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Would you like a delicious cut-out cookie recipe that can be prepared for any occasion? I’ve shared mine below. The cookies will disappear before you know it.

Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies

• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup softened butter or margarine (I use butter)
• 1 + 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• cookie cutters

Mix dry ingredients and set aside.

Combine softened butter, sugar, and egg at low speed until fluffy. Beat in sour cream and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Beat at low speed until mixed. (Can hand mix)

Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Roll on floured surface and bake at 375 degrees 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack.

Frosting

• 1 box 16 oz. powdered sugar
• 1 stick softened butter (1/2 cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• half and half
• food coloring

Beat butter and powdered sugar, add half and half until the frosting is of spreading consistency then add vanilla. Tint with food coloring.

Don’t forget to share.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

I turned a large Coffee mate container into a Valentine’s Day candy gift holder. It’s an easy and fun craft for children. The craft can be tweaked for shut-ins, nursing home residents, or neighbors. The Valentine’s Day card takes center stage on the front.

Supplies needed:

• Large empty Coffee mate or coffee containers
• Glue sticks
• cardstock
• Valentine’s Day cards
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Candy/snacks
• Lots of love

Children can learn to share their creations with others. It’s a great way to uplift a lonely heart.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I pulled the knit hat over my head, slipped on boots, and ran outside without zipping my jacket. A cold, snowy day, I crossed the road to the get the mail and rushed back. Next to my garage door sat a package. The return address label identified the sender as my writing friend, Deb, who lives across the state. I hurried to open the box. Inside, displayed in a beautiful gold frame, was my first published magazine piece. I jumped with excitement!

I grabbed my cell and texted her a thank you. This is one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received. You see, being a writer isn’t easy. And it’s even tougher now because authors need a major platform to get a publisher interested in their work. And rejection, well, it seems to be my middle name.

I had planned to start 2022 with a resolution, like losing weight or writing every day before the neighbor’s rooster crows. But my resolution has changed. Thoughtfulness is it! Webster’s Dictionary describes thoughtful as considerate of others. That’s who she is, and I want to be like her. So, Deb, thank you for being thoughtful and encouraging.

By the way, Deb will soon have a terrific Christian Romance novel out in the market. Maybe I can be thoughtful and share her news.

Happy New Year!

 

 

It seems like a long time ago, but at Christmastime our families had a tradition–a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan, to visit the Silent Night Chapel. Most often, after the Christmas Eve Service at our church.

We would pack our cars with the children, all bundled in warm outerwear, and travel the side roads. Hot chocolate, songs, and a stop along the way to switch cars was a must. Once, my youngest daughter slipped and rolled into the ditch. Snow covered and cold, we pulled her out, laughing. The drive was especially nice when snow fell from above or the heavens showcased the Master’s handiwork.

When we arrived at the chapel, a somberness fell over our group, and all silliness stopped.

Whatever your tradition, or if you want to start one, let’s celebrate the real reason for Christmas–the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!