CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Mmmmmmmmmonday!Yes, I am chuckling to myself about that... :) because I'm a nerd, and because I often crack myself up. I like cheesey jokes, movies, puns... (would have been funnier if I hadn't hit "post" on Sunday afternoon... but those of you who aren't looking at this until Monday will appreciate the pun... if you like puns...) :)And I also love Christmas Cookies! :) And today I'm sharing the recipes for 2 of my all-time favorites with YOU! Both are from my Grandma Walker's stash (author of "He Whistles for the Cricket") and they've delectably scrumptious.Peanut Butter BlossomsI'm sure you've all had a variation of these at some point in your lives. They are my absolute favorite Christmas cookie, and what's not to love? I've tried many variations on this recipe, but so far, this one's my favorite.Dry Ingredients to combine and set aside:1 3/4 cups flour1 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp saltCream together:1/2 cup shortening1/2 cup peanut butterAdd to creamed ingredients:1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup packed brown sugar1 egg2TBS milk1 tsp vanillaNow get those dry ingredients and add them to the mixture. Roll the dough into little balls and coat (roll) the balls in sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 365 (yep, that DOES say 365... oddly specific, but it works!) for about 8 minutes. Put Hershey Kiss (or, as I discovered last year works even better, Dove Chocolates) in center of cookie and press down slightly. Return cookies to oven and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes (or until the chocolate looks a tiny touch melty). What do you mean, "melty" isn't a technical term?

Here's a picture with the Dove Chocolate variation... SOOOOOO good! (though I don't do the red/green sprinkles thing)

Voila! Rusty LogsNobody I've met has ever heard of these and alas, I do not have a picture (maybe I'll upload one after I make a batch). A Gwen Walker original? I have no idea. But they are quite tasty! Cream Together:1 cup butter (softened)1 cup powdered sugarAdd:2 tsp vanilla1 1/2 cups flour1/2 tsp baking soda1 cup oatsChill for at least 30 minutes.Roll dough into "logs" and roll logs in chocolate shot pieces (or green/red sprinkles).Slice the logs and place the slices on ungreased cookie sheet (cookies will expand slightly, but not a lot).Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes (you need to watch them carefully, because they burn easily!) So there you have it, 2 of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes to add to your collection! Bon appetit!