Thursday, November 19, 2009

Cookies, Cookies and more COOKIES-

So remember yesterday when I said I was off to make cookies?? I made cookies alright, it's been awhile so I went a little overboard, I wanted to have them for Thanksgiving and to try out some new ones to practice for Christmas cookies. The result? LOTS of cookies!! :)
Not that anyone is complaining around here :)

This first cookie is a variation of a cookie my Gram used to make, it's her recipe.

We always went to my Grandparents house for Thanksgiving and the cookie jar was ALWAYS full. As my Grandparents got older sometimes there would be store bought cookies in it and my Gram would joke and say that Grandpa made the cookies, because he was the one who did the shopping.
When she made cookies it was always a huge batch and when it got to the end of the stirring she would call Grandpa in to help her stir. They are the sweetest couple in the world, they were definitely made for each other.
They, very conservatively, had only 2 children, a girl and a boy, who then went on to give them 17 grandchildren, lol. As for Great-Grandchildren I am making a guess of 30 + 2 on the way. They had no idea it would happen that way :)
My Wonderful Grandpa passed away last year and he is very much missed. The holidays last year were really hard, I thought this year might be easier but I know he is still missed much by all. He had a long battle with Parkinsons, cancer and heart problems so I know he is no longer in pain, but I still miss him very much.

Cookies, back to the cookies, this cookie is my favorite of hers. I have many happy memories of making these with her-

Thumbprints

Ingred;

1-1/4c. flour
3T. sugar
1/2c. butter

Oven 325
Stir together the flour and sugar- cut in the butter- if dough is too dry add in a little water.
Roll into balls, place on greased cookies sheet and make thumbprint in them. Bake for 15-18 minutes. When done immediately fill with jam or jelly.

I added green food coloring and mint flavoring to the dough. Then I made a chocolate mint ganache for the filling-
1/4c. chocolate mint coffee cream
3/4c. chocolate chips.
Then topped them with andes mints.

These are called Monkey Peanut Butter Bars I got the recipe for AR, they turned out pretty good, the peanut butter frosting needs to be doubled though. The recipe is HERE.

Then I made an old favorite from AR- Big Soft Ginger Cookies. These are Awesome. Recipe is HERE.

And last, and my childrens favorite of the bunch, Andes Creme De Menthe Chunk Cookies, from Donna's- My Tasty Treasures- Thank You Donna! The only thing I did different, I didn't chill the dough like I was suppose to, I just went ahead and baked it. No patience, remember? :)

The result of my crazed baking?

COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!!!!!

17 comments:

Menopausal New Mom said...

You were a busy lady yesterday! Those cookies look so good and would be perfect with the cup of coffee I'm drinking right now.

Sorry about your grandpa, I hope you find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and had a wonderful, long and happy life. Doesn't make us miss them any less though does it.

Tracie said...

Creme de menthe cookies? Oh my, that sounds good. They all sound yummy but we love chocolate mint around here.

I am so sorry about you grandfather. My grandparents have been gone for years but not a day goes by that I don't think of them.

Kristina P. said...

I host a cookie exchange every year. I am making an Andes mint one too!

Donna-FFW said...

Oh they all look lovely. Do you give out trays each year??

So happy you liked the andes ones, and even happier the kids did:) Thanks for the linky love!!

Lee said...

I want some cookies...

betty said...

wow, your grandparents had 2 kids and then ended up with 17 grandchildren! that was awesome! no wonder in later years the cookie jar had to be filled with store bought cookies; making cookies for that many could be an overwhelming in older years. They sounded like a great couple; so sorry your grandpa is no longer here to enjoy celebrating with the family

My mom made thumbprints too!

I helped myself to one of yours on my way out of here :)

have a good day

betty

Liz Mays said...

You made two varieties with mint in them. Did you know I would be visiting? I love mint and chocolate together!!!!

Willoughby said...

My grandparents baked tons of cookies every Christmas when they were alive. They started in October and froze them. By Christmas they had baked several hundred dozen cookies. It was amazing!

I'm sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I'm sure it makes the holidays difficult without him.

Stephanie Faris said...

These look awesome. I'm looking for some new "sweet stuff" recipes. I'll give them a try!

Unknown said...

I think I just gained a few pounds looking at the yummy photos!

Raoulysgirl said...

I want some cookies! I've been slacking, so you should send me some of yours!!

I like anything minty, peanut buttery, or gingery. Some of each will be fine. LOL!!!

Lissaloo said...

Thank you all for your kind comments.

I love to make cookie trays at Christmas!

Blueviolet- Hi! I'm glad you stopped by :)

Alissa Grosso said...

These all look really yummy! My stomach is growling.

Kim said...

I'm so sorry about your grandpa. I so hard to lose family. I've been missing my grandpa too, so I understand. It's really nice that you have all those memories though. Sounds like making cookies reminds you of great times with your grandparents :D
You were really busy baking yesterday! I love them all, especially the peanut butter monkey bars. I saw Donna's andes mint cookies too and I'll be making them soon too! I'm glad to hear they were really good.

Monica H said...

I just titled a post "Sugar, Sugar and More Sugar" ha ha! I'll trade you cake for cookies. deal?

Your grandparents sound so cute together. I wish your grandfather was still with you.

Holly Lefevre said...

Oh how I love cookies! I am a peanut butter freak now (ever since I was pregnant the last time). The ginger cookies...yummy. I am so hungry now. Thanks for sharing! And the mint cookies - heaven!

Your Gram's cookies are beautiful and how sweet that you have those memories!

Holly

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog ... it's good to see some new faces poking around! :o) LOVE your Mint Thumbprint Cookies ... I have to add that to my list of holiday baking!

Thank you!!!

Black & White Movie