I’ve been thinking about my new year’s resolutions. Mainly because something has got to give. That old phrase, “I meet myself coming and going,” applies to me. So in an effort to slow down and enjoy life more, I resolve to:
• sit on the back porch with my husband more often
• plant a smaller garden and mulch it better
• say “no” to a few “opportunities” (that just end up as extra work)
• exercise more
• and invite friends over for dinner.
If I can do all of those things some of the time in 2017, my work/life balance will improve.
So, keeping things simple, let’s start with a simple sugar cookie recipe.
Sugar Cookies
2-1/2 c. flour, plus extra for shaping the cookies
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and salt.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamed. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.
With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until incorporated. Shape into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make cutout cookies on a floured surface, roll out each disk 1⁄4 inch thick. Cut into shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate until firm. Sprinkle with decorating sugar, if using, and bake until just beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
I’ve been experimenting with scones lately and I begin with a basic recipe. Then I add pumpkin, cranberries, white chocolate chips, etc. They usually turn out great.
Basic Scones
2 c. flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
8 Tbsp. cold butter
1/2 c. of your favorite addition like cranberries, white chocolate and pecans
1/2 c. butter milk
1 large egg
Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Using a pastry knife, cut in the butter until the pieces are smaller than a pea.
Fold in your favorite additions.
Mix buttermilk and egg together. (This is also a good time to add vanilla extract.) Add to the dry ingredients and fold together. The dough will be crumbly.
Pour out onto a floured surface and gently knead. Press out by hand until 1/2 inch thick. Cut into triangles and place on a lined sheet pan. Cook at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes until lightly brown.
Top with a frosting, glaze or dust with powdered sugar.