Senior Citizens Rule! - Arsenic and Old Lace

The fabulous Sharon Johnson issued a challenge on her birthday to make a card that an ...ahem!..."older" person would like. Now, I live in Florida, the land of "older" ladies...like myself, for instance. The first thing that popped into my wicked head was this bit of a fussy hussy from Dolly Momma stamps. Her sign says "Money isn't everything but it sure keeps the kids in touch!" Isn't that the truth?! ;-) I was a bit hesitant to put her forth in this challenge because all the cards were so elegant, soft and pretty. She just wouldn't let me put her away so here goes....

I paper pieced her outfit right down to her gloves, purse, shoes and hat. Speaking of her hat, did you notice those natty real feathers up there? God bless my DH, he had a day off from work and drove me to Michael's just for those feathers. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Circuit City is right next door!

I found the tiny pearls while I was at Michael's...a whole package of pearls, 3 different sizes, (rhinestones, too) on sticky strip for $1.99. Her purse, earrings and shoes are sporting pearl accents. The choker around her neck was just too tiny for pearls so I used a cream colored Liquid Pearl paint for those. The big pearls are from the SU Pretties Kit (love that kit!). The crocheted edging came from a spool of beautiful ribbons I found at Tuesday Morning. She has sparkly eyeshadow thanks to my trusty Sakura glitter pen.

She's popped up on dimensionals, all the edges are sponged with SU Close to Cocoa and I stitched the edges. (BTW, if your Sew Mini is making noise and/or bunching thread, unscrew the face plate and use some spray air in there....mine was making the most awful racket and a mess of the thread...always stitch on some scrap CS first...until I cleaned it.)

The inside of the card is Mellow Moss with a scalloped border and some of the sheer dotted ribbon.

Hope you enjoy my "Senior Moment"!

Supplies Stamps - Dolly Momma

Paper: Papertrey ivory, SU Mellow Moss, K & CO designer paper

Ink: Versafine Black, Prismacolor markers

Accessories: Sewing machine, dimensionals, pearls, crocheted lace, ribbon, SU Pretties kit, feathers, Sakura glitter pen

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

You Sparkle, Cupcake!

I just LOVE these cupcakes! I got this image on clearance (!) from Impression Obsession. It's alot larger than most of my images so I made this card 5-1/2" square. I colored everything with my Prismacolor markers, then used my Sakura glitter pen to add some sparkle. The cherries are glittered just a tiny bit then glossed with Crystal Effects. The white cupcake has Liquid Pearl frosting. I used Fruit Punch Stickles on the tiered plate.

Don't you just LOVE that that little guy on the bike??? He's a sticker from Brenda Walton that I picked up a while ago on clearance at Michael's....want to know how he got there??? Confession time - I left my image in the Scalloped Rectangle Nestibility and traced around the inside. Right at that spot is an UH-OH. The hand holding the pen slipped just the tiniest bit but enough that I noticed. Turns out, I love him there and he might not have made it out of the package had I not gone looking for something to cover up my mistake.

I tried a little trick with the Scalloped Rectangle as well. The next layer Nestie was just a bit big for my eye at the long side, so I put just enough of the already cut image back into the die and ran just that part through my Cuttlebug stopping when I heard a pop. Both layers are embossed although it doesn't show here.

You can find the instructions here for the Ribbon Blossom. Pam was kind enough to make an excellent tutorial. I've made them before but she has a special technique that I hadn't tried. In case you're wondering, my blossom contains 20 pieces of ribbon. I made sure it was stationary by using a glue dot under the blossom part.

I added a cupcake on the inside, too, for a little extra yumminess. :-)

Supplies: Stamps - Impression Obsession

DP - DCDW -Nana's Kids

Paper - Papertrey white, SU Regal Rose

Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor markers

Accessories - Misc. ribbon, Brenda Walton sticker, Stickles, Sakura Glitter pen, Crystal Effects, Scor- Pal, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle Nestibilities

Blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

You've Got Mail, Valentine!

Edited to add: Went to Target today. They do have the mailboxes, however, I did notice they're somewhat smaller than previously. Do you remember the mailboxes Target had in the $ spot for a couple of years in a row? I didn't check this year as I bought a bunch of them last year to have on hand. I've made several for gifts and while visiting a friend who received one, I noticed she kept hers in the kitchen. She and her DH leave each other small notes and gifts and signal by putting the flag up. How sweet is that?!! I thought that would be a cool thing to do for my DH for Valentine's Day. Hey, we can still be mushy after 40 years of marriage, right?

