C~O~O~K~I~~E~S~C~O~O~K~I~E~S~C~O~O~K~I~E~S~!!!

((I orginallly started this post while it was raining buckets, and I couldn't get my pegboard, and was wondering what to post about while I was waiting to get going on my closet project....))

Sooooo.....in the meatime, I was thinking about what to post.  I have a ton of fabric samples hanging here and there, and paint samples on different walls in three rooms of the house (is this normal?).  I thought about posting on those ideas rolling around, but then I thought: COOKIES.  Let's talk, instead, about cookies.  Me LOVE cookies~!

I get cookie cravings before the holidays.  I buy big bags of sugar, flour, chips, mints, glitter, butter and sprinkles.  I peruse recipes for new ideas, and pull out the old favorites.

This is one thing I love about this time of year (unlike this:the mess that goes along with decorating, but I digress...)
So here goes: My favorites, old and hopefully new, cookies for the season. 

Jello Cookies: These, I assure you, will become a quick favorite. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they taste like the different flavors of jello: Strawberry, cherry, lime...you pick.  Yum.  And don't forget these for any occasion: think fun colors for spring, Easter, 4th of July.  These freeze well and are just downright yummy.  Love them.  Click for link.

Fudgy Mint Cookies: This one was from a friend, and I only have the recipe in hand; I've never been able to find it online, so here goes: It's worth it. You start with a box of Devils Food Cake mix (Do not just use Chocolate, it isn't the same). 
Recipe: One box Devil's Food Cake Mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon water
2 eggs
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
 In a large misinc blow, combine the cake mix, butter & water.  Add eggs & mix well.  Shape into 1-inch balls & rolls in confectioner's sugar.  Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheetsw.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes .  Immediately press a mint into the top of each cookies.  Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Yeild: about 3 dozen (or enough to last around here around 10-15 minutes...)
  These also freeze well; but we've never had much luck there.  They are just as good straight out of the freezer as they are warm. Yum. 

Gingerbread men: I just love these around Christmas.  I always buy fresh ginger (not fresh, but a fresh box of the spice) as well as a new bottle of molasses.  Recipes abound; this one stays really soft.

Recipe: 3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In another blow, mix 12 tablespoons unsalted butter(1.5 sticks), 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 egg.
Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, then add 1/2 cup molasses and 1 tablespoon vanilla.
 Let dough rest for 2 hours, roll dough 1/4 inch think and cut shapes. Bake 7-10 minutes or a greased cookie sheet.  Makes 2 dozen cookies.

S'mores Cookie Bars:

These are my new best friend I do think: From http://www.lovintheoven.com/, S'mores cookie bars. I haven't tried them yet, but I think it's a given: they looky yummy.

 Seven Layer Magic Cookie Bars: Ok, there's nothing special holiday about these, but I've always loved them.  With all the buttery goodness and layers of things to love, they need to stay in the holiday time frame, so I'd eat them every day. 

Christmas Bark: I never though something made with saltines would be at the top of my dessert loves, but this is.  Amazing collection of chocolate, butter, saltines and nuts makes for a concoction I have never dared to have in my house.  I visit friends to have it.  It's that addictive.  Found a copy of this recipe from http://www.amysfinerthings.com/ .  (like I said, never made it, don't dare.)

I think that's about it for now.  Hungry yet?  I'm not....I've been making batches of dough all afternoon and snacking along the way....I think I love the dough as much as the cookies.  Happy baking!

And just in case you just can't make your own, or want the best gift idea ever (she's booked until after the holidays anyway), check out my friend Kelly's amazing cookies at One Creative Cookie. They are large and thick cookies, and not only are they gorgeous pieces of artwork, I promise you they taste even better!  Check out her large variety of ideas and gift baskets for every occasion.