February 14, 2008

appy Valentine's Day!

 I woke up to snow falling again. Temperatures of -2C/28F.

Each year for Valentine's Day I usually make frosted heart shaped frosted cookies for everyone. I will make these tonight.

Basic Sugar Cookie

     2/3 cup butter
     2 cup  all-purpose flour
     3/4 cup  sugar
     1  free range organic egg
     1 tablespoon milk
     1 teaspoon baking powder
     1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see DTTR magazine to make your own)

In a large bowl, beat the shortening and margarine with an electric
mixer at medium to high speed for about 30 seconds, or until softened.

Add about half of the flour and all of the remaining ingredients and
beat until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl
occasionally. Beat or stir in the remaining flour. Divide the dough
in half. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until easy to handle.

Roll each portion of the dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly
floured surface. Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on
an un-greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 375 F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are firm
and the bottoms are very lightly browned. Remove the cookies and cool
on a rack.

Quick Cookie Frosting

3 tablespoons hot water
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Mix the ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth. Spread onto
cookies or squirt through a cake decorating tube.

Food coloring can be difficult to get organically. Most of the ones out of your grocery store are made from coal tar. So if you cannot find organic coloring, you can make your own or leave it out.