Cookie Pictures

If you notice Jeffrey's face in this one, you can tell that he was sneaking M&Ms whilst I was cooking. He was hoping I wouldn't notice. Delightful child.:)


Joanna looks so cool in this picture!




I put this picture in here just for fun. I wanted to show off my brother's adorable face. Although, he would prefer I call it manly instead of adorable. Notice the tree in the background. Compliments of Janessa's artistic and decorative abilities.

Well, the day is almost here! I was skipping through the kitchen today. I'm acting like a silly schoolgirl because my dear J's are coming. I can hardly wait for Jeanette, Jeremy & Jessica, and Julie to come back for their visit! And of course for J and J's "kid", or "child". I need to come up with a proper name. I think baby works best.:)
Well, I'm off to bed. I am so blessed. God is so good to allow me the privilege of seeing my family all together!

Holiday Cookies!

Well, our family has been struck with a small cold! Jeffrey and Judy are the ones suffering the most. Jed and Mom seem to have a little something. Joseph, Janessa, and Joanna are vowing not to get sick, and I feel fine except for a tickle in my throat which produces hacking coughs. To the Virginia crew: We decided to get sick now instead of when you visit. We thought you all would appreciate that.:)
Speaking of Virginia people, they will be here in two days!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?

In other news, we had a traditional cookie baking day on Saturday. I wanted to share a recipe for Rudolph cookies. These were Mom's favorite from the list of Peanut Butter Blossoms, Andes Mint Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and the Rudolph Cookies.

1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 C. butter softened
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lg. egg
1-1/4 C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 C. sugar for rolling dough balls
Small pretzel twists
Chocolate chips
Red M&Ms

In large bowl, combine 1/2 C. sugar, brown sugar and butter; beat until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter, vanilla and egg; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Cover and chill for one hour. Shape into balls for baking: half of balls a little larger than a half dollar, and the second half a little bigger than a quarter. Roll into extra 1/4 C. sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, flatten the larger piece with the palm of your hand or a glass dipped in sugar. Overlap the smaller piece onto the bottom third of the larger piece, flatten cookie uniformity. Place small pretzel twist into upper, outer edges of the larger piece of antlers and two chocolate chips strategically for eyes. Place on red M&M at the middle lowers edge of smaller piece for Rudolph's nose. Bake @375 two inches apart for about 8-9 minutes or until edges are brown. Immediately remove form baking sheet to cool on rack.

Edit: Janessa and I decided that a pancake turner worked best when flattening the cookies.
Also, watch out for sneaky siblings! Rudolph's nose is supposed to be red. Some of my younger siblings went behind my back and gave him blue, green, and brown noses. I'll try to pose the pictures we took in a little while. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

My Favorite Pumpkin Pie

This recipe has become my favorite Pumpkin Pie recipe. I got it from one of my favorite chefs - Sara Moulton. We made this at my house for Thanksgiving this year. It's a little different than other recipes I've used in the past and it seems to be a little more reliable. I also love its very creamy texture.

One pre-baked pie crust

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup heavy cream
7 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
6 1/2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch ground clove
Pinch salt
2 eggs
1 egg yolk

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, mix together the pumpkin and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced and thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream, milks, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, salt, eggs, and yolk. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake until set, about 45 to 55 minutes. Cool and serve.

Thanksgiving on the East Coast

Well, it wasn't the entire family, but Julie, Janessa and I had a great Thanksgiving. The most fun part was squeezing three of us in my little kitchen, but we somehow managed it.

I think Julie and Janessa were having a little too much fun doing the dishes.......


Not sure what Janessa was up to here - I think she was getting ready to raid the fridge for more pumpkin pie.