Chocolate Reindeer Delight Children

Have I mentioned that Charlie, my one and only child, is not a fan of Sugar Cookies? Crazy, isn't it? They're the cutest cookies on the tray and he doesn't want any part of them (more for me!). That's why I decided to make Chocolate Cutout Cookies for him this year. 

I started with a Martha Stewart recipe but I didn't have much luck with the dough. I made it on the same night that I made the dough for the Lime Meltaways and the Lemon Crinkle Cookies and it was extremely crumbly, more like what I'd get with a shortbread rather than a sugar cookie dough. I had to toss it out — I couldn't roll it or gather it or do anything cookie-related.

There might have been a problem measuring the unsweetened chocolate, I admit.  It's not sold in Baker's squares here. In fact, I was hard-pressed to find unsweetened chocolate at all in my local shops. I usually get it from Mom or Skyco but I found Willie's Cacao in Waitrose last year and it's very good artisan cooking chocolate (but a bear to measure because it comes in two 90-gram disks).

I found a versatile recipe for Chocolate Cutout Cookies at King Arthur Flour's website that was infinitely better all around. First of all, King Arthur's site is so user-friendly. Recipes can be adapted to grams, volume or ounces (making it easier if you're using 90-gram disks of chocolate and 250-gram blocks of butter). This recipe was originally published to make haunted houses for Halloween and calls for "black cocoa" but works equally well with all Dutch-processed cocoa (which suited me). It's made in one bowl and you don't need a stand mixer — I made my dough in a large measuring jug.

I used only one cutter: a reindeer. The decorations were simple too. I either used a red dragée for a Rudolph-type nose, or three white dragées to dapple the deers' backs. Some had both because Charlie liked them that way. He even helped! They turned out really cute and their simple chocolate flavor pleased my boy — a win-win result.

So, if you're looking for a tasty alternative to Sugar Cookie Cutouts, try these yummy and easy Chocolate Cutout Cookies, Cookie No. 7 of 20 cookies to celebrate 20 years of Our Cookie Journal.

Merry Citrus!

I'm an admitted chocoholic when it comes to cookies (well, why stop there?) but I am a sucker for a pucker too!

Lime-Glazed Cookies

For the past few years, I've been obsessed with Lime-Glazed Cookies. It's another Martha Stewart recipe that I find dependable and delicious. I love how the cookies and the icing boast green flecks of zest. It's another slice and bake cookie too — perfect at this busy time of year — but they're shaped rectangularly, so that adds a nice twist too.

Lime Meltaways

Because I'm celebrating 20 years of Our Cookie Journal this year with 20 types of cookies, I decided to make another lime favorite, Lime Meltaways — again from Martha! — that always reminds me of my eldest niece, Michelle, back home.

I can remember squeezing more lime juice than the recipe calls for and making her a limeade with the leftovers before we started making the cookies. She always favored them (I've even mailed them to her from abroad), so I made them in her honor and thought fondly of her and the lovely times we shared when she was a girl. (The next day, I called her and we had a nice long-distance chat!)

Logs o' Lime

Fortunately, Lime Meltaways are another easy slice and bake cookie too. I made the dough the day before and rolled it into logs, which I wrapped in parchment and paper towel tubes and stashed in the fridge overnight.

Look at all that zest!

The delicate, zest-studded coins produced are cooled on wire racks, then — while still warm — coated in confectioner's sugar. They're so light and airy (there's cornstarch in the dough) that they literally melt in your mouth. Take care shaking them in the powdered sugar though — there can be casualties (which, of course, must be eaten immediately!).

Lime Meltaways

I always tend to make one lime-flavored cookie for the Christmas cookie tray but one year tried Citrus Slice 'n Bake Cookies from a recipe that Mom shared with me from Land O' Lakes. They're easy to make and the logs are rolled into colored sugars. They look very pretty and taste yummy.

Citrus Slice 'n Bake Cookies

But I saw an interesting recipe for Lemon Crinkle Cookies at Lauren's Latest blog that looked very appealing. Again, confectioner's sugar is used but these are coated before baking.

Roll Lemon Crinkles in powdered sugar

Crinkles can be baked right away, as the dough is rolled into balls, like Peanut Butter Cookies. I was mixing doughs together after dinner, though, so I wanted only to clean up, stow the doughs, and get to bed. The next day, I was raring to go and cranked out four dozen Lime Meltaways and four and a half dozen Lemon Crinkles. The kitchen was fragrant and fresh and I couldn't wait to sample both types!

I tend to heap in the zest...