I chose Basic Grey's Infuse (you can get it at Eclectic Paperie on sale!) because it has the mellow green and red colors that are in my kitchen and combined it with SU's Chocolate Chip CS and Mellow Moss CS & ribbon. The LOVE rub-on's were picked up at Big Lots for $1 as were the sparkly rub on hearts. The pearled baubles came from Stamping Bella and were adhered with SU's awesome Crystal Effects. (I didn't realize the one on the flag moved until I took the picture...hate when that happens. Should have let it dry first!!) The heart that covers the rivet on the flag came from set by Making Memories that I picked up at Michael's.

I added our names to the flag using my computer since it's so tiny. I cut the vine from the Infuse DP, cut off the printed bud and added a bling flower picked up in the Michael's $1 spot.

I think I may fill it with some flimsy little thing from Victoria's Secret and some chocolate.......you think? ;-)

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

Stamps for Sale

Edited: You can see pictures in my store at ShopHandmade.com. Just click the link in the sidebar. I'm adding them as I get time.

As promised, here are the stamps and supplies I have cleared out of my stamp closet. Some are new, some are retired, all are well loved and have made several trips to and from the stamp closet because I couldn't bear to part with them. (There are still a couple of sets, I'm pondering putting on this list...)

Prices do not include postage. Postage will be exact depending on your zip code. Since most stamp sets weigh under 13 oz., I can ship them First Class. I will combine shipping on multiple purchases which will ship Priority Mail. Shipping to US only.

I will accept payment by check, money order or Paypal. Please wait for me to invoice you if you wish to pay with PayPal.

Here's the list. I have photos available for everything listed. If you want to see a picture, please email me and I will send it. They will take up too much room here. Thanks!

Red indicates SOLD

Stampin Up Lucky Me (St. Patrick's Day) - $12 (tiny bit of ink on 2 stamps)
Stampin Up Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories - $30
Kathy Davis Flowers - $6
Stampin Up Simple Somethings - $7
Stampin Up Fun Faces - $10 (ink on wood 2 stamps)
Stampin Up Faith and Hope - $10
Stampendous Flowers in vase - $6
Impression Obsession Floral Heart Box - $5 (rubber has been repositioned)
Indadinkado School Days & School Supplies (2 stamps) $5
Hero Arts Bunny and Egg (2 stamps) (Retired) - $8
Hero Arts Flower Silouette Set of 3 stamps (Still in wrapper) - $10
Stamps by Judith & Heather Large U.S. flag - $8
Stampin Up So Many Sayings - $10
Stampin Up Tu-Tu Terrific - $15
Stampin Up Letters of Love - $7
Stampendous Pail Topper For Baby - $10
Stampendous Pail Topper Happy Birthday - $10
Stampin Up in the Sky - $5
Stampin Up Grand Cornucopia - $10 (some ink on wood)
Hero Arts Luck O' the Irish - (2 stamps) - $8
Stampin Up Big Blooms - $10
Hero Arts tiny alphabet - $5
Hero Arts Letters and Numbers - $5
Hero Arts Dot Alphabet - $5
Stampin Up Smorgasborders - $5
Stampin Up Alphabet Antiques Letters - $10
Stampin Up Antiques numbers - $5
Cuttlebug Fruit metal die - $6
CutterBee Circle Scissor Plus - $10
Fastenator large stapler and staples - $10


Blessings and Happy Stamping!
Charlene

Apple Pie Recipe - Part Two

Praline  Taffy Apple Pie

Pie crust for a two crust pie

For the praline layers:
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/3 c. all purpose flour
1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted

Combine, mix well and set aside.

3 T.  all purpose flour
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. fresh lemon juice
dash salt
2/3 c. granulated sugar
6 c. thinly sliced, peeled apples  (I used a mixture of Granny Smith and Gala)
10 caramels, cut in half
half and half, light cream or milk
coarse sugar for sprinkling  (I used Turbinado for this pie, however, I usually use coarse white sugar)

Prepare crust, roll out and fit into a 9" pie pan. Set aside.

Place sliced, peeled apples into a large mixing bowl.  Combine sugar, 3 T. flour, cinnamon, lemon juice and salt.  Blend and toss with apples.

Transfer 1/2 of the apples to prepared pie crust.  Top with 1/2 of the praline and all of the caramels.  Repeat with remaining apples and praline.

