CHRISTMAS = COOKIES!

Well, in our house this is certainly the case. I LOVE baking holiday cookies and every year I try one or two new recipes. As you probably know, there is an endless supply of cookie recipes!

Recently I bought (as I do every year) a copy of "Best Holiday Recipes" published this time every year by "Taste of Home" magazine. Of course, there is a large section devoted to Dazzling Desserts. And, naturally there are lots of new cookie recipes for me to try!

This morning I baked "Noel Cookies". They are fabulous! The recipe makes about 3 dozen and two dozen are already safely hidden in the freezer. If I don't do that, well, you know what will happen. I will share a photo however and the recipe. I urge you to try these; very easy to make and reportedly freeze well. Wonder if I will ever know that for sure....

NOEL COOKIES

1/4 cup softened butter

1/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoons vanilla

2 2/3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup sour cream

3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (any kind)

1/3 cup raspberry jam (or whatever kind you have)

Cream together butter, shortening, egg, sugar and vanilla. Combine all dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream. Shape into 1 1/4 inch balls and roll in the nuts. Place on greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make an indentation in the middle of the cookie and fill with jam. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.