count your blessings, not your calories.

did you know that the average person gains anywhere from one to two pounds during the holiday season?  this surprised me a little, because for some reason I would've thought it to be more?  but then again, I suppose not everyone stuffs themselves silly like I do.

this year, my goal is to up that average by a pound or two.  I'm hoping that by sharing a yummy cookie recipe with you, it will enable you to pack on more than just one measly pound.  because seriously.  to me, that just doesn't seem like a sufficient amount of weight gain.  in fact, it sounds like people are going through the holiday season hungry, even.  so if you dare, read on.  (oh come on, I promise it'll be fun!)

like me, do you love sugar cookies, but don't like to go through the hassel of making them?  the chilling, the rolling, the cutting-out, it's very tedious and time-consuming work, isn't it.  (just say yes!)  and with the holiday season already so busy, who wants to waste all that precious time slaving away in the kitchen when you could be out shopping or attending Christmas parties instead?  (side note: those people that say they enjoy baking?  don't believe it ;-)

enter the sugar cookie that doesn't need to be chilled, rolled, or cut-out.  for once in your life, something is actually easy.

I stole the ornament idea from Ashley Ann.  we used these as a table centerpiece for the girls' Christmas party.  so festive!

don't they look delightful?  especially delicious with a dab of almond-flavored icing on top.  (or plain old frosting would be good, too!)  bet you can't wait to sink your teeth into these soft, buttery bits of goodness, right?  what?  are you saying I should just shut up already and give you the recipe?  geez, you guys are so demanding.

Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2/3 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar

beat sugars, butter and oil until fluffy.  add eggs and mix well.  stir in dry ingredients.  roll into balls and press flat with bottom of glass dipped in sugar.  bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  I told you it was EASY.

Almond Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp light corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• add milk or half and half to desired consistency

thanks to me, you can now spend less time making cookies, and more time eating them.

enjoy!

-jessica

PS. today is Gary's birthday, which means he's officially an old man 40 years-old.  him and Jake went skiing at Snowbowl today-- apparently, if it's your birthday, you can ski free (bummer for you, summer birthday people!)  hmph, some people have all the fun.  oh well.  I'll console myself with the fact that I'm still a young whippersnapper.  ha.