BAKING "VALENTINE COOKIES" WITH GRANDMA

Thursday, February 2, 2012

SIMPLE VALENTINE COOKIES..MAKING MEMORIES

Yesterday, I planned on making my cut out Valentine Cookies....There is something about baking; the smell of shortbread; and then pink icing with sprinkles that makes you think Valentines......
I use the same recipe for every holiday "Moms Everything Dough" on my sidebar......
The fun begins by mixing butter; eggs; sugar.............all mixed together....I sometimes use a mixer at this point but then
sometimes I mix it by hand with a fork and they turn out fine..............
My granddaughter came along and we put on her apron and I gave her a little bowl with her own flour; stir; mix; pour out and ( I think she even added the pepper that was sitting on the counter nearby!) and before you know it she had flour head to toe.........But we were having FUN!
There is something simple; traditional about mixing flour; sugar; eggs; in a large white bowl ; following my mother; her mother; and her mother before her................
Memories that will sustain through the years.........Love that pours out between a grandchild and her grandma.............Precious times I will not forget................
Standing on the back of a chair ; up to the countertops; matching aprons; Sprinkles to put over the cookies; simple FUN........and oh so good...............

I love cut out cookies................I love to purchase a "Design Shape" to use for about $1 and make so much fun out of it!!!................
Little hands...........precious hands ; pink frosting.................and Sprinkles of heart shapes in red; pink; and creams......................
Even when they "stick" all over everything............................
We made trays and trays of these and then Grandma set the trays on the front porch to cool
and let the cookie set up.................
I put some in "little baggies" to take to my ladies meeting next week for a treat to all...........
and the rest..........."Oh they are half gone from guests who came by that evening and
Sweetest Girl and I enjoying some together.

Proverbs 31: 31 "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS.......

SIMPLE CELEBRATIONS..................

I really enjoy celebrations.........I have been so blessed to learn from so many sources along
the years....my sister has hosted family gatherings; a wedding; and showers...my sister in law
has shown me many ways to host huge gatherings and treat overnight guest.........my daughter in law has given me great "baskets" upon being a guest in her home and having everything I could want to make me feel loved.........my other sisters seem to have a knack for bringing colors and pretty things together "for to go" parties......I have worked in the past at summer camps for teens helping prepare for over 300 to eat and many a Valentine or other banquet where "special" was prepared beyond measure.............

My mind is full of ideas but I take a "twist" on it all and try to do it on a budget.........

I love when a table or buffet or shower "makes you feel welcome" and special........* I am also
blessed to go to a church which has taught this for many years.......*
Celebrations can be simple.......I use what I have most of the time.
Here are some things I have collected....
. 3 -Tier Silver stand ( I found clear plates at the second hand store) -used for cookies or small sandwiches
. Cloth or pretty paper napkins (these make it special and usually only cost $2 or under)-
can be spread out in line or placed in a pretty basket
. Napkin rings- these can be found on clearance many times or make your own using a little wire and a flower or other item
. Baskets- second hand store...Large flat or tray like -group plates or napkins or centerpiece
. Serving plates- find the colors you want only .50 -$2 second hand stores
. White paper plates- for more simple celebrations Summertime
. White plates- can be put on a charger to look extra special
. Plastic pitchers in bright colors - Summertime drinks such as lemonade
. Serving bowls- My sister has several large ones that fit big salads (Kohls has nice sales on these)
. Candle holders- the small glass votive s..I have used these over and over on my table . I have sometimes used the matching color candles or used white tea lights. All in all it gives the table
a glow.........
. Nice quiet music in the background

.....You dont have to have any or all of these....A pretty table with a sign made by your children saying Welcome Home to their daddy says it all!

Other celebration items that you can purchase inexpensively are :
Balloons; Paper lanterns; Tissue flowers ( my daughter in law makes these and they are gorgeous!
These can be bought at the dollar store including the tissue * I almost always buy white tissue in packs for my gifts

Glass vases; silk flowers; little chocolates to place in tiny jars; netting to hold candy; pretty tea bags inside a pocket of a card; little glittery pieces that sprinkle on the tablecloth; a small mirror in the middle of the table to reflect your centerpiece or candles.....

