Monday, December 21, 2015

Family~Life's greatest Blessing

What greater blessing in life than family. I can't really think of any. As I was preparing treats and baking for Christmas, many memories of Christmas past flooded my mind. I always baked cookies with my own mother for Christmas. We would then divide them and give them away. I found several of her old cookie cutters and a few new ones to make the cookies this year. What a joy it is to share treats with others. A new recipe for Mocha adds a great sweet touch! My hubby even likes it which says a lot. He is not a fan of flavored coffee but this was a hit with him also! A good friend gave me this time tested sugar cookie recipe and it is always a hit.

I also discovered a great way to decorate sugar cookies by using a paint brush. This technique was shared on the Shabby Art Boutique. If you have never visited her site it is a wonderful place! It is full of inspiration.

One of my favorite pillows has the saying "Family Life's greatest blessing" embroidered on it. What a great reminder!

As I finish my baking for Christmas I am sending a little love, peace, and goodwill! Enjoy!

French Mocha Coffee

From Quaker Hill Farm

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cook time: Long enough to heat

Makes 10-12 servings

Ingredients

1 and ½ Quarts of Strong coffee of your choice
1 cup Sugar
2 cups French Vanilla Creamer
2 Packet of Hot chocolate mix
1 ½ Teaspoons Vanilla
2 Quarts Milk

Directions

Mix all ingredients together.
Heat until desired temperature or may be served cold.
Can add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cup with a drizzle of chocolate if desired!

Enjoy!!

Sugar cookies

From Quaker Hill Farm

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Makes 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients

3 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 ¼ Cups of sugar
1 Cup shortening
3 Eggs

Icing:

1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar
¾ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon to 1 ½ tablespoon Milk

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together, add shortening, mixing in with a fork.
Add unbeaten eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
Roll out on a floured board and cut with floured cookie cutter.
Bake on an ungreased baking sheet in moderate oven at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.
Let cool thoroughly and then ice as desired.