I revisited these cookies a couple of times over the holiday season — once for my annual cookie party and then as something to share when visiting friends. In both cases — and almost universally — these cookies are a great hit with nearly everyone. In fact, the have become one of my favorite cookies — if not THE favorite — of anything else I make.
Even better, they are nearly foolproof to make. Some other recipes — like most baking — can be a bit fussy, but I have made these in my big KitchenAid mixer, with a hand mixer and even mixed them by hand with a wooden spoon.
2) Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. In a separate bowl combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
3) Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until puffy, lightly browned and cracks appear. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.
So, you’ve taken notes from Emma on how to make the perfect red wine sangria, and you’re ready to make your first pitcher. But which red wine should you use? Most recipes simply call for the broad category of “dry red wine.” Let’s take away the guesswork and narrow down some specific styles of wine that deliciously complement the fresh, fruity essence of summer sangria.
A traditional Spanish libation, sangria is a wine-based “punch” that includes seasonal fruit, a sweetener, brandy, and sometimes a splash of soda water.
This is an idea that I wish that I came up with on my own. It is genius. But I cannot take any credit. I have seen chia seed jam floating around Pinterest, but the kicker was when I was leafing through the Oh She Glows cookbook. The picture is so gorgeous – pink strawberries flecked with little black vanilla beans. I chose to use blueberries and raspberries because they were on sale this week and I had some that needed to be used STAT. (If you use strawberries, puree them a bit before you cook them, they will not cook down as much as the other berries, but then proceed as normal.)
At any rate, I’m looking forward to sunny days at the beach and sandbar sooner rather than later. And this cocktail is perfect for warmer weather. A simple syrup is made with fresh blueberries, fresh thyme, sugar and water. Then the blueberry concoction is mixed with gin, St. Germain, and club soda for a little bubbly flair.
It’s a wonderful combination of sweetness from the blueberries, herb notes from the elderflower liquor and the fresh thyme, and a crispness from the gin and twist of lemon. Very light and refreshing.Garnished with a few fresh berries and a sprig of thyme – it doesn’t get any prettier!
So back in the yard, staring balefully at my garden and all that winter has wrought, I note the reemergence of my strawberries, one of two surviving yard crops. The ones in the market are divine already, too. What does it all mean? DESSERT!
This charming cake from the wonderful drbabs has a lot going for it, including the mix of butter (rich) plus oil (moist), the use of a ceramic dish (special), and the involvement of Shirley Corriher methodology (successful). Also, I love the texture and flavor that yogurt in baked goods imparts.
Join me on Google+
