Decorate cookies with Leigh & Me

Happy Monday before Christmas! Lots of fun for you today as we invite you to decorate cookies with Leigh & me.

There are times I allow myself to think I cannot do something without even trying…that was my fear as we went to a workshop to learn how to decorate cookies.

But the valuable lesson is to at least try before thinking you cannot do it!

Decorate Cookies with Leigh & Me:  The location

The location is one of my favorite places in San Antonio called Rustic Modern Boutique.

It may be my favorite because rustic modern or farmhouse modern is my own home decorating vibe.

Here is a wall plaque I purchased there and just love…it is in my new reading room and goes great with other design elements.

Placing a wreath on it for Christmas gave just the perfect touch and I did not have to take it down…as I do other pieces.

But, let’s get to the main reason we were there…to decorate cookies!

DECORATE COOKIES WITH LEIGH & ME: THE WORKSHOP

The workshop to learn how to decorate cookies was lead by Jackie of Alamo City Crumbs.

She greeted us with the six cookies we were going to learn how to decorate…I was immediately intimidated.

What is so great about Leigh Ann is that she will tackle anything with confidence.

We all need someone like that in our lives to push us forward!

We all began with blank cookies and diagrams to follow…along with Jackie moving from participant to participant for personal instruction.

This was the first time I learned the word “FLOOD” is an important term to know to properly decorate cookies.

To my great surprise, I wasn’t awful…With practice, I believe I would be a respectable decorator.

Plus my three local grandchildren thought they were amazing…that is the audience that matters most.

I do not believe I have time to make a batch this year, but I will practice other holidays and be ready next year…hopefully, with better skills.

We left with cookies, a cookie cutter (I got an angel), and instructions on Cookie Care and recipes.

Here is what may be helpful to you:

SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE. (DELICIOUS!)

1 cup salted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

3 cups all purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of butter and one cup of sugar and mix just until combined.

Add salt, baking powder, and vanilla to bowl and mix again.

Add egg and only mix until egg is just incorporated – do not over mix!

Add flour in two batches and mix in between.  You may take out dough and use countertop to fully mold soft dough.

Wrap dough and place in fridge to chill (if you skip this step it leads to less spread)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, roll out dough to 1/4-1/2 inch thick, cut cookies into desired shapes and bake on parchment-lined cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes.

(MY NOTE:  THEY ARE THICK COOKIES, BUT DELICIOUS AND THE THICKNESS IS EASIER TO WORK WITH)

ROYAL ICING RECIPE

3 tablespoons of meringue powder

3/4 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 pounds powdered sugar

Place meringue powder and water in large mixing bowl.  Whisk until foamy.

Using a mixer, add powdered sugar in one cup increments, mixing thoroughly between batches.

Add vanilla and water (1 tablespoon at a time) to thin down icing.  Icing is ready when it appears thick and glossy and when stiff peaks form.

I believe if I tried this without the class, I would have been discouraged.  She helped me understand about consistency…how to best get different tips in the icing bags to work…and how to understand the royal icing itself.

It does need to dry, but when using candies, they must be put in before it dries.

Jackie made this cookie, but with her instruction and practice, I truly believe I can get there.

Leigh Ann and I both had fun as we ventured out to decorate cookies.

Is there something that you have always wanted to learn, but did not have the confidence to try?

Do it!  I am so glad I learned this skill….I can now decorate cookies!  My son and his kids seemed so pleased when I said…Gigi did this!

Now, I need to think ahead to Valentine’s Day…

Thanks for joining us with Decorate Cookies with Leigh & me….hope you enjoyed the post…and make sure that you always….

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

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