winter wednesday...

my snow day project..                                                         
sugar cookie recipe (30 small cookies)

2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp of vanilla
1 tsp of cream of tarter
1 tsp of baking soda
1 egg
in your kitchen aid fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and powdered sugar. add flour, vanilla, cream of tarter, soda, and egg. on slow, stir together ingredients just until combined. turn the dough out onto a floured board and wrap it with plastic wrap. let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
unwrap the dough and put it on a floured board. be sure to flour the rolling pin, as well. roll out dough until 1/4 inch thick.
cut shapes. place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees just until the edges begin to turn brown - baking time will depend on size and thickness of the cookie.
let cool on a wire rack

royal icing  (martha stewart)

3 egg whites
4 cups of powdered sugar
in the kitchen aid fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until almost frothy. add in the powdered sugar and whisk on slow until smooth. you may need to add more or less powdered sugar or water to achieve desired thickness. for sugar cookies, you want the icing to be thin enough that it will fall back on itself and smooth itself out, but not too thin so it will run off of the cookie.
add  a tiny amount of food coloring to start, you can always add more if you want a darker color.  good colors are important for professional looking cookies.
let dry thoroughly before putting in bags etc.

 put in glassine bags or envelopes and add a sweet message.  give to all of your valentines....<3

            gotta save one for this guy... is he not the most gorgeous baby you have ever seen? i think so...

and try mini angel food cakes with melted chocolate topping...