Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ready to share?

I did something I'd never done before this past week. I baked cookies for my students, spice cookies to be exact. For some reason it was a nerve-wracking experience. (what if nobody liked them? what if they found a dog hair in one? what if?) It brought back memories of that same nervous feeling I had before my first class, and just like that first class everything turned out fine. (This week one woman took extra cookies home for her husband... and people have been coming back to class for years now). Sharing wasn't so bad after all, whether it be cookies or yoga. Now the only question is what would they like better next week: brownies or cupcakes?

Speaking of cookies, here's the recipe for the cinnamon cookies Brooke made last class...


Sugar Crinkles

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs and extract, beating until blended.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to shortening mixture, beating well. Cover and chill dough.
Shape dough into 1" balls. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll cookie dough balls in sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until barely golden. Let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.