Roll out top crust, place over pie.  Cut slits or decorative shapes in crust.  Flute edge.  Brush top with the half & half, cream or milk.

Sprinkle with sugar, if using.

Cover edges with foil.  Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Remove foil, bake an additional 20-25 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is nicely browned.  Serve warm.  Serves 8-10

Leave me a comment here if you make this pie.  I'd love to know what you think of it.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me or ask them here.

Blessings and Happy Baking!

Charlene

Apple Pie Recipe

Thank you to everyone who has emailed or called with such nice compliments about the previous post. In the spirit of full disclosure :-), I got the pie recipe from my daughter-in-law, however, I don't remember where she said she got it.  In any case, it's become one of our favorites.  The Perfect Pie Crust recipe came from a friend who owned a wonderful little restaurant called "The Peach Magnolia".  Don't you just love that name? 

I added the sugar to the top of the pie crust, both for eye appeal and that special sweet crunch that makes even people who never eat the crust, eat every bite!  I promise once you try this crust and see how easy it is, you won't ever be tempted to pick up a grocery store crust ever again.   The Pie Recipe will be in the following post.   Here you go...Enjoy!

Perfect Pie Crust

Makes 4 (8 oz.) crusts

4 c. white flour, lightly spooned into measuring cup

1 T. sugar

2 t. salt

1 3/4 c. shortening (I use butter flavor Crisco)

1/2 c. water

1 T. white or apple cider vinegar

1 large egg

Measure flour, sugar and salt into a large mixing bowl.  Stir well with a table fork.  Cut in shortening with a for or pastry blender until crumbly.

In small bowl, combine the water, vinegar and egg.  Beat with a fork or whisk until well blended.  Add to flour mixture a little at a time until moistened.  (you may not need it all depending on the volume of your egg).  You don't want it too wet, just thoroughly moistened.

Divide into 4 equal portions.  Shape each portion into a round patty.  Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper.  At this point crusts may be placed into a Ziploc freezer bag and frozen or later use.  If using right away, refrigerae for at least 30 min. before rolling out.

When ready to bake, thaw if frozen,  lightly flour a pastry cloth or counter. Roll to 1/8"  thickness.  Place into pie plate.  Fill and bake according to your pie directions.

For a baked shell, thaw, roll, prick the bottom and sides of the shell with a fork.  Refrigerate or pop in the freezer for about 15 minutes.  This will keep your crust from shrinking down the sides of the pan.  (I keep a Reynolds oven bag full of dried beans or rice in the freezer, when ready to bake a shell, I place the bag in the shell for the first 10-12 minutes of baking.  Remove the bag, and bake until golden brown...about 10 more minutes.  The bag can be wiped off and placed back in the freezer.

Bake the shell at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes depending on your oven or just until golden brown.  Cool and fill.

Be sure and see the next post for the Praline Apple Pie Recipe.

Blessings and Happy Baking!

Charlene

Appetizer and Dessert...Are you Hungry?

Appetizer, anyone? I haven't been stamping because I've been cooking (and getting those sale stamps ready!)

Since we ladies had our cookie exchange, I asked my DH if he'd like to invite a few friends over for a "guy night". Of course, where there are men, there must be food!

I made this Antipasto Salad and dressing, we got some really good shrimp at Sam's Club, I made homemade lasagna (no sauce from a jar allowed) :-)

I couldn't get a photo of the Lasagna because I had to vamoose out of the house before his friends arrived.
Edited: Recipe for Antipasto Salad and Dressing
1/2 med. head iceberg lettuce
1 small head curley endive or green leaf lettuse (I used green leaf)
3-1/2 oz. thinly sliced pepperoni
4 oz. thinly sliced genoa salami
6 oz. proscuitto ham
Optional - 2 oz. can anchovies with capers, drained
1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1 c. radishes
1 c. mini carrots or carrot sticks
1 c. ripe & green olives (I bought small quantities of flavored olives at my deli)
8 oz. provolone cheese, cubed
Antipasto dressing

Shred lettuce, and spread on a large tray
Make a border of endive or green leaf lettuce. Arranges remaining ingredients on top of lettuce. Serve with dressing. Serves 10-12

Antipasto Dressing - This is very good on a tossed salad as well
3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. white wine, red wine or balsamic vinegar
2 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
1/4 t. dried thyme
1 t. honey
1/8 t. pepper
2 T. water
1 clove garlic, crushed

Combine all ingredients in a jar, cover tightly, shake well. Let stand several hours at room temp.

