May Arts Ribbon Gift Bags

Do you need a few extra gift bags in a hurry?  I've got a tutorial on the May Arts Blog to the rescue!  If you've got a sewing machine, some scrap ribbon and a few minutes, you can create this

or this

                                                                           or this

WOYWDW81? Minty Middles Cookies!

My only workdesk this week has been in the kitchen and at the sewing machine.  This is one of the cookies that's always on the Christmas gift list.  There's a yummy surprise inside this one.  I triple this recipe for gift giving.  Merry Christmas to Julia and the ladies at WOYWD!!

Minty Middle Treasures

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. shortening

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/2 t. vanilla

1 egg

1 2/3 c. all purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

About 2 dozen Andes mint candies, unwrapped

Almond Frosting

Sugar or candy sprinkles

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Beat sugars, shortening, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on med speed.  Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

Shape about 1 T. dough around each mint.  Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Bake 9-10 minutes or until light brown.  Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool completely.  Frost and sprinkle.

Almond Frosting

1 c. powdered sugar

1 T. plus 1-2 t. milk

1/4 t. almond extract or vanilla

food color if desired

Mix all ingredients until smooth and thick enough to coat.

That's it.  Simple and oh so yummy!  Enjoy!

Grrr...blogger didn't post this again! Threw it into draft.