Sewing and cookies

I used my sewing machine again! It makes me so happy. Yes, that's all it takes to make me happy, a little bit of sewing time. I made two blocks and I think this will work out well. The pattern only calls for 6 blocks but most likely I'll need 12 blocks total. I haven't decided if I'm exactly doubling the quilt size or not. The blocks are 20" so they're pretty big. I don't think I want it with borders and all to come out to almost 80 x 100. That's ridiculously long for a full size width but I don't know if I'd want it 80 x 80 either.... oh, the decisions....


Tonight we are going to the Cub Scouts holiday party and we were asked to bring cookies along. Well, if it's Christmas time and I am asked for cookies, then I have to make Ginger Cookies!


Ginger Cookies

3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening*
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp baking soda
sugar

Cream together shortening, sugar, eggs and molasses. Sift flour, slat, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture.

Shape into small balls and roll in a bowl of sugar. Place on greased cookies sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on sheet for 1 minute before removing to cooling racks.

For gingerbread men: Chill dough for 15 minutes, roll out to 1/4" thickness, cut out shapes, and bake as directed.

* I substituted a 1/2 cup of regular Crisco and 1/4 cup of butter.

These are some of my favorite cookies. They're also a good one to make if you'd like your kids to help. They can roll the dough into little balls and roll it in the sugar. Hannah actually did all the measuring for the dry ingredients this time. We also have made these cookies in the past for the teachers as a Christmas gift and given it to them along with a $5 coffee card. Simple and easy. You should try the cookies. Soooo delicious!