Sugar Cookies and Happy Thoughts

These vintage hankies are some of my favorites. Just look at the detail of handwork on the fine linen cloth. I can NEVER imagine using these for their intended purpose. I think that Valentine's Day may be my favorite holiday. I love all the color and sweet wishes.

This is one of my favorite pedestal bowls. It came from my husband's grandmother. It is so special to me.

I've used it for many things from candles to candy. But today it has another purpose to fulfill.

It is the support for the beautiful platter that holds the sugar cookies that I'm inviting you over to share for Valentine's Day.

On Valentine's Day we hear a lot about the love between yourself and someone special, but I believe Valentine's Day can serve another purpose too. Use that day to reflect on how much God loves you. His love is ultimate Love. You are worth it! On Valentine's Day let others know how much they mean to you. And celebrate yourself! Read your favorite book. Take a nap. Write a discouraged friend an encouraging letter. But whatever you do...don't forget to drop by "A Romantic Porch" for Sugar Cookies and Happy Thoughts.


Sugar Cookie Cutouts

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. (2 sticks) softened butter or margarine

2 t. vanilla

1 egg

2 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

Beat powdered sugar and butter on low speed or with spoon until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and egg. Stir in flour and baking soda.

COVER and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Divide dough in half. Roll each half to 1/4" thick on lightly floured surface.

Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. At this point, if cookies will not be frosted, sprinkle with sugar and bake on ungreased cookie sheet with cookies about 2" apart.

Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes OR until edges are lightly brown. In my oven, 7 minutes makes the cookie very toasty and crunchy. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

My Icing!

I melted a stick of butter, poured quite alot of vanilla into it, then sprinkled powdered sugar into it. Sorry, I don't know how much. I just did it until I had the consistency I wanted. Then after searching high and low through about 6 green, 7 blue and 8 or 10 yellow food coloring bottles, (approximate estimates only, and MAYBE slightly exaggerated) I realized that I really had bequeathed the last remaining drops of red food coloring to the hummingbird feeder back in September. SO..........what to do, what to do!!?? I HAD to have pink icing...right NOW! Ah yes, the snow cone syrup! Yeah, it's red cherry! At last, after adding the amount of red cherry snow cone syrup that I needed to get the color I wanted, I had PINK icing. I hope your as happy with whatever icing your choose to use as I am!

Sssssssshhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell my sweeties. I'm going to try to make another batch and add cocoa powder to the flour. (reminder to self: call Donnie to see how much cocoa powder would work!) I will bake them for 5 minutes to see if I can achieve a softer texture. Then I will try my hand at making chocolate heart shaped ice cream sandwiches. I'm so excited to try this. So glad you asked, of course, I would love to show you a picture!...if they turn out that is!

Joy, I hope you are having an over the top Happy Birthday today!

Love, Rachel