...................................

Hosting a celebration
. Have a plan on how you want it to go.........( of course if this is just a family celebration this would be different and you can go with the flow).......but if you are hosting the family gathering for instance....Get a simple notebook .....and make a list of your meal; groceries; special dishes you may need...cakes or desserts etc......
This may sound silly to some but it rest my mind ...and helps me to have it there in the book and done!

. If hosting a shower or buffet ....make a plan. Again the items needed; who will bring what;
who will help with different areas ( let people help ...it makes them feel needed) On the other hand dont make others feel that Have to help you clean up etc....Have that prepared ahead of time of who you may ask.....
Let the special guest for the event feel special and make it about them! Have fun!
..................................

Ideas from others

. My friend ; host our ladies circle each month at her home. She always has her table decorated with a nice cloth; potluck dishes; coffee and tea to enjoy. She has a large wooden shelf above her table decorated with each months theme ( ex Valentines Day)....She also has
long tables set up ; decorated with plates and a favor each month for us to enjoy. She doesnt have to do this but it always makes me feel loved when I have been there!

. My sister in law....hosted a family holiday a few years ago and I spent the weekend at her "Lodge Home".
She had everything planned for the holiday along with special "gifts" given throughout the day through games. She had food all set out buffet style in her kitchen warm and ready to go.
They had coffee and all different sorts of creamers( I loved this) and everyone bought dessert and she had them all set in a pretty setting.She made you feel loved and welcome..... Our room for the night had fresh towels; great smelling soap and was beautifully furnished..It was like a special retreat..and ....I felt very loved.

. My sister ....has had many family celebrations...She serves buffet style as well. She has hosted winter inside gatherings with candles; music; and many appetizers and food dishes...She has had showers; a wedding and my moms Hawaiian 90th birthday.....Each one was special and well decorated with pretty silver and glass dishes; special cakes; and Hawaiian themes and food to enjoy with pretty leis to wear and a special one flown in from Hawaii for my moms birthday...She also fills the room we stay in with Fresh flowers and may have special candies or treats or a delish Coffeecake on a stand with OJ served in a beautiful glass container for breakfast...

. My daughter in law....made baskets for my husband and I and my daughter when we visited their home out West. They were in our room when we arrived... I loved that they were filled with so many nice things! Again our room was like a little retreat... She also made sure we had drinks; coffee creamers; foods and other necessities that we needed while there. We felt very loved when we left their home.

. Celebrations dont have to be formal or even cost alot but its the attention to DETAIL that each person gives that makes it special! 

. I can remember when our daughters were young we would have many "normal day" celebrations....such as a Tea Party on a blanket outside with hats and dress up clothes from the thrift store...or  my daughters and son would have a "picnic" inside on the floor with a pretend logs ..cowboy hats and food for the West...many a themed supper such as Italian night with breadsticks and a checked tablecloth and spaghetti ....or made signs for "Welcome Daddy who works so hard" night with fish sticks to eat; fish crackers and a cake with a fish on it and we all had a fishing pole...Crazy Fun Celebrations...make everyday life a day of Celebration!

................
Whatever you choose.........to celebrate make it simple and enjoyable for you and others!

BRINGING A "BED AND BREAKFAST" TO YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET...

DECORATING YOUR HOME SIMPLY AND INEXPENSIVELY...

I enjoy watching the birds in the Springtime ; as they begin gathering little twigs; sticks and other material to begin a "nest" for their little "home sweet home".....I guess you could say I
am like a bird in that I enjoy bringing bits and pieces of beauty to my home......

I enjoy comfortable and homey furnishings... in fact, I love shopping for unusual items at a good price to bring a room to life...I can look at a photo of a pretty room and see the colors that stand out to me...I enjoy barn reds; creams; apple and limegreens; and robin egg blues......
I enjoy simple ; cleaned off spaces.....and rooms that make you "feel" like you can just bring
your tired worn body to kick off your shoes and relax..........

