WEEKLY RECIPES with Bette Banjack – Time to make the holiday cookies

If you make the cookies too early, they could be eaten before the holidays. Of course, if you make them early and eat them all, you could always make more.  Here are a few favorite cookies of mine I would like to share with you.  Of course, most cookies are my favorites.

LUMPS of COAL COOKIES *for bad boys & girls*

¼ cup salted butter

4 cups mini marshmallows

39 Oreo-style cookies

Crushed Oreo-style cookies as well as line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper – set each aside.  Place butter in medium size pot, and melt over medium heat.  When the butter is completely melted add in marshmallows.  Keep stirring until completely melted.  Remove the pot from the stove and stir in crushed Oreo-style cookies.  Make sure the mixture is evenly combined.  Spoon healing tablespoons of the cookie mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Allow the ‘Lumps of Coal” to harden completely on the wire rack.

Place them in an airtight container, if they last that long they will keep up to three days or so.

SUGAR COOKIES *that my mom made for the holidays*

½ lb. butter or margarine (2 sticks)

1¼ cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cream butter/margarine, and blend in sugar.  Add one egg at a time.  Beat for a few minutes, and add vanilla.  Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.  Work dry ingredients into a cream mixture to form a workable dough.  Refrigerate for approximately one hour.  Roll out onto confectioner’s sugar to approximately 1/8” thick dough.  Cut into your favorite shapes with cookie cutters.  Place on an ungreased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Take care not to burn.  Cool on the wire rack.  Optional to decorate or ice.

AUNT ANNA’S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES *she was one of my father’s six step-sisters*

½ cup butter/margarine (2 sticks)

6 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour

few drops of water

6 oz. chocolate chips

6 Tbsp. white sugar

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup walnuts, chopped

Cream butter, and add in sugars.  Mix the beaten egg well into the butter/sugar mixture.  Combine sifted flour, baking soda and salt.  Add flour into a creamy mixture.  Add vanilla and a few drops of water if necessary.  Last, fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.  Drop by ½ teaspoonfuls onto well-greased baking sheets.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.  Check oven after 10 minutes.  Cool on the wire rack.

“UNTIL NEXT WEEK”