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

* We did not use the decortor frosting, instead used colored sugar and sprinkles.

They taste more like shortbread cookies than sugar cookies. When we were low on the dough, I dumped all a bunch of the colored sugar and sprinkles into the dough and mixed it up.  Rolled into small balls placed on the cookie sheets and squished them.  They made for very colorful (and yummy) cookies.  But, I think I need a new recipe!

A little info on the book:

http://amzn.to/1MAAqIu

Christmastime is cookie time! Recipes innovative and worthy of gift giving abound in this unique collection. Christmas Cookies offers American favorites while foreign specialties highlight the universal appeal of holiday cookies. And when the season is over, this cookbook will serve as a valuable resource for delicious cookies that will give pleasure the year round.

• Paperback: 91 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House (1986)
• ASIN: B002HEA2H8
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,080,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1586 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Seasonal
  • #1994 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Entertaining & Holidays > Holidays
  • #4966 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > Decorating & Design > Decorating

Stay cool this summer with these great tips

Its summertime!!! School's out, and its hot out there. Here are just some tips to stay healthy & Have fun. Feel free to add your in the comments.
*Drink lots of water!!!
* Use the sunscreen on yourself and your children. Re-apply after like 2 hours or when you see the skin pink.
* get in the shade if you start feeling dizzy, light-headed or just unwell.
* Drink that water!! You need to stay hydrated. smile emoticon
*if you are bare-foot: watch where you step! Bees are on those flowers and they will sting if you step on them.
*Sunglasses, wear them
*when the kids are in the pool, keep an eye on them! Even if they can swim. 
*When barefoot: that asphalt is HOT! you will burn your feet.
* Sand is hot, it will burn your feet!
* Do not leave kids or pets in the vehicle while you go into a store.
*Have fun, but be careful

Extra tips for enjoying summer:

-don't let food sit out that should be cool. After you serve, put it away!!!!!

-*** Note: I have not tried this particular hint**** Listerine: the BEST way to get your feet ready for summer. Sounds crazy but it works! Mix 1/4c Listerine (any kind but I like the blue), 1/4c vinegar and 1/2c of warm water. Soak feet for 10 minutes and when you take them out the dead skin will practically wipe off!

-Cinnamon in the Sandbox - It keeps the bugs away!

-Easily remove sand from your hands by "washing" them with BABY POWDER! This works great for cleaning kids up after playing in the sand box as well!

 

 

We would love to hear from you.  Do you have any tips you would like to share?