A Nail Biter

The tension by the third quarter game between the Saints and Vikings drove me to the kitchen to bake cookies. I found I needed to be doing something especially when the game was tied the last 4 minutes. Even though the final score was disappointing it was quite exciting the home team made it to the playoffs. And even more amazing that my cookies turned out with all the distractions.
Its only January but I seem to be ahead of the holiday season with valentine cookies.

Sugar Cookies

Recipe makes 18 but depends on the size of the cookie cutter and how thin dough is rolled. Cooking tip: Make sure wax paper stays well floured while rolling dough out. 

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2-1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. each vanilla and almond extract

Cookie Directions:

• Cream butter and sugar, blend in egg, water, vanilla and almond extract.
• Sift flour with salt and baking powder.
• Beat butter mixture with flour mixture -use tour hands to knead dough if necessary. 
• Wrap dough in wax paper and put in freezer for a 1/2 hour until slightly chilled.
• Roll dough out on floured surfaces using a cookie cutter for desired shapes. Be sure to dredge cookie cutter in flour. 
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cookies on baking pan. 
• Bake 375 for 8 minutes or until slightly brown on bottom

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 TB melted butter
• 2 TB. Amaretto
• drops of red food coloring

Frosting Directions:

• Beat ingredients until desired frosting consistency. Add more milk by tablespoons if needed.