The Lime Meltaways were just as glorious as ever — tangy little clouds of lime that went down a treat with a cup of tea. And the Lemon Crinkles surpassed my expectations. The sugar created a crisp exterior and the centers were lovely and chewy. The heaping tablespoon of lemon zest made them zingy and satisfying. It was impossible to have only one — but I froze the rest!

In the freezer they go...

Either of these cookies would make a perfect addition to your cookie tray — or repertoire, if you can't squeeze them into your busy schedule at Christmastime (even thought they are a snap to make). So I have a classic and a contemporary making the cut, with Lime Meltaways as Cookie No. 5 and Lemon Crinkles as Cookie No. 6 on my list of 20 Christmas cookies to celebrate 20 years of Our Cookie Journal.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

1999 - Home for the Holidays!

Wow, what a quick Christmas season this year! Charlie and I didn't get to go back to Louisville for our annual summer visit so we arranged to go home the day after he got out of school for Christmas break (Dec. 7). We were there a little over two weeks and it we didn't get back to England till Dec. 22!

We were suffering from jet lag but there was an awful lot to do to prepare for Christmas (and a visit from St. Nick). Fortunately, we had put the (artificial) tree up before we left. And I did as much baking as I could before we left. I even took cookies with me to share.

I always take Hedgehog Cookies with us on the plane — but we have to eat what we take or throw them out, so it's never more than a dozen in our carry-on luggage. But I had others packed and stashed in the larger bags! I took more Hedgehogs, Dunkable Brownies and Lime Meltaways. There were plenty to share and set out on Mom's cookie platter. In fact, Barb, the neighbor across the street, wanted the recipe for the Dunkables (a brownie cookie). They are always a hit everywhere I take them.

While we were at Mom's, she made Snickerdoodles (Lisa's recipe) and Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookies, my favorite. I think she also made some Christmas Tree slice and bake cookies from Pillsbury. How lucky are Americans that they can buy those? We don't have that here in England — yet! I even bought a few Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookie dough trays to take home. I will freeze them, then stow them in my bag, which will keep cold in the hold-all until I get them home. I really don't mind making my own, but it's nice to have a choice!

I also bought some new cookie trays and tins — I can never resist! And my niece, Danielle, and I went shopping at Target for a few baking supplies. I just couldn't get over how many more products there were available for the home baker and the cookie exchanger. Stuff I didn't even know I needed!! Naturally, I bought a few goodies to bring back with me.

I wanted to bake cookies with Lisa's girls but we just didn't have enough time. In fact, I didn't record anything other than what I've written here for 1999. This is it! See you next year, when I will keep better records, I hope.

2006 - The Day the Cookies Cried

My happy, darling sister, Lisa, frosting cookies for Christmas.

Mom called today and told me Lisa died. How, oh how, is that possible?! I refused to believe it. My brain still can't fathom it. My Lisa!! Co-founder and co-author of Our Cookie Journal. Sister. Best friend. Mother. Daughter. Wife. All-around goodnik. How is she gone?!

I talked to her Thursday — she was going to bake cookies with Mom this year. Mom was out at Lisa's house Friday, so they could plan what they were going to bake. They had decided to bake tomorrow but Lisa was tired and her back was hurting, so she wanted to move it to Thursday and Friday. She was supposed to see a specialist on Wednesday. 

How could my dearie be dead? I'm so alone here in England — I wish I was home with Mom and Lisa's girls. I just hope Mike waits with the funeral for me — so I can see her one last time. Oh my God — I'm just sick with grief over her. She was only 44. Her youngest daughter, April, just celebrated her 10th birthday four days ago!! And it's Aunt Catherine's birthday. This is just so wrong.

I'm glad I spoke to her several times over the past few weeks. She was looking forward to Christmas, as always. We talked about stocking stuffers and presents for the kids. And how much we miss each other. She had made Pumpkin Bread with giant loaf pans that Mike had bought for her. And she had told Mom that she wanted to make "Kevin's" Lime Meltaways. And she told me that she wanted to get the Kolacky recipe from me. 

It's Sunday, Dec. 10, and I usually call her on Sundays. I don't know how to go on without her. I wish I had been able to reach her when I called her Friday. How can she be gone?! LISA!!! I need you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Lisa Jo — my only sister. My dearie. My "dahlink". I love you so much!!

Needless to say, I won't be baking any more cookies this Christmas. (Or listening to U2 — our favorite band — ever again.) Charlie and I are booked on a flight to Louisville on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I'm walking around the house like a caged animal, wanting only to be home with my family. Poor Charlie doesn't understand, so I have to keep up appearances for his sake. But I cannot stop crying and wishing with all my heart that this is not real... 