The first step to inexpensive decorating is getting rid of unwanted clutter...Out goes too many
books; papers ; magazines....( They have pretty cardboard holders for these if you need to have a place for them at Walmart for only a few dollars)........get rid of too many toys or place some in
storage and replace now and then. ...Too much furniture; nick nacks (especially if they never get dusted). Work on rooms one room at a time and try and make a place for everything and everything in its place....
I will start with the most important and that is your bedroom. Your room for you and your
husband should be clean; clutter free; warm and inviting and smelling nice...........

I have found some of the most beautiful quilts; duvets; comforters; pillows at second hand stores.
I look for good brands that seem to last long such as Pottery Barn; Ralph Lauren; or even a pretty pattern.....

This past Fall I found a pretty cream chenille bedspread; gray duvet; cream light blanket;
and my sister had some beautiful throw pillows in creams that I placed with a cream and black
pillow.......We also have flannel sheets in cute red and white print for the cold winters in our area.
I try and spray our sheets or blankets with a nice smelling spray to keep things fresh...
Right now I am looking for a lime green quilt to pair with my cream and add some fresh reds and yellows for Springtime.....I can usually find a nice quilt for around $5.......

I do on occasion look for good sheets that are high count and soft. I would love to find a buttercream yellow for Spring....I may look at places like JC Pennys on sale or TJ Maxx on their clearance items...

I have a nice wing chair and a small table beside it. My husband sits there alot and so I put a favorite book; his favorite snacks and cold beverage on this for him to enjoy....
I have two nice end tables in black ( they dont match in style ) and I love that! I can keep my
favorite books nearby on my stand and some of my favorite pretties. I keep a picture of
my husband and I when we were a young cute couple on his side and books on the bottom of his
table.....

I also have a place where my husband can put his cell phone; his change from his pockets; and other needed items on top of our dresser. ( these can be found at any Walmart in mens dept under accessories)..........

I have a small little cream desk in one corner with a shelf over the top. Some of my favorite things sit atop this shelf...Not too many just a few.... This is where I do any needed work such as bills; filing; cards; or daily to do list.......

I try and keep our closet in order. ( my room is not huge and this helps in everyday use)...
I keep organizing boxes atop filled with various things. We both share a closet and I keep in season clothes in the closet only...........(other goes in a box in basement until season change)
However you choose to "fluff" your nest.......make a simple plan on how you want it to look and feel and work with what you have........Sometimes it may be as simple as moving furniture around; freshening the paint; making some curtains ( my friend was so good at this); finding what you need at a thrift store ( such as chairs) and purchasing some pillows at Walmart.....

Make your bedroom your haven of rest..........

EVERYDAY SCHEDULE...WELCOME THE NEW YEAR

EVERDAY SCHEDULE.....2013

I love a schedule. It helps me to keep on track everyday.....There are ; of course; many times
things do not go according to the schedule but its good to have one in place for something to fall back on each day so you dont go about stumbling through life ...( I have had days like that)

I remember years ago as a young wife trying to fit my families life into so many Others schedules.... I read Books; charts and even listen to talks about scheduling until it almost threw me into a tailspin.........

I talked with a wise friend and told her my husband schedule . He was in and out of the house with work as we ran our own business; my children were growing and involved in various things. I ended up working with our own business
at different times where I would be needed to do extra tasks...How could I have a schedule?

She simply said......Make a set schedule of the dailys in life to have everyday. Then do what you can.....* Ohhhh I loved that!

That has worked through the rest of my many years.....My schedule may be different than yours. You may have young children; children in school;a retired husband; someone that is in need of care giving; or may work out of the home. Whatever it is...........there are still things to be done........Even if someone cleans your home.........Things need to be done..

Each day.....I hop ( or try to hop) out of bed and say Good morning to my Lord....I then yield my day to Him.... * Mornings have been good for me to have some alone time so I grab my Bible and read a devotional given out through my church...pray and ...begin the day...

