Snow Day # ? ? I really can't remember !

Truly, the snow days have blurred together. I remember being at school on Tuesday of last week (Feb. 9), and then the days just jumble. What did I do with all this time you ask? I ordered a new book from amazon.com that I have been eyeing for a few months. So much fun to read! The photography is breathtaking and the recipes are so well written. It isn't like any other cookbook I have in my collection.

So, in Pioneer Woman fashion and inspiration, I decided to document my valentine activities. When the children were younger I made sugar cookies for their classes each valentine's day. I haven't made those in years.

Step 1: Use the pretty pink bowl I found in Madisonville, KY last summer. When I saw this bowl, it had my name written ALL over it! :0)

Step 2: Gather the ingredients, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 extra large egg, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract and 2 3/4 cups of flour.


Step 3: Allow butter to reach room temperature



(at my house this isn't all that warm, so I helped it a little by beating with the beaters until it was super soft).


Step 4: Add 1 cup powdered sugar, cream.



Step 5: Once you have made the butter and sugar nice and creamy, add the egg and the vanilla.

Step 6: In a separate bowl (I only have the one pink bowl :( } measure the flour and salt. Take a whisk and stir the salt into the flour.

Step 7: Add the flour mixture to the sugar and egg. Beat well, it will look crumbly, this is ok, it is suppose to. :0) Wash your hands really well, and pat all those crumbs into a ball.

Step 8: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or more. While you are waiting, go take a shower and get ready for a night out with your favorite significant other. :)

Step 9: Lightly flour the counter, look for the rolling pin and roll the cookie dough to 1/4 inch, anything less will be crispy and dry. Use your favorite cookie cutter shape and cut those cookies out of the dough!

Step 10: Place the cookies on a parchment paper covered stone, trust me on this, you don't want to cook without parchment paper - it helps to prevent the bottoms of the cookies from over browning.
Step 11: Once they are cool, make your favorite icing recipe, I'll share mine at a later date. Decorate to your heart's desire, wrap in a pretty box and take to someone special.

A very special valentine's day indeed!

I am blessed! :0)

Love you bunches!

XOXO

Theresa

P.S. Please say a prayer for all of those of us in the education field that are returning to school after a very long, break.
I also took the advice of the PW and turned the flash off my camera for the food photos. What do you think?