2006 - We Come Bearing Cookies

Cookie Sampler, 2006.

I cranked out a batch of Dunkable Brownies yesterday (Dec. 8), resulting in 5 decadent dozen! I baked them for only 8 1/2 minutes in my fan-assisted oven because they're not nearly as nice if they're overbaked. I want them chewy and moist, not hard and dry.

I also baked the Snickerdoodle Pinwheels that I prepared yesterday and wound up with 10 1/2 dozen. I don't know how I got them all in the freezer! I just kept shifting things; and I tossed a few questionable items. The Snicks were tastier this time, with the extra cinnamon-sugar. And I just love the way they look. 

I made a quick batch of Coconut Cream-Filled Macaroons too. I had a bit of a mis-hap though: the recipe calls for unsweetened coconut and I added sweetened (which I've done in the past) but forgot to adjust the sugar in the recipe! And I even consulted last year's entry in Our Cookie Journal before I began.

I didn't have a chance to finish them yesterday, anyway, so I don't know yet how they'll turn out. I had to get Charlie's supper ready for him after he got home from his school trip to the Cinderella pantomime. And I had tea with Linda and Neil, our next-door neighbors from Winslow Hall. 

I did manage to mix up some Spicy Pumpkin Seeds to put in the cookie gift boxes though. They're so tasty, yet so easy — I made 6 cups' worth.

There were only four cookie boxes to make this year for Charlie's teachers and headmistress. I was very happy with the results (and so were they). Charlie and I delivered them this morning. I enclosed a card, so they'd know it was a perishable gift. On the back of the card, I put a photo of what was inside, as a legend (like chocolate boxes):

Pumpkin Bread; Fudge Two Ways; Overnight Cookies; Snickerdoodle Pinwheels; Spicy Pumpkin Seeds; Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies; Dunkable Brownies; and Lime Meltaways.

I'm exhausted! But not finished. I still want to make the Coconut Cookies, even though they're not going in any treat boxes. They'll be great for cookie trays throughout the season. And I want to call Lisa and see what she's making or if she has any new entries for the diary. I've tried her a few times but she's sooo busy with her job at Meijer. She must work 60 hours a week! We talked about stocking stuffers not long ago though! I'm glad we've kept up the tradition even after I moved to England. Anyway, I'll call her tomorrow after I get back with Charlie from Millie's birthday party. 

I packed four boxes with cookies and more for Charlie's teachers & headmistress.

2006 - Slice and Bake — and Freeze Before I Eat Them All!

Since both the doughs I made yesterday went into the fridge overnight as logs, I was a slice-and-bake fiend today (Dec. 6). I baked the Lime Meltaways, a yearly favorite, giving them all a coat of powdered sugar, and broke only ONE. It's a new Christmas baking record! I also ate two; and packed away 15 1/2 dozen. My freezer is bulging!

I also baked Grandma Baker's Overnight Cookies today and yielded a whopping 15 dozen. I can't see myself ever doubling this recipe. I wasn't sure if I'd like them but they were scrumptious! "They make a nice lunchbox cookie," as Mom would say! I'm glad I made them — I think they were a hit and they could make a repeat performance in coming Christmases.

While the Overnights were baking, I decided to give the old Snickerdoodle Pinwheels one more shot. I vowed last year that I wouldn't make them again but I love the way they look. So, I decided to give them another bash but this time I'll increase the amount of cinnamon-sugar mixture. I'm hoping that will do the trick and you can finally taste the cinnamon — a problem I have with most Snicker Doodle recipes. We'll see!

2006 - Overnight (Cookies) Sensation

SIGH! For some reason, I couldn't get motivated this year! I was as sick as a dog the day after Thanksgiving, so that didn't help. And I've been very busy with Charlie and all his school-related activities. But his last day of school is Friday and I needed to get moving so we can give cookies as gifts to his teachers. Sooooo, right after I got home from walking Charlie to school, I got busy!

While waiting for the butter to soften, I whipped up another batch of Pumpkin Bread. I wound up with seven mini loaves. I froze all but one, which I intend to eat for breakfast!

I was still undecided what to even make this year. I didn't want to make all the same things again. And since the oven was in use for the Pumpkin Bread, I thought I'd try Lisa's Festive Fudge. It's an Eagle Brand (condensed milk) recipe that she gave me last year. It was easy and quick — I made one pan of chocolate fudge and one pan of chocolate-pecan fudge. Of course, I sampled a square from each batch (two hours of chilling later) and deemed it dee-lish! I tinned it all up and put it in the fridge. Yield: 2 pounds.