I did, however, get a photo of the desssert.....

Praline Taffy Apple pie. I made 3 of these yummy pies. Two for the guys....although they only managed to polish off one with ice cream. I gave one away and we shared the leftover one with friends tonight. I think there might be a couple of pieces left for breakfast! Does anyone else eat apple pie for breakfast? I think it's just about one of my favorites.

If you'd like either of the recipes, let me know and I'll post them. The pie crust is the Perfect Pie Crust I posted awhile ago. It's just about the best crust I've found other than a butter crust which is divine with Raspberry Rhubarb Apple Pie. The nice thing about this one, other than being flaky and delicious every single time, is that you can make and freeze it well in advance. I like to make several batches at the beginning of every season to take advantage of all the different fruits and fillings available.

Thanks for visiting. I'll have the sale stamps and a Valentine project posted soon.

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

The Last of Winter -ssnotime69

I finished off the last of my cards using sweet Elzybells Just a Note.  This one was a happy accident.  I sewed a border using a wiggle motion which I can do without a problem on my Pfaff...not so on my little Sew Mini.  The bottom threads were all looped.  I messed up the tension, I guess.

I was going to cover the stitches with paper but then I decided to pull out the stitching.  A paper pierced card without all that piercing.  Bet I could have done this with no thread in the machine. ...note to self!

 Supplies: 
stamps:  Elzybells
paper:  SU Cool Caribbean, Basic Grey DP, PTI white
Ink:  Versafine black, SU Ruby Red, Prismacolor markers
Accessories:  SU button, embroidery thread, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Label die, chipboard, sewing machine

Sorry for the lighting in these two...Can't wait for my birthday and that Softbox for my photos!  No more dingy pictures.  On this one, I used SU Craft white ink and a snowflake image to make the background paper.  Just added a few dew drops and done.

For my final card, I decided to see how simply I could make it.  This is hard for me but I'm pleased with the result.  Just a bit of Stickles, and the circle DP plus a bit of smudging with Close to Cocoa to match the coloring on the DP.  I stamped the background with SU Craft White again.  No DP, no ribbon, no dew drops.

Thanks for visiting...I'm still gathering stamps for sale and doing research on the pricing.  Will post them soon along with Valentine projects.  Good bye, Winter!

Blessings & Happy Stamping,

Charlene            

You've GOT to see this...and a For Sale Sign

Nicole left a nice comment here so thought I 'd visit her blog. You've got to go and see what this talented lady can do.

Awesome!

I have a pile of stamps and supplies from my room cleaning that I will be posting as soon as I can get pictures...gotta sell them before they make their way back to their places. A couple have done that already so will need some serious help.

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

Look What Lily the Fairy Did!!

Remember Lily the Fairy from here? Well, I guess she wasn't too happy being in that cute but somewhat plain box because look what she did.....
I do agree the Dew Drops are a huge improvement. Maybe I should have let her do this in the first place...you think? ;-) I'm pretty sure she adhered them with Crystal Effects so they're on there to stay. I think Shannon will like them, too!
Blessings and Happy Stamping,
Charlene

A Little Note...of Thanks

I just realized these cards qualified for Splitcoaststampers Limited Supply Challenge LSC201 - My Favorite Things. AND Sharon Johnson's SSnotime#69 and I wasn't even trying. That just does not happen often.

No more than 3 colors, just a few of my favorite accessories and embellishments for the LSC201 and a winter card for Sharon's #69 - Whoopee!!


I'm woefully late getting my Christmas thank you's in the mail. I think I may get them finished today. I love this little image from Elzybells that I got here last year. I love that is a multi purpose note card...good for a thank you, thinking of you or "just a note. It's still winter...even here in FL. I used scraps of my Basic Grey Dasher paper and various embellishments to make each one unique. I just hate multiples but by changing up the embellishments, each one becomes a little bit special. My colors are Riding Hood Red, Bali Breeze/Cool Caribbean and Old Olive.

Some are paper pierced, some machine stitched, some have Dew Drops or buttons. I used Diamond Stickles for her coat trim and the snow. I stamped all my images first onto Papertrey's white CS then cut them out with my Spellbinders label and circle dies. The cards are 4-1/2" X 4-1/4". You can click on the picture for a close-up.

