25 Days of Christmas - Day2

25 Days of Christmas…

Day 2

This time of the year is so special for many.. Holiday lights, Sales in the mall, Christmas Music.. so many reminders...

Even though I did not grow up with Santa, being in a catholic school in India, teachers took so much time to decorate the Mary and Joseph statue in the prayer ground.

During my school days, they always asked us if they want the choir girls to come and sign at our house. Without my parents’ permission, I have given my name many times. It was shocking for my mom. I have aways torn between Marghazhi Kolam and Christmas carols.

As an adult In Life time movies channel , they start the 25 days of Christmas. I loved watching it on a cold nights, to think there is a fairly, Santa, some miracle will happen in every one’s life. There are only so much of Christmas movies. I remember watching it every time it was aired.

Christmas recipe:

Christmas tree sugar Cookie recipe

Better Homes

Recipe from Better Homes.. Very great place for Christmas inspiration

Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree

Ingredients

•             1/3cup butter, softened

•             1/3cup shortening

•             3/4cup sugar

•             1teaspoon baking powder

•             1egg

•             1tablespoon milk

•             1teaspoon vanilla

•             2cups all-purpose flour

•             Dash salt

•             1recipe Royal icing (see recipe below)

•             Decorative sprinkles

Directions

1.            In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt; beat until combined. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined.

2.            Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

3.            Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using desired tree-shaped cookie cutters, cut out dough.

4.            Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned.

5.            Transfer to a wire racks and let cool. Frost with Royal Icing and decorate with sprinkles.

Royal Icing

Ingredients

•             2cups sifted powdered sugar

•             4teaspoons meringue powder

•             1/4teaspoon cream of tartar

•             1/4cup warm water

•             1 - 2tablespoons warm water

Directions

1.            Stir together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Add the 1/4 cup warm water. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes until very stiff. Add the 1 to 2 tablespoons additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make desired consistency.