After that, I decided to go with Lime Meltaways again. They're easy enough, being slice-and-bakes, so I mixed up the dough, wrapped the logs in parchment, and put them in paper-towel tubes in the fridge. I made a double batch of four logs, which I'll slice and bake tomorrow. 

Then I called Mom to ask her about Grandma Baker's Overnight Cookies. As kids, we never liked them as much as her other cookies. I remember Dad loved them and ate them by the handful. But Mom couldn't find her recipe, so I called Aunt Judy in Ohio. She easily found the recipe and quickly rattled off the ingredients. She couldn't say how long to bake them though and said, "Can't you tell when they're done?" I had to laugh! Of course I can but my OCD kicked in and I needed her to say!

I started them in my stand mixer but had to switch to an enormous bowl — it's a gigantic recipe! Aunt Judy remembered that Dad didn't like nuts (and neither does Charlie) but I do, so I added pecans to half the dough. I got five hefty logs from it. By that time, Charlie was home and writing his Christmas cards at the table, so I called it a night.

Without nuts for Charlie (and most kids).

Grandma Baker's Overnight Cookies

4 c brown sugar

1 c butter

4 eggs

6 c flour

1 Tbsp soda

1 Tbsp cream of tartar

1 c nuts

In a large bowl, sift together flour, soda and cream of tartar. In a HUGE bowl, combine brown sugar and butter and blend well. Add eggs and combine until well-mixed. Stir in nuts.

Form dough into loaves or logs and wrap in parchment paper. Chill overnight. 

Slice and bake cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes (rotating cookie sheet midway). Makes about 15 dozen!

With nuts, for meeee!

I shared this recipe with the Foodtastic Friday Feelin' at Not Your Ordinary Recipes. 

2005 - Cookies Make Great Gifts!

I figured out how to package the Christmas cookies for Charlie's teachers. There's a small drug store down Newbury Street that stocks stationery and some kitchen supplies. They sell white cake boxes, so I bought a few of those and a roll of clear plastic cellophane. I cut windows in the tops of the boxes, then cut the cellophane to fit. I put the various cookies in cupcake liners within the boxes and tied them up with ribbons. We gave a box of cookies to each of his teachers, the headmistress and the school secretary. It's a small, sweet school (there are only five students in Charlie's class!).

They included: Snickerdoodle Pinwheels, Kolacky, Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lime Meltaways, Coconut Cream-Filled Macaroons and Dunkable Brownies.

After a week of maladies, I'm back in action! First, Charlie had the flu for two days. Then I got it for two days, during which time Neil and Charlie went for the Christmas tree. Even though I wasn't feeling 100 percent better, I decorated the tree with Charlie — and that's when I pulled a muscle in my back! Then Charlie got a bad cough and needed antibiotics. It's been an awful week! In fact, we're not fully recuperated but I whipped up a batch of gingerbread dough at Charlie's insistence, so he can make some Gingerbread Men tonight or tomorrow.

Then, because I gave so many away, I cranked out another batch of Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookies, which produced a plentiful 5 dozen. Now the snowman cookie jar is filled up and there's a gallon-sized freezer bag full too. Some of those will go to Mark, the Parcel Force guy who brings my care packages — if he ever gets here with our box from Lisa. 

2005 - ONE Batch at a Time

"Naughty Hotel Keeper"

I need to catch up! I made Chocolate Chip Cookies on Nov. 30 because I was craving them. I made one batch and wound up with 5 dozen. Since I'm not going home to Kentucky this year, I decided not to make any double batches. There might be a few repeat performances though! Especially since I plan to give some away to teachers, mailmen, neighbors, shop people, etc. And I'd like to send some to Joan, Neil's mum.

Lisa called that day too, to say that her Dunkable Brownies had arrived and that they were deelish! As of yesterday, Michelle still hasn't received her Lime Meltaways. Maybe today ... Yesterday, the last of my Chex cereals finally arrived! Whoo-hoo! I couldn't make it right away, though, because I was going to Charlie's school, where he was playing the "naughty hotel keeper" in the Nativity play at school. Charlie reckoned the innkeeper was naughty because he wouldn't let Mary and Joseph stay at first, and then they had to stay in the stables.