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

The Truth Revealed

Didn't I tell you my desk wouldn't stay clean long?  I finally got to play a bit making thank yous (late thank yous, she said with her head down)

I can't seem to create without my stuff all out and around me.

The next post will reveal the result of this mess...


Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

The Rest of the Room....

Decided I'd better take the rest of the pictures of my room before it gets wild in there again. This is the little table that sits to my right...not ideal but all I have for now. It holds my Janome Sew-Mini, colored pens, markers, Punch Pal (great for punching if you have arthritis in your hands or fingers..old age stinks.) What I lack in table scape, I make up for in landscape. I have a small patio and a view of the lake out that big sliding door. On nice days, I can push the doors into the wall and literally expand the room outside.

This is the "buy" we found at Goodwill for $80. It's a solid pine wardrobe. I painted it black, replace the wood knobs with brushed nickel, and then my DH made shelves so I could store "stuff in it. See that mess on the floor to the left...that's where I take my photos. I've asked for a softbox for my birthday. That fluffy tail belongs to Chloe, our Goldendoodle. She had to come in and investigate.

Below is a sewing table from JoAnn's. It can fold to 12" wide and is on wheels so I can convert this room to a bedroom when our grandchildren visit. It holds my paper cutters, Scor-Pal, Cuttlebug, another Ott light. The bins are full of ribbon, inks, papers...someday, I'd love a paper stacker.

Finally, the closet holds all my SU stamps, more paper, more stuff, tins, etc. The shelves were my birthday present last year.

Now you can see Chloe's front half! She's a camera ham, I think.

That's it! It won't be this "clean" again this year. I'm blessed to have an entire room to play in. We keep one room as a guest room and my husband has his office so this is where I retreat to.

Thanks for visiting.

Blessings and Happy Stamping,

Charlene

Lily the Fairy

Isn't Lily just the sweetest fairy you've ever seen? You can download this image free here. Pink Cat Studio, is having a contest using Lily the Fairy. You just need to download her, copy and print and make a card, then send it to Melissa.

Our granddaughter's cousin will be 5 this month and she loves Strawberry Shortcake. I've been saving the Strawberry Shortcake pens, rings, earrings, lip balm, etc. I found in the Target $1 spot a few months ago to send to her. I just wasn't quite sure how I wanted to package them. When I saw Lily I knew she was the perfect delivery person.

Who said a card has to be made of just paper? I wrapped this little tin with DP from Imaginisce Fairest of Them All Collection that I got here. It's just the perfect little girl paper and it's double-sided!! I adhered it all with Scor-Tape, of course. The front is actually a pocket that hold a tag with Shannon's name on it.

I printed Lily on SU's Shimmery White CS and colored her with my PrismaColor markers. I cut her out, glittered her really good with Art Institute glitter. (It has the most awesome shine!) I used my Sakura glitter pen to trace all around her so she'd really have some fairy sparkle. After she was cut and glittered, I popped her up using dimensionals onto another piece of Shimmery White that I watercolored with Pearlescent watercolors in soft gold.

I stamped the inside sentiment using my JustRite Stamper oval stamper with the Birthday sentiment and the mini alphabet set.

I will add the rings, and earrings to these cute gel pens but wanted you to be able to see the inside.

Hope Lily inspires you, too!

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Charlene

A CLEAN desk (sort of) and my Punch storage

As promised, here is the photo of my now clean (for me, anyway!) desk. I love, love, love the flat rods we got at Ikea in the kitchen dept. They were under $3 each and they hold my SU punches perfectly. Did you notice those uber cool little holders hanging off the top rod? Those were like 99 cents each and hold my scissors, paint brushes and the like. I really could have used another rod. Our Ikea is a day trip away so can't just run out and get another.

Note to self: If you find something you love at Ikea...get several...you can use it SOMEWHERE!

While we're here, the other buy that I can't live without now that I have old eyes, is the Ott light. Isn't that a pretty one? I found it at a really good price at Tuesday Morning a long time ago. It was something like $57. Retails normally for over a $100 so I scooped it right up.

I haven't finished the shadow box frame yet but since my DH was in a honey do mood, I thought I better take advantage of his skills. The frame holds tiny notes and pictures from my granddaughter. I want to put DP behind them to highlight them. The board inside is linen so it can be changed easily as she and our grandson grow. Got the frame on clearance at Target for $7.

You can just barely see my Janome Sew Mini in the bottom right corner. I wish I had a desk that wrapped around but since I don't, I have a stainless table that sits to my right and holds extra "stuff". It has a shelf underneath the solid surface so that makes it nice.