I go to the coffeemaker and start my coffee and then my husbands....We sit and chat quietly
and enjoy the morning together....*In the Spring we like to sit on our front porch at listen to the birds..........


Then...........its the thought of breakfast.....( * I try and take my shower and needs in the evening
so I can be ready to go this seems to help me through the years).......My hubby gets ready and
I fix either a hot bowl of oatmeal with the fixins; or a couple eggs whites and wheat toast (maybe some turkey bacon or a slice of ham and thin swiss cheese on a English Muffin......

Everyones ready to go........Kisses goodbye are a must!I love you's too.................
Next............
One of the first things I do is make my bed!........I love to put on fresh sheets on Mondays ( I have two sets of sheets so I can wash one on Monday and have a fresh set to put on) and when I make it I tuck it all in on the sides and smooth it all out just right. I then add some pretty pillows . Sometimes I have a nice smelling spray I may spray the linens with.
.This seems to make the day get going....and its nice to have a room neat and clean and ready to use.....I have a small desk and workspace in my room; so doing this step readies the room and to do work when I need to in a nice clean space.

. I then go throw laundry in...I do most of my laundry on Mondays; fold and put away...but then may throw in smaller loads throughout the week....Tuesday or Wednesdays I do pressing and ironing...
Back to the morning kitchen where dishes are loaded;tables wiped down; placemats cleaned off; counters wiped down; floor swept; mopped if needed and maybe meat to lie out to thaw on the counter (for short time) in preparation for dinner. * I have a list of dinners ready to go each week. That way Im not thinking at 4 oclock Oh what am I going to have for dinner? Ive done that before.....

My daughter bought me a "Planner" from Vera Bradley . I keep my life in this little planner. I write down things needful for the rest of that day ; and it reminds me on the calendar of everything else going or bills due for that month...appointments needed for myself or family members....birthdays...cards to send...prayer request....Bible verses...(this planner has little pockets inside that I can stick cards; stamps; pen; notecards etc.......

Everyones life runs at a different pace.....This is a sample of my day....I will share part two soon...

THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE....I AM BLESSED

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE...I AM BLESSED

This is the last few days before Christmas....I was out for a few hours with my daughter when
I heard overhead " last minute shoppers come find this bargain or that"....or as I stood in a long return line a lady chatted with me that someone had been unkind to her in a parking space outside and said threatening and bad words towards her" ....we just laughed at the holiday spirit!
I too....began to get caught up in this "race" towards the holiday rush and began to feel abit guilty....like I had not prepared for this Big Day!........I STOPPED ........and LISTENED to
a quiet inside voice (God uses His Holy Spirit).......whisper..........Your done!

What ? I still had things to buy; the snow was coming; I needed to stop at the grocery......
But.............I was DONE! I had all I wanted for Christmas.........I had made a small list in November of items that I hoped to do for December.........Simple things like baking cookies with
my granddaughter; giving cookies or candies to others; laughing and eating good food with
those I love; shopping with family ; sending out some Christmas cards; Christmas music; Special gifts; doing for shut ins; doing for others; enjoying the snow; spending some sweet times with my husband;
spending time with God..........

It was DONE!.............I had everything I could want! I am so blessed. And every year it seems
to be the same.........The twinkle lights; the love of a family; the rocking of a little baby; a warm
cup of Starbucks Christmas in its red cup or a .99 cent coffee from the gas station........
Simple things..........
As I walked out to my car from the grocery.........the wind was howling and the snow was
coming down in sheets.........I pulled my scarf around my face and looked down at my feet to
not face the wind.........and IN FRONT OF ME was the legs of a young man taking my groceries to the car.......They stepped and pulled ; stepped and pulled ..........for you see this young man
had been hit by a car many years ago and had to learn to walk again........I admired this young
man and his kindness to me so many times when he would smile and care for my groceries.
He blessed my heart and God used him to do so..........THEN............

