I made these cookies in May for my youngest daughter's birthday and decided to make them again for my other daughter's kindergarten class. These cookies are perfect for spring. They taste and look great and they're fun to eat. These were decorated with a simple Royal Icing but you can also dress them up with sprinkles or other edible embellishments.
The cookie cutter is from Crate&Barrel and it actually came in a set with varying sizes of the same shape -- this cookie can be made bigger or smaller. 
2 1/2 Cups all-purpose white flour, sifter after measuring
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1 Cup (2 Sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 Cup Sugar
2 Large egg yolks
Generous pinch of salt
2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour and baking powder; set aside. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the butter and sugar until well blended and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, then the salt and vanilla, until evenly incorporated. Gradually beat or stir in the flour mixture to form a smooth dough.
Divide the dough in half. Place between large sheets of wax/parchment paper. Roll out portion 1/8 inch thick;cut out shapes then place on a sheet pan and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Bake the chilled cookies, one sheet at a time, in the upper third of the oven for 8 to 11 minutes, or until lightly colored on top and slightly darker at the edges.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month.
The All American Cookie Book by Nancy Baggett, Houghton Mifflin
Decorating with Flowers
I wish I had a beautiful flower garden but I don't. So instead, I take what I do have, cut them, and bring them in the house. Here is a lovely, floppy Peonies that I placed on my coffee table. I wish it would last forever.
The other day I was speaking to another mom about the butterflies we're keeping in a netted tent -- they only live for 2 to 4 weeks. I told her I wished they would live longer because they're so beautiful, and she replied, "If only we were as beautiful as butterflies then the short life would be worth it." I suppose the same sentiment can be applied to Peonies.
This is a type of Jasmine that grows in my backyard. I placed it in front of a window in my bedroom so that the air would blow the aroma throughout the room.
There are several Rhododendrons that grow in my yard -- they've been here like forever. I've got hot pink, purple and pale pink. The pale pink ones are my favorite because they almost look white and I love the color against the deep green foliage.
Here is a lovely floral card that I received from Yumi Yumi Studios -- a Japanese artist that I bought a print from. You'll hear more about her another time when I post about redecorating my children's bedroom.
I love having cut flowers in the house, especially when the doors and windows can be open.
ReplyDeleteWhoever designed our garden before we bought the house, was smart to plant the roses in a great, sunny spot that is completely out of sight unless you're looking for them. This gives me license to cut every single one of them. From about now through the first few weeks of Sept. we have at least 2 dozen, fragrant roses in our hallway.