Another Recipe!!

So I decided that I was going to share a most delicious recipe with you. This is actually my own recipe. I created this myself. Now granted, it was based off of another recipe, but I change a few things on it. These are Carlos' new favorite cookies.

Almond Cookies

1/2 cup shortening - room temperature
1/2 cup almond butter - room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flower


1/4 cup granulated sugar (set aside)
Whole toasted almonds


Preheat oven to 350*F. In a large bowl, combine shortening, and almond butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds (until the shortening and almond butter have combined). Add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda. Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl down frequently. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in the flour.

Place 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a small shallow bowl. (I use a pie dish). Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in the sugar to well coat them. Shake off excess sugar and place balls 2 inches apart in an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in preheated over for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and firm. (The center will still look raw). Immediately press almond into the center of the cookie. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack.


To store the cookies: Place in layers separated by wax paper, in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long) or freeze for up to three months.



ENJOY!!!

New Year's Resolutions...what to do, what to do?

The New Year is upon us, and every year, I hear about people's New Year's resolutions. Every year, I have tried to start a resolution, only to give up on it by day 2. I'm not good with saying "OK...I am (or not) going to do this EVERYDAY." Most people have the resolution to loose weight, or work out everyday or stop smoking. I have always had lame ones, and for some reason, I can't remember a single resolution that I have had. I was on facebook this morning (as I usually am), and I read my friend Anne's status update. I loved her update. It went like this:

Anne doesn't really believe in New Year's Resolutions. Instead I try to improve myself every day, and do the things that are important to me. But I do hope that this is a year I can be successful at that, and all my friends as well.

I totally believe in this. This year, instead of saying I am going to lose weight, or exercise everyday or run a marathon, I am going to try to improve my life, my family and friends lives every day. If that means making a favorite meal for my husband, or taking my kids to the park, or even a simple phone call to see if someone is feeling better, then I will do it. I have many many things in my life that I need to improve on. I am the first to admit that. I have a rather short fuse, when it comes to my temper. I am going to try to improve my temper this year. I am going to take that deep breath, count to ten, remove myself from the situation, and then calm down before resuming. I also need to improve on my house keeping skills. When we moved out of our apartment and into the new house, I realized how bad I let things get. There was food, dust and unknown substances covering most of the furniture we had. Now I'm not saying that the furniture we had is some great shakes, but hey, it works for us, and instead of having to go out and buy new furniture, I rather keep what I have looking nice. Now, since we have moved into the new house, I have been stellar at keeping the house semi-clean. I found that it is easier to do a little bit everyday, and that way, it doesn't pile up on you. Making sure the dishes are done every night, instead of letting them pile up for days and days, is so much easier. Carlos has done a fantastic job at helping me keep the place clean to. We are trying to teach Connor the importance of keeping things nice and clean, but he just looks at me with this blank look on his face when I try to explain it to him.

I too hope that I can be successful at the things I have set out to change. I can't make these changes over night, or blink and everything will be perfect, but if I work on these things, one day at at time, I know I can be successful.

I am wishing each and every one of my friends and family a happy, healthy, safe and fun 2011. Lets make this year the most memorable year we know!

HAPPY 2011!!