It's Christmas Cookie Time!

My family loves Christmas cookies!  I know, I know whose doesn't?  Fortunately for them, I love to bake them!  I have the old standbys that I try to make every year, but I always try to find something new to add to the mix.  Most of the time it's more than one if time permits.  :)

Today it was the Blueberry and Cream cookie.  I have heard such great things about it that I couldn't wait to try it.  I wasn't disappointed!  I will say upfront that as far as cookies go, this one is a little more involved than most.  It's not a complicated recipe, but it does require advanced planning.  In other words, make sure to read the recipe the whole way through before starting! 

I only thing I did differently was add a bag of white chocolate chips to the batter at the end because in my world, cookies need a little chocolate!  I also found the cookies didn't need to be in the oven the full 22 minutes.  Mine were finished after 18 minutes. 

The end result was a really delicious cookie!  Crispy around the edges, chewy in the middle, and a nice sweet/salty flavor.  I'm so glad I decided to add the white chocolate!  In my opinion, they are the perfect addition!

Here they are on the Christmas cookie plate!  I think Hubs will be happy to see these when he walks through the door!

I'm linking up at Debbie's today for Tuesday at the Table.  If you've done any cooking or baking recently that you'd like to share please link up!  It's always fun to read and I'm so glad that I'm finally participating!

Baking and a little sewing...

This weekend was not very productive on the sewing front, but I did manage to make another hexagon flower for the GMFG quilt.

Gotta love those pink polka dots!!

I did, however, perform some magic in the kitchen.  Saturday morning I made pumpkin waffles that were to die for!!  If you are a pumpkin fan you MUST try these!

I also made my favorite sugar cookies from good ol' Martha.  The only changes I make to this recipe is I use 3 1/2 cups flour instead of 4 cups and I always add either lemon or orange zest to add a little more flavor.  This is the best recipe for cutouts.  They always hold their shape so nicely!  Since I didn't feel like pulling out the piping bags I frosted these with this delicious icing.  Of course the decorating wasn't as pretty as when I take the time to pipe royal icing, but boy these are delicious!  Since these cookies were just for us I think that's all that matters!

I am still plugging away on the "Hushabye" quilt.  I hope to have the backing finished soon.  First, I need to figure out what I am going to practice free motion quilting on.  Definitely don't want to just jump in and start on the quilt without practicing first!  I really need to get over myself and just quilt already!  I am always so chicken when it comes to trying something new.  Hopefully tomorrow during naptime I will get something accomplished!

Baking and Sewing

Today was a very productive day.  On top of the usual housework and toddler care, I was able to do some baking and sewing.

Unfortunately, my husband and son don't share in my love of all things sweet.  Of course, in their defense, I do have one of the biggest sweet teeth around!!  The three of us do agree on one thing: pumpkin sweets are delicious!!  I made one of my go-to pumpkin treats this morning, pumpkin muffins.  I recently started using this recipe and I think it is perfect!  I cut down on the amount of sugar called for, but other than that I stay pretty true to the recipe as written.

They may not be much to look at, but these are perfect for breakfast with a glass of milk or tea in the afternoon!
On the sewing front, I made two blocks this morning for an exchange at my quilt guild meeting tomorrow night.  I am a new member, but so far I just love it.  It is so nice to have two nights a month where I am surrounded by people who all share my passion for quilting.  This group is filled with so many talented people!  I get inspired all over again everytime I go.  I really hope whoever ends up with my blocks likes them...I am a little nervous since I am a novice quilter!

We are using Bonnie Hunter's Happy Scrappy Houses pattern for exchange this year.  I was hoping to have at least three blocks for exchange this month, but no such luck.  While I think these turned out really good, the piecing was a little tricky for me, so I am thrilled to have these made!  I can't wait to see what I get in return.  So exciting!