Sugar Cookies

Here's a poem on making memories:

 Sugar Cookies

Let's make Christmas cookies today while it snows.

We'll get out the rubber scraper and the mixing bowl,

measuring cups and spoons and baking sheets.

Cutout cookies will be a special treat.

We'll need two sticks of butter and sugar,

two eggs and some yummy smelling vanilla,

salt and baking powder,

some milk and flour.

Cream the softened butter

with the sugar and vanilla.

Add the eggs and blend again but go slow.

Measure baking powder and salt in the bowl.

Dump in the flour with the milk. Blend again.

That's it. We're almost ready to begin.

We forgot the cookie cutters.

You decided which cutters?

Shall we make angels or wreaths or bears,

bells, poinsettias or trees or stars,

stocking or snowmen this afternoon?

Christmas music will make a lively tune.

How about we make these snowmen and trees today.

Try not to get flour on the floor, okay.

If we do we'll be skating

because our feet will be sliding.

First sprinkle the counter with flour just so

and don't forget the rolling pin too, you know.

Now it's time to roll out the dough.

You can cut out the shapes now.

Onto the cookie sheet to bake.

Just 10 minutes it should take

so set the timer until about 10 past 2:00.

You need more flour if the dough acts like glue.

Now its time to clean up the mess.

After we frost them we can test

so after the mixing bowl is clean

we'll make frosting as white as snow seen.

For the frosting we'll need confectioners' sugar,

shortening and butter, milk and vanilla.

Blended all together in the mixing bowl

then whip until fluffy like new white snow.

You'll have to decide what colors to use

to tint the frosting in a pretty hue.

Would you like to use sprinkles and these m&m's too?

You can decorate these trees with m&m jewels.

It's finally time for the fun part.

Sit in the chair. Are you ready to start?

There is one rule to follow:

no licking your fingers now.

Here we are making a memory

decorating cookies, just you and me.

Who should we share with when we're done?

Your sister or brother? Someone?

Look at yours with lots of frosting.

Don't forget the rule: no licking!

When we're done you can have a treat

but only one because they're sweet.

This afternoon making cookies went so fast

as time always does when we're having a blast.

There's more dishes to wash

so we'll clean up fast...

then it's finally time to taste.

Look at that smile on your face!

Is it yum?

Did you have fun?

How about we do this again next year -

making a memory with someone dear!

Here's the recipe for you to take home.

Don't forget to share your cookies with someone.

Recipe

Sugar Cookies

2 cups sugar

2 sticks butter or margarine, room temperature

4 teaspoons vanilla

Cream together.

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Blend.

4 ½ cups unbleached flour

2/3 cup milk

Blend until comes together. Do not over mix.

Refrigerate overnight for best results.

Flour rolling pin and cookie cutters. Roll out on well-floured surface.

Place on either lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake at 35- until lightly browned around the edges.

Frosting

4 ½ cups confectioners' sugar

1 cup shortening

¼ cup margarine, softened

½ cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

Blend all ingredients in heavy-duty mixer for 7 minutes.

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