When we returned home, I made a batch of Chex Party Mix. Again, I made only one batch. But it's delicious and going fast! The recipe calls for 1 cup of mixed nuts, which I've never liked, so in the past, I have always added 1 cup of cashews. Mom had a yummy idea — add pecans. She was so right! The pecans were a fantastic addition and made a tasty change.

2005 - Lime Meltaways Away!

I finally got a chance to slice and bake my Lime Meltaways today (Nov. 22). I had four lime-flecked logs and they yielded 12 1/3 dozen. While I was baking, I kept track like this:

ATE: IIII

BROKEN: II

DOZENS: IIII IIII IIII (except there were slanted strokes, to signify 5s)

Lime Meltaways are always so fragrant — first, when you're zesting the limes; again, when they're baking. I couldn't resist indulging in a few with a cuppa tea. And they're so light, it's nothing to eat four at a time!

I packed up two dozen to send to Misha (my niece, Michelle). I tucked in a loaf of Pumpkin Bread in her care package too. Hope they reach her OK in Florida. 

I'll have to get mine packed away in the freezer now. It's midnight. It took from 9-11:10 to bake and shake the cookies (in confectioner's sugar). I had to turn down the oven and cut the baking time — this new convection oven of mine cranks out the heat.

2005 - My Cookie Baking Has Gone to Seed

I made two batches of Spicy Pumpkin Seeds today — one for us and one for my next-door neighbors Linda and Neil. Their heating was off. These babies should warm them up! 

Meanwhile, I made two batches (four logs) of Lime Meltaways. They're in the fridge and I'll slice and bake tomorrow. I used paper towel tubes to keep them nice and round. I hope to be able to mail some to my niece Michelle in Florida.

Since I had only one loaf of Pumpkin Bread left, Charlie and I cranked out another batch of seven loaves today. I wanted to finish the Meltaways but I had too much housework to do. I'm trying to get everything nice for Thanksgiving.

Neil's "Aunt" Joy and her husband, Alan, are coming from New York to stay one night on Saturday (a week from today). Hopefully, my Skyco order will come tomorrow or Tuesday, so I can get some Chex Party Mix made before then.

I need a cookie plan too. I should read over Our Cookie Journal and my recipes and decide what I'm going to bake so I can be more efficient and get it all done. And I want to mail some home too. I know I'm making Sugar Cookies. But what else? 

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds — a great snack!

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup raw green pumpkin seeds, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice; toss to coat. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until puffed and browned, about 10 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool.

•

This recipe was shared with the Appetizers edition of the Gallery of Favorites, sponsored by the great gals at Premeditated Leftovers and The 21st Century Housewife.

2004 - Chocolate Therapy

The aroma alone makes me feel better.

I made a batch of Dunkable Brownies that yielded 4 1/2 dozen. It's a scrumptious start to the baking season and I'm ready for more! Naturally, I wondered if there would be enough — especially if I decide to share. I'd love to mail some to Lisa. We discovered these together, so I always think of her when I bake them. We both love how satisfying they are.

I'm definitely going to send my niece, Michelle, some Lime Meltaways. She helped me the first time I ever made them and we both thought they were nice. And she was pleased we had leftover juice, so she could make limeade. Now she's in Florida with her boyfriend. Lisa misses her like crazy.

Well the Dunkables were scent-sational, so I couldn't resist sampling one that was cooling on a rack. They are chocolate therapy. As much as I miss home, I feel closer whenever I bake. The rest are tucked away in the freezer awaiting their turn on various cookie trays throughout the season. And a few will find their way to my sister to share her Christmas with her.

2003 - A Baker's Work Is Never Done

I got a very late start tonight but you'd never know it! I had a dentist's appointment, walked to town, took a nap with Charlie, made dinner (Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Glaze), then started baking! I guess I started at 6 or so and finished around 10:45 p.m.

I made Lime Meltaways for Lisa first. I didn't break a single one, which is unusual for this cookie. I think I let them sit long enough before shaking them in the powdered sugar. Yield: 6 Limey dozen. Then I sliced up my two logs and produced another 6 citrus-y dozen. Between us, I reserved a half dozen for Mom's cookie tray.

Then I decided to forge ahead with my PBs, which I had mixed up the night before. I admit I hate rolling the dough into those little balls. In fact, I got them all rolled up and covered with plastic wrap so they were ready to be criss-crossed when each pan was ready and cooled. I made another 6 dozen. Between us, we gave Mom eight for her Christmas-day tray.

Parchment paper is the only way to go every time! 

2003 - Divvy Up the Loot

What a day! I started rolling out the Sugar Cookies at noon and the last tray came out of the oven at 7 p.m.! We're loaded with cookies now! I decided to divvy them up as I went and  here are the results:

(Wait - I made bells, trees, candy canes, snowmen, stars and holly leaves; then mini trees out of the leftover dough.)

Lisa: 1 dozen each + 1 dozen little trees and 1 1/2 dozen + 1 of assorted.

Me: 1 dozen each + 1 1/2 dozen little trees + 2 dozen assorted.

Mom: 2 each (for her cookie tray).

Michael: 1/2 dozen each (except holly leaves).

Grand total: 20 1/2 dozen!

When I finished, I had dinner, then whipped up another batch of Criss-Cross dough for myself. I'll bake those tomorrow  — after the Limeys.

2003 - A Serious Start

Yesterday, Nov. 15, I had a faux Thanksgiving dinner for Neil and his cousin's family because Charlie and I are going to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. We had all the fixings and they love coming round for my American holiday feast. They especially like the "Candied Yams," except they're really sweet potatoes, of course, covered in butter, brown sugar and marshmallows.

While I was at it, I made another batch of Pumpkin Bread. I must have filled the mini loaf pans differently, though, because this time I wound up with six mini loaves. I guess I was feeling generous.

Today, I got a serious start on my baking. Here's what I'm making — doubles of everything, of course, to split with Lisa: Sugar Cookies, Lime Meltaways, Peach Kolacky, Nestle's Toll House Original Chocolate Chip Cookies, Dunkable Brownies, Grandma Baker's Criss-Cross Cookies, Vanilla-Bean Butter Cookies, Snickerdoodle Pinwheels and Moravian Spice Cookies. I think we just might make it through the holidays!

I made two batches each of Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookies and two batches each of her Lime Meltaways. The doughs are all wrapped in parchment paper and tucked in the fridge until tomorrow, when I get down to the baking side of it.

Meanwhile, I called Lisa, who was busy making Pumpkin Bread. She forgot the oil and water in the first batch! Oh dear! But she followed up that mishap with two perfect batches. I'm awaiting her email to hear how it went. April was helping (could that explain the boo-boo?). Because Charlie was helping me, which explains why I kept leaving out various quantities of flour — 3/4 cup the first time and 1 cup the second time! I could tell by the unused (and therefore un-floured) measuring cups. All is right, though, and I have confidence that my Limeys will be perfect.

After I talked to Lisa, I made a quick batch of Grandma Baker's Criss-Cross Cookies. I yielded 5 3/4 dozen. They're going in a freezer bag for Lisa (minus some for Mom). I'll bake mine tomorrow. While I was making these, Charlie pointed to some on the cookie sheet, waiting to go into the oven, and said: "Charlie want a fresh one." HA HA! Eating cookie dough must be an inherent trait.

I bought two new cookie sheets (£10.95 each!) and I cannot believe it — the suckers are too big for my stupid, puny oven! RATS! Good thing I have parchment paper for the old ones (which I ruined making Kolacky last year without parchment paper!).

2002 - Backstretch to Homestretch

Our second-to-last issue — ever. 

It's Dec. 9 and Charlie and I leave for "home" tomorrow. I had to stop production all week so I could finish the real work of the magazine but I got a lot done today. The boss called this week and said this would be the last issue — "The Backstretch" is folding. Naturally, I'm disappointed. When I gave my notice because I was moving here to England, Sam worked it out so I could continue editing and designing the magazine from here. It's been great! I've been able to work from home, look after Charlie — and bake Christmas cookies! I don't think it's going to be easy to find something else here that's as flexible.

On to the baking, I made only two more types of cookies but they took a while. I started with Lime Meltaways. I made only one batch, since I was in a hurry to get them baked and brought home to Mom. One thing I have to remember: nuke the limes for 20 seconds for maximum juice. Two lovely logs yielded about 5 dozen Limeys. I packed them up for freezing, except one each for me and Neil to sample.

As I waited for the Lime Meltaways to chill for an hour, I decided to get the dough ready for the Moravian Spice Cookies. Except it calls for FIVE cups of flour and I had only three. Neil - bless him - went to town three different times for supplies. My Moravians didn't turn out as crispy as they should be. They were kind of chewy - still good - but chewy. I didn't get the dough rolled out as thin as it should have been. I used parchment paper instead of a Silpat (because I didn't have one) and I think that might have made a difference. Mom will be glad to have her scraps still and she said I could have her Silpat when I get home. Which is soon, so I better finish packing - cookies and clothes!