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Morning. Nice light snow falling softly out my wi Dow this morning. Be nice time for a walk, but cookie baking is on the agenda. Going to make the traditional butter cookies. Ned to get out the stuff and dice up some Maraschino cherries. I still have the old cookie press and the one shape I always make. All’s for a piece of cherry in the center. There are other shapes too, like wreaths and Christmas trees etc., but this one I use has always been my favorite.

Martha, that’s interesting that your recipe says to refrigerate dough over night. This recipe we have always used, we just make the dough, put it n the chief press, press out the cries and intoto the oven they go. I will probably freeze some of them depending on how many I make. Got a couple places I want to take some. Butter was n sale too, so I always stock up this time of year. Have 6 pounds in the freezer, some of which I just took out to make the cookies with.

Survived the big windstorm with no loss of power, but others to my north and west and along the lake shore weren’t so fortunate. Some areas still are not back on. The utility companies has crews om standby, but They couldn’t start repairing lines till the winds dropped below 35 mph. This are was getting gusts up as high as 69 mph and the Mackinac Bridge clocked one at 82. County next to this one has more than half the county out. . There’s a lot of small branches and sticks down, but nothing big around here. I think we were just on the edge of the worst of it here. By just a few miles. Very thankful.

Karen, glad you made it to Medford and back safely. Yes Barbie, tornadoes in MN in December, very out of ordinary for this time of year. Even meteorologists are saying it’s unprecedented

Ned to get busy in tbe kitchen. I’ve been reading everyday, but right now, brain is in cookie mode, so don’t remember if there’s something else UpI wanted to comment on .

Morning Sue and All, cloudy 47°rain later. Sue, snowing and baking cookies sounds like the perfect day. I decided against a Sam’s coconut cake but will bake one. Thought about the high price in the past and imagine it will be ridiculous this year. I mentioned my New Year’s Eve dinner when I worked and thought will do that this year. Not happening, a lobster tail was $25 in my area. I placed an order for Monday at Walmart. They have a 3 lb turkey breast which is just right for me but not sure if they will have it Monday. Hard to plan things when life is so unpredictable. Be safe

Good morning. Been up since 4:30 but was asleep by 9 or so. Guess I had enough sleep. Housekeeping duties today, time to clean the bathrooms altho they sure dont get very dirty, but clean toilets and counters, then swiffer the floor and I am done. Since I have the swiffer out will sweep the kitchen and dining and swiffer that too. WOW I have such an exciting life.

I might bake some cupcakes this afternoon to share with neighbor Jerry and my next door neighbor Doris. I like 1 or 2 then I am done for a while. I know I could freeze them but I would rather eat them slightly warm and have that itch satisfied for a while. Thawing spaghetti sauce so will make a little pasta in my Fasta Pasta microwave cooker. I love that darn thing.

Cloudy and rain predicted for the rest of the week. I will need to get started on my painting project after the holidays as I need something to do besides just sit.

Colliemom wrote:Morning. Nice light snow falling softly out my window this morning.

Good morning, Sue, and all who follow. [Sigh] I'm sitting here reading your post, and imagining a soft snow falling here outside my own window. I could really go for that kind of weather right about now, but it isn't going to happen. Down to about 38 degrees last night, probably top out at high 50's/low 60's later today.

Be nice time for a walk, but cookie baking is on the agenda. Going to make the traditional butter cookies. Ned to get out the stuff and dice up some Maraschino cherries. I still have the old cookie press and the one shape I always make. All’s for a piece of cherry in the center. There are other shapes too, like wreaths and Christmas trees etc., but this one I use has always been my favorite.

Oh, Sue, you really bring back the memories. I think that this will be the first year in, literally, decades, that I don't make my favorite cookie-press butter cookies. I made them last year (using my new-ish Wilton cookie press), but decided not to this year - I put on close to ten pounds over the holidays last year due to lot of "bad eating" , including these cookies. I always seem to gain weight during the winter, but it comes off again during the summer. . . when it is just too hot here to feel much like eating. I think I'll try to skip the annual weight gain this year.

Here comes one of my weird stories.

