Ladybugs and Sunflower Cookies

lady bug cookies sunflower cookies

My wonderful niece3 asked me about some ideas for cookies for her friend’s daughter’s B-day who is turning 2. At 2, the kidlettes would be happy with a popsicle split in half but we know the party is really for adults anyway so let’s bring some fun cookies to show off!I thought about rainbows, smiley faces, ladybugs and sunflowers. Since I was making more fall cookies last night to send to college boy1 and had the colors ready to go… [Read More]

Royal Icing and Cookie Decorating

decorated fall leaf cookies

Icing & Decorating. This is the fun part! Part I Part IIGet your mixer bowl and whisk ready and we’re off! Royal Icing: 1 lb. Powdered Sugar (does not need to be sifted) 3 Tbl. Meringue Powder 6 Tbl. Hot Water (from tap is fine) Make sure your bowl and whisk attachment is grease free. Why grease free? Grease and egg whites don’t mix and the whites will not rise. Give both a pre-wash if they’ve been sitting unused in… [Read More]

Decorated Cookies: Part II

Part Deux is here! The cookie dough is very easy to make and I have added tips of what works well for me and hopefully you’ll find it helps make it fool proof for you too. So let’s get rolling! Pink Martinis and Pearls’ Sugar Cookies 3 3/4 cups flour1 1/2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt1 cup butter1 1/2 cups granulated sugar2 tsp. vanilla2 large eggs Preheat oven to 375.Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.Cream butter, sugar and… [Read More]

Witch’s Calderon and Fall Decorative Cookies: Part 1

Are you ready for some fall baking? I know I am.This is my favorite time of year. I love the anticipation of the holidays in the air and the Santa Ana winds that blow.I’ve decided to write the posts in parts so it’s more organized. One post will be recipes, another on techniques and so on. You might think I’m working backwards but this post will give you some ideas on packaging. I’m always inspired to begin my cookie projects… [Read More]

Just Icing On The … Wedding Cookie Favors!

initial wedding cookie favors

Say hello to my little friends… …and to 125 of their closest friends. Ta-da! Fini! … and a HUGE Thank you to my wonderful friend and expert cello bag stuffer, Suzi who single handedly assembled the cookie favors for me over 2 nights with many, many hours devoted to this while I glued together the rosettes. This took us much longer than we had expected even with the ribbon already cut and most of the bags pre-stuffed with paper. I… [Read More]

Wedding Cookies.

initial wedding cookie favors

The bride has a distinct vision of what she doesn’t want ~ ‘no bows, hearts or bells.’ ‘Nothing wedding-y.’ She envisions a party atmosphere casually and comfortably celebrating with those she loves. Her vivid colors of orange and yellow will be paired with round and square shapes that will be echoed in the cakes that will grace everyone’s table. Her highly talented aunt on the other side of the family has offered her gifts with icing and fondant. They will… [Read More]

Perfect Consistency Royal Icing Recipe!

Base Royal Icing:1 lb. Powdered Sugar (does not need to be sifted)3 Tbl. Meringue Powder6 Tbl. Hot Water (from tap is fine) Adding 1/2 teaspoon of light corn syrup per batch is optional. It does give your dried icing a nice sheen but it will also yield a slight softer icing which sometimes I prefer when I’m not needing a really stiff icing for making additional decorations such as flowers. The corn syrup also gives any string work or outline… [Read More]

Decorated Nantucket Cookies – A Sweet Remembrance

Nantucket Cookies Beach Cookies-175

  Last summer I made these cookies for my friend who had just returned from a vacation on the east coast. I love the east coast, Nantucket in particular, so making them also was a fond remembrance of one of my happiest places on earth.