BROWN SUGAR COOKIES

This is a disclaimer: These are not health cookies, and you WILL eat way too many of them.

A couple weeks ago I wanted to make treats for my coworkers for Valentine's Day. I didn't have the time to make sugar cookies and individually frost each cookie, so I made a simple cookie that is in my opinion more delicious than a sugar cookie: the Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookie. The great thing about these cookies is that they are small enough that you can eat two (or in my case, four) and not feel bad about it. Then again, how can anyone feel bad about eating delicious cookies?!

These were so easy to make and honestly tasted just as good, if not better, days after baking, which is rare for homemade cookies. If you're in the mood for a little something sweet, try these. I don't think they will disappoint.

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Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

2 sticks of butter - softened

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

Raw unrefined sugar

Mix brown sugar & butter until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix. Add flour and salt and beat until mixed. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch rolls on parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm. Once firm, roll the dough in raw sugar (dough may need to be slightly softened for sugar to stick). I like to mix in colored sugar for holidays, but clear raw sugar works great as well. Slice into thin 1/4 inch cookies and place on sheet. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until edges have browned. Enjoy!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

A Valentine's Day card made by yours truly. Circa 2nd Grade. 

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Wishing everyone a day filled with love and happiness. Remember - this holiday is about love and that can be the love you have for your family and friends, not just a significant other. There are so many people I am blessed to have in my life that I love, and I like to take this day to remind them of just that!

In the spirit of the holiday, I brought some treats to work today to share with my coworkers. Growing up, my mom made white chocolate covered pretzel sticks all the time. For some reason I specifically remember her always making them for the PTA Ice Skating night during Christmastime... but I thought they would be the perfect little treat for Valentine's Day. I love the salty sweet combo, and they couldn't be easier to make. Have a party to go to tonight? Simply melt white chocolate, add red food coloring, swirl pretzel in chocolate, and let dry on parchment paper. I like to put mine in the refrigerator to speed up the chocolate-hardening process. Wrap in parchment paper and tie a pretty ribbon around and you're set! Less than 30 minutes and you've got delicious treats sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Sweet Treat

I have a little bit of a sweet tooth. After every lunchand dinner, I am usually craving a little somethingsweet - a cookie, piece of chocolate, cake..... Living out this year, I have taken full advantage of fulfilling my sweet tooth, whether it needs it or not. One Sunday, I made 6 dozen sugar Christmas cookies, frosted and everything, because I didn't feel like writing my paper. Tonight, I decided to make chocolate chip cookies just because I wanted to bake. It was nice; just me and Van Morrison Pandora baking away. I have to say, they turned out pretty delicious. And even though my roommates are convinced I'm slowly turning them fat (oops!), I think they enjoyed them too! Recipe below!

Kelley Jefferson's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. crisco

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla -cream these until fluffy

fold in 2 well beaten eggs and beat well

2 1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt -mix and add to other

add chocolate chips

bake about 7-8 minutes @ 375.

ENJOY!