When I was a newly-wed, husband-and-wife friends of my husband were in town during the Christmas season, and announced they would be able to stop by for a visit. My husband was very happy and welcoming to these friends - they were both many years older than we were, he had gone to school with their daughters, and they were rather wealthy.

I was a bit non-plussed by this sudden announcement, because I had just finished up making Christmas cookies and my kitchen (not to mention the rest of my house) was a total mess.

This was mostly due to the cookies - I had borrowed the stainless-steel cookie press (LOL, this in the days before so many things were made of plastic) from my Mom that the family had used to make Christmas cookies since I was a young child. Mom was very specific at the loan - I was to take good care of it, and return it promptly, which I blithely agreed to do. She still seemed a bit worried about letting me have it, maybe because it had been in the family for many years, was no longer being made, so thus was irreplacable. The thing was very easy to use, and I was happy to have it for a bit in order to make my cookies.

Anyway, these older friends of my husband came for a visit, stayed several hours (during which time he and I had to leave on a short errand) and, so far as I can remember, had a nice visit.

A few days later my Mom asked me to bring back the cookie press if I was finished using it, I said I would bring it over the next day.

And I couldn’t find it.

In a total and complete panic, I looked everywhere, spending hours searching for it. Finally I pulled everything out of all of the cupboards and all of the drawers (leaving the kitchen in a total shambles). . . but it was just nowhere to be found. I was totally devastated and heartsick at not being able to find it – even worse (much worse!) was having to phone my mother to tell her that it was gone. My mother, bless her, who could be quite gruff at times, seemed to sense my level of despair, finally told me to not worry about it too much. As she said, if it was gone, it was gone.

I finally decided I must have, somehow, unbelievably, tossed it out with the trash in my hurry and anxiety to get the house cleaned up before my husband’s friends came (I have always been a bit forgetfull, particularly when under stress). I never forgot, and have always intensely regretted, the loss of this cookie press. To this day.

Some few years go by.

Husband and I eventually move to northern California and are fairly close to the location of these friends of his. One day they have us over for dinner, and as I am helping with wash-up, as I am putting items away into a cupboard I see what I am sure was my Mom’s old cookie press.

How do I know? Of course, I couldn’t know 100% - but my Mom's old cookie press was always kept in it’s original worn green box (that held the press and the various implements that Sue speaks of). And the box that had belonged to my mother had a long tear at one corner, mended with scotch tape. The box that I saw in these people’s cupboard had the exact same tear, in the exact same corner, mended with the exact same worn tape.

I didn’t say anything. . . what was there to say after the passage of years? . . . but I think my hostess might have seen me gaping at it. The next time we had dinner with them, and I was again helping with wash-up, the cookie press was gone.

LOL. I guess this is just my long-winded way of asking, Sue, what kind of cookie press do you have, and how do you like it? As mentioned above, a couple of years back I bought a nice Wilton cookie press but have rarely used it, with my kids grown and gone. And the Wilton press doesn't work nearly as well as the old stainless-steel press that belonged to my Mom.

Thanks for reading everyone. Wishing all of you, and your families, the best kind of Holidays that you can possibly manage.

Merry Christmas to all.

Anne

2 hours and 150 Butter cookies later….



Anne, to answer your cookie press question, it’s a Mirro. I was my mom’s and she had it for years. The handle has since broken off, but I just put some tape over the little holes where it attached to keep the dough from squeezing through them. Works great. I can easily hold the canister part in my hand. Sure, I could toss it and get a new one, but not gonna happen. I only use it at Christmas. It. An also be used as a cake decorator. I have lots of memories from that cookie press.



I hear ya and the weight gain. I wasn’t going to do the cookies this year either for the same reason but then I thought, we only live once so I decided to go ahead and do them anyway because I don’t remember at Christmas without them.

Good afternoon all!

I'm loving the stories about your Christmas cookies! Anne, before I finished reading your post, I was wondering if your cookie press ended up as your post did. My Mom never had a cookie press and we always put about a heaping tablespoon of the dough on the cookie sheet. I made some chocolate chip cookies a couple days ago and they're already mostly gone. We're in the mid 80's today. Steve will fire up his Big Green Egg later and put a steak on for him and a chicken breast for me. A salad and devilled eggs will be our sides. Tomorrow is church and it's hard to believe that Friday evening I'll be playing for the Christmas Eve service.

