The Holidays and the Aftermath

       It was sad to see the holidays pass. I do look back at them with a smile when I remember the highlights -- the family get-togethers, the parties, the fun, the laughs, and the food. Holiday baking always comes to mind because it promises an entirely new range of seasonal baked creations. Think Christmas cookies, for example.
       I am now living in the aftermath of Christmas and New Year's. This part is not