Another Cookie revisited and sharing some Christmas

I first posted these cookies two years ago, I was looking for a gingerbread that used crystallized ginger...just like I had bought when I was up in the Lake District in England years before. I never found that gingerbread recipe or any that came close, but I did find this ginger shortbread that soon became a favorite of mine. I like the buttery flavor of the shortbread, then you get that little gingery kick when you bite into a piece of the candied ginger. I did increase the amount just a touch, you don't want too much or it could over power the buttery shortbread. I make these for Christmas, but have froze one of the logs and pulled it out later to use at another time! Thought I would bring them back and share with my new friends.

These delicate, buttery cookies are nice with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ginger Shortbread cookies
Bon Appétit March 1997
yield: 36 cookies

2 1/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coarsely chopped crystallized ginger (I used a little more about 1/3 cup)
1 tablespoon sugar (for chopping the ginger)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional powdered sugar (optional)


Combine flour, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, ground ginger and salt in medium bowl. Combine crystallized ginger and 1 tablespoon sugar on work surface; chop finely.

Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until light. Add lemon peel and extracts. Beat in crystallized ginger mixture. Beat dry ingredients into butter mixture in 4 additions.

Transfer dough to floured work surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 6-inch log. Shape each log into 2x1x6-inch-long rectangular log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets. Cut each dough log into 1/3-inch-thick cookies. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart (cookies will spread slightly during baking). Bake cookies until edges are pale golden, about 24 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheets 3 minutes. Using metal spatula, transfer cookies to racks. Sift additional powdered sugar over warm cookies, if desired. Cool completely. (Can be made ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.)



I also wanted to share little Christmas with you. I received this card from Mrs Yoder's class. She had emailed everyone at school that was chosen to get a card and handcrafted ornament (I left the ornament hanging at school) from her class explaining that her writing prompt was for everyone to choose a person that they think was helpful and write a letter to them.



Miguel chose me and here is my letter. I just love gifts like these, my favorite and they are always cherished. (But I don't help the kids get hurt, just help when they do...hehe)


I have been trying on some new wings on the shell angels that I make. Here is some nylon tulle instead of the feathers.


and this is the one with some wired sheer ribbon with snowflakes on it. I think I will double it next time.


First attempt on making a character ornament...reminds me of the shell figure my grandma used to get when she lived in Clearwater. I think the slice shells that I used for the antler would make good angel wings too. This was a gift to one of the diabetic students that I see everyday...he helped me decide what to do for the ears. I think he liked it.


a different way to display the sea urchins other than my jellyfish and placing them over the little bulbs.


This was so delicate, some liked it better without the pearl trim.

There you can see the sea urchin over the light.

I dropped my daughter off at Cha Cha Coconuts at St Armand's Circle so she could meet a friend for lunch. Such a fun place to visit and shop...especially around the holidays!


Okay I had to sneak a shot of my favorite owl that I bought at Pier 1 . I gave a few away as gifts, but they all have such personality it was difficult to part with. The rest of the photos are just more of the ornaments that I made, except the snowman...he came with the owl. I sold quite a few this year. So if you just want to skim past them I understand.















I finally caught something, and have been feeling miserable for the last couple of days...I don't get sick!!! I work around sick kids all day, the nurse caught something and so did my husband...I was bound to, but I have not been sick for quite sometime now at least two years...like with a cold or flu that is. I just get allergy related things. Well at least I didn't miss any work...I have two weeks of Christmas break, and I still can't seem to get things done.