I have my Moms cookie press from probably the 40's but it's aluminum ( and I think box has either green or red on it), I've never seen one of stainless steel. I haven't used it in years as I can't eat wheat. I also have a nicer one Mom bought me, along with hundreds of cookie cutters, which I also don't use !
I think I would have boldly said to the lady, gee I love your cookie press, where did you find it?
Another cool day, may reach 50 for an hour before back in 40's. I need to get ready to head to Home Depot to pick up a few things with Sean. Once first 3 cabinets were actually installed, he found he has room for a 10 inch in the gap, for my cookie sheets standing on their sides. And he said he saw one when we bought the others. Also need counter top. Pantry floor almost done.
We bought a Christmas tree last night and today Sean will retrieve the tree stand ( from behind where he Installed lattice), so we can put tree up. We bought a 4 ft tree as we will put it on a table this year due to stuff from kitchen piled everywhere!
Then I need to take son Chris to take back recyclables.
One more trip to grocery store near by for a few last minute items middle next week.
Have a good day.
Velda

Sheila, my family is like yours, I'm the last to know anything. My son's girlfriend's mother lives in Baton Rouge and she usually goes there for holidays. My son tries to get out of going. He would rather just stay home but would come here if I ask him to. I'm lazy and would rather not cook if I can get out of it.

Sue, I don't know what a cookie press is. I have my aunt's butter cookie recipe and have always used the cookie scoop and made balls and flattened them a little to bake. Your cookies look good. I would be in trouble with 150 butter cookies. My recipe only makes 24. I seem to do a lot of cooking in my PJ's. Guess it's because I can't leave unless I get dressed. This morning I made a batch of cranberry sauce. Put half in the freezer and half in the refrigerator. Yesterday I bought a bag of potatoes so made mashed potatoes with what was left in the old bag. Yesterday I got a package of chuck eye so will probably have steak and potatoes for lunch.

Karen, I still haven't found my Fasta Pasta cooker. Only God knows what I do with things.

Sugar had been coughing so yesterday I took her to the vet. I don't think he really found out what was wrong with her but gave her a shot in case it was an allergy, some antibiotic pills and some pills for coughing. She hasn't coughed since. I'm having a problem keeping up with all the pills, my pills, Pinky's pill and Sugar's pills. I was getting ready to go give Pinky her pill and was standing in front of the refrigerator trying to remember why I was standing there. It was to get some butter to put on Pinky's pill. I put butter on her pill because it seems to make it go down better. She has a harder time hacking it back up.

The front is coming through Houston with severe storms now. We are just having scattered showers so far. Hope we don't have severe storms here.

Martha

Sue, the cookies look good enough to ear. You inspired me. No snow but measured out ingredients for a batch of chocolate chip cookies, just waiting for frozen butter to thaw. I will freeze small balls of dough and ration them when I get a cookie attack. Air fry 5 minutes, oh my I’m in trouble.

Good Afternoon, All the cookie baking is making me hungry, but not hungry enough to bake some. I have some store bought Walker's shortbread cookies that are made in Scotland that I really like plus a few more varieties that called out to me at the International Grocery.
Anne that is really strange that your friends? took your Mom's cookie press! Guess you just never know what comes over some people. Sue that is a lot of cookies in 2 hours they look really good.
Pippa is still sleeping through the night thank goodness. I had a seasonal acupuncture appointment yesterday and it really relaxed me. I slept better last night than I have in ages, but I don't feel rested. Wiggy the little dog down the street and his mom came to visit yesterday. Wiggy is the only other dog that Toby likes but we still had to hold the puppy or have her in her pen. I don't know if she will ever be safe around Toby after his initial response. I think I got at least part of Pippa's heartworm pill down her this morning but I can't be certain. I may have been the one who took it!! After all my years giving dogs pills she was the most challenging. Her mouth is so small that tiny pieces of kibble is all she seems to be able to manage, that along with a tiny pit of finely shredded boiled chicken breast.
It is one of those yucky days here, cloudy and cold with a bit of off and on rain. I think I see a nap in my near future.
Martha just read your post about giving pills! I'm obviously not the only one with issues I'm also thinking I forgot my BP pills this morning but who knows!