I heard "HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING" .........SINGING LOUDLY through this icy wind....I could barely see with the wind and pellets of snow blowing but I could HEAR.......It was the bell ringer..!.......I dugg through my pocketbook (normally I only have the card to pay for my purchase but this time grabbed some money and took it back up to the
grocery for the bucket......FOR ME and my goodness ............OH NO..........I thanked him for his singing and walked back hearing God use this "VOICE" to touch my soul............
Christmas can mean so many things to everyone..........Sometimes its a hard time thinking about
others who are now gone; sometimes the burden of relationships are strained; sometimes the
physical body is weak ; and sometimes real LIFE is just hard..........BUT..........if you look really hard you can "HEAR " it..............or you can " SEE" it in the shadows of life..........

CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE....

CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE.......JOY JOY JOY

I just love the joy of Christmas and how it seems there is more "joy" spread everywhere you
go..........white twinkle lights; songs being sung; cookies being baked; candy canes..........and
snow ........snow snow.........Here is a favorite cup and saucer I found for $1 at the thrift store
this past summer......Its just right for some hot chocolate on a cold winter night.........
The eyes of a grandchild...............we have baked cookies; had tea parties; read a favorite book together; rocked with a warm blanket........she has no idea of how much joy she brings to my heart...Jesus does....He feels the same when I want to be with Him....and look to Him and include Him in my Christmas.......His love is like a warm blanket that comforts me when I need it....
Another one .......oh so small...laughing; smiling; cooing ; singing in her own right.........listening
so intently...........May I walk my walk for you someday my sweet one..............
Another cup and saucer ( I like them) found for a few dollars...This one is from Starbucks long
ago....I love the little red trees...........
Baking cookies; making fudge; flour; sugar butter; truffles next...........


My favorite cookie recipe I use for about every cookie...........I love this recipe from Susan Branch cookbook................Make a memory and bake something even if its break apart peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss stuck in the middle...........
My little holiday book my sister Barbara years ago................filled with recipes and fun by Susan Branch............
Mom's fold over cookies filled with apricot or almond..............
My holiday cookie box where I store my many cookies..............
More cookies..................to have and give to others
Holiday biscotti...................
My precious one and grandma...............
My husband took me to the Holiday Symphony Orchestra.........so much fun to be together


I made a few handmade cards for Christmas..........and bought the rest..........it was enjoyable
few more...............
more cards.................

A few appetizers for a take along..........one day.............I found this little Christmas tree plate for $1...It seems to work. I also found a Present Plate for $1 . Sometimes you can pick these up for a few dollars at the thrift store while they would be quit high at a dept store...
That way if it is broken or left behind somewhere it wont be such a loss....

MY EVERYTHING DOUGH...AND MOMS FOLD OVER CHRISTMAS COOKIES

MOM'S CHRISTMAS FOLD OVER COOKIES.....

Christmas foldover cookies.....

This time of year I always make "moms fold over cookies".........in reality I received this
recipe from a dear friend (Robin) many years ago ........this was a polish cookie made by her grandmother......

I have a few changes over the years by using my "everything dough".....I make this easy
dough and use "Solo" filling . I use Almond or Apricot. This one can makes so many cookies!

You can use this dough for cut out cookies; foldovers; or twist into a candy cane.....

These cookies do not last long.........and are inexpensive and easy to make.....
They are great for your family holidays or to give as a thank you gift to someone...

Directions.................. Dough recipe follows..........

**************Take dough and pull apart (about a handful).....
1. Flour your countertop and pat dough to about 1"
2. Cut out a small circle ( I use a drinking glass)
3. Place about 1/2 tsp on the middle of each circle ......
4. Fold over your circle to make have circle and take the tins of your fork and
place down on the ends to seal............
5. Bake 350 until light brown on bottom...........
6. Sprinkle with powered sugar when cool.........
Moms Fold Over Cookies

2 cups unsalted butter, softened

11/2 cups sugar

4 egg yolks

2 teaspoons vanilla

41/2 cups unbleached flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.

Add the egg yolks and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy.

Sift the flour and salt over the butter mixture and mix until well-combined.

Chill for 10 minutes.

Make your magic with the different options below or one of your own.

Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes without browning.

Remove from cookie sheet and cool on a rack or waxed paper.