My desk is actually a computer desk. Not ideal as it isn't as wide or deep as I'd like but it does have drawers and what's really cool is that it has extra outlets built in. Nice for keeping my sewing machine, heat gun, and the like plugged in with a master switch for turning off the power.

I'll post pictures of the rest of the room later.

Blessings,

Charlene

One last Christmas Cookie Post and a Goal

No pictures to post today. I must admit, I must clean my craft room before I can get to any solid surface in there. Haven't set foot in there since before Christmas and it's ugly, really, really, ugly.

My DH did hang some cool rods I found at Ikea to store my punches on. When I can get to the desk and take a photo, I'll post it. Only wishing I'd bought a few more as our Ikea is so far away.

Pam asked for a list of the cookies I made at Christmas. Here goes:

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Clusters
White Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Cookies (dipped in white chocolate) mmm-mmm!
Russian Teacakes
Clear the Cupboard Cookies (Southern Living recipe good for every day munching)
Crinkled Fudge Truffle Cookies
Minty Middles
Lemon Crinkles
Raspberry Pinwheels
Date Nut Pinwheels
Expresso Pinwheels
Greek Twists
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Princess Gems (very fragile, uses ammonia powder (!) and oh so good!)
Lora's Ginger Cookies
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies drizzled with white chocolate
Martha Stewart's Giant Gingerbread Snowflakes and Stars
Jan Hagels
Tiger Butter
Peppermint Bark

I usually make Baklava too, but just ran out of time this year...it's a once a year treat that will have to wait until next year.

Happy New Year Everybody. Hope to have some fun Valentine projects soon!

Blessings,
Charlene

Cookies and a Recipe

Thought you might like to see what the cookies looked like going out the door. This was about 1/2 the cookie trays I made up for my sweet neighbors and friends

I wish I had taken a picture BEFORE I wrapped them but this next one is as close as I could get so you could get an idea of how they looked. You can click on the picture to see how big the Gingerbread Snowflakes (and stars!) are in relation the rest of the tray. I use them as the topper for the trays.

I added some reindeer food to this one for the kids next door...they're just the right age for it.

And, finally, what they look like going back into the freezer for the next round of trays!

Pam said she'd like to see Martha's recipe for the Gingerbread Snowflakes. They are really yummy and make a beautiful presentation when frosted with Royal Icing. These are wonderful for Valentine's day hearts as well.

Gingerbread Snowflakes

6 c. all purpose flour, plus more for work surface

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. baking powder

1 c. unsalted butter

1 c. packed dark brown sugar

4 t. ground ginger

4 t. ground cinnamon

1-1/2 t. ground cloves

1 t. finely ground black pepper

1-1/2 t. coarse salt (I used kosher salt)

2 large eggs

1 c. unsulfured molasses

Royal Icing (recipe follows)

Coarse sugar and/or edible glitter for sprinkling

1. Sift together flour, bakind soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. (Sometimes I just measure it all in and use a whisk to blend and lighten the mixture. The whisk adds air just like sifting)

2. Place butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until fluffy.

Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Divide dough into thirds. Wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate at least an hour or until cold. (Overnight is ok, too)

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to 1/4" thick. Cut using a 7" snowflake cutter (if using this large size, you will get approximately 16 giant cookies. If you use smaller cutters, you will get more)

I actually roll my dough directly onto my silicone pan liners so I don't have to move them from the counter to the cookie sheet and risk breaking or altering the shape. You could also roll them onto parchment paper and lift that to your cookie sheet for baking.

4. Bake cookies until crisp but not dark, about 12-14 minutes. Cool about 1 minute on the cookie sheet then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can store covered if you don't have time to decorate right away.

5. Put icing in a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip ( I use Wilton #2 or #3). Pipe designs on snowflakes; immediately sprinkle with sugar or glitter and allow to dry completely at room temperature (several hours) before storing. Layer each cookie with waxed paper in an airtight container up to 5 days at room temperature.

Royal Icing (Snowflakes will use 1/2 this amount)

1 lb. confectioner's sugar

5 T. meringue powder (you can get this at Michael's or Walmart)

a scant 1/2 c. warm water

Put sugar, powder, and water in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on low until smooth, about 7 minutes. If icing is too thick, add more water a little at a time; if too thin, mix icing 2-3 minutes more.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Charlene