Shirlv wrote:Sue, the cookies look good enough to ear. You inspired me. No snow but measured out ingredients for a batch of chocolate chip cookies, just waiting for frozen butter to thaw. I will freeze small balls of dough and ration them when I get a cookie attack. Air fry 5 minutes, oh my I’m in trouble.

I saw a quick way to thaw butter the other day. Put really hot water in a glass to heat it up then pour out the water and put the glass over the stick of butter supposed to thaw it really fast.

Colliemom wrote:2 hours and 150 Butter cookies later….

Anne, to answer your cookie press question, it’s a Mirro. I was my mom’s and she had it for years. The handle has since broken off, but I just put some tape over the little holes where it attached to keep the dough from squeezing through them. Works great. I can easily hold the canister part in my hand. Sure, I could toss it and get a new one, but not gonna happen. I only use it at Christmas. It. An also be used as a cake decorator. I have lots of memories from that cookie press.

I hear ya and the weight gain. I wasn’t going to do the cookies this year either for the same reason but then I thought, we only live once so I decided to go ahead and do them anyway because I don’t remember at Christmas without them.

OH!! OH!! SUE!! I was going to ask you to post a picture of your cookie press, but thought it maybe too presumptious! LOL! And now here is the photo posted without my asking! We must be on the same wave length!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

***AND*** After my longish post, I went on Ebay to. . . see what I could see (have looked on Ebay in the past for my Mom's old press, without success). BUT. Wouldn't you know? I have found what I think is a model of the exact same press!! I am in process of bidding on it (LOL - as though I need a new. . . make that "vintage". . . cookie press at my age and circumstances).

But I just couldn't resist!!

Will let you all know how the "bidding war" transpires, and post photos later if successful!!

Also, Sue - I saw a couple of "vintage" Mirro cookie presses on there that look like your model. You might be able to get one of these to use for "spare parts" for your Mom's press.

OMG!! LOL!! I am SO excited!!

Thank you so VERY MUCH, Sue, for starting this thread!! I always think about my Mom's old press this time of year, but never would have thought of (again) looking on Ebay to try to find one without your post.

And, if I get this thing, I will DEFINITELY need to do butter cookies, if only for "old times sake".

Thanks again!!

Anne

Been a successful day so far! Not even 11am and I have already made $85 from haircuts!

My mom had the stainless steel cookie press and always made cookies for Christmas. I loved eating the dough tho!
She put a half of a cherry on those spiral cookies tho. Someone brought homemade chocolate chip cookies for the party yesterday and I was gonna take some home with me, but was so busy collecting all my personal stuff, that I forgot.

Anne, I would have swiped that cookie press when she wasn't looking! I hope you get that press you are bidding on!

I heard Christmas trees were in short supply this year. In fact, I have not seen a single tree lot out here this season. Maybe the fires up north this summer have something to do with the shortage?

Taking a little break here and then I need to get started on my laundry and then the deck, tree, and porch.
Also want to watch the golf tournament today with Tiger Woods and his 13 year old son playing together. It is his first time playing since his accident. I knew he would be back on the course one way or the other. He is the most determined and resilient athlete I have ever seen!

We never did get the Santa Ana winds they were predicting here for yesterday and today. That is a win for me! Calm and sunny here right now. Warming up to the mid 60's today.

Have a good day!

I think, like Barbie, I would have had to rehome my cookie press back to my home, maybe snottily saying, oh, I wish I'd known ... Never thought to look here for you!

You're all making me hungry. But I'm not making cookies. Shirl, I think you should cancel the charcuterie platter and do this instead:

I'd be amazed if anyone I knew did this!

Oh! Beth, I would but already bought a board. Not really, I have had enough wrapping trees this year. Lol The tree looks amazing. Where would you keep it cold until serving. Maybe a smaller tree. Hummm!