The Cookbook

THE COOKBOOK

This is a new interactive family blog column. The one thing this family is infamous... whoops I meant famous for, is great cooking and entertaining. I am hoping you will all take turns sharing your recipes and entertaining tips. I'll get it started with my sugar cookie recipe. Now I know you were all hoping for the fruit salad recipe, and I promise if you don't all step up with your own recipes then it will be shared soon. So come on everybody, show us what you got.

Auntie Gayle

American Woman Sugar Cookies

First printed in 1948

Tweaked by Gayle Duff

• 3 cups of flour 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt 2 lg eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter 1 tbl milk
• Mix all the wet ingredients, add in all the dry ingredients. Refrigerate at least 3hrs, I leave in fridge over night or even for several days. Roll out on generuosly floured counter. Bake at 375 for 7-10 min. You will have to check to see how long your oven takes. Bake till golden brown on the edges. If you over bake, no worries once they are frosted no one knows. remove from cookie sheet promptly, the sugar makes them stick if left on the sheet to long.

Now the yummy part ....................

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 2/3 cup of water 4tbl meringue powder
• 12 cups confectioners sugar 1 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp almond extract

Combine the water and meringue powder and beat to peaks, Add 4 cups sugar, one at a time, beating on low after each addition. Alternately add butter and remaining sugar, add salt and flavorings. Beat at low speed till smooth, don't over beat. This frosting can be stored for weeks in the fridge. If it gets too thick, microwave on low for just a few seconds, don't add more liquid.

There you go, easy as pie!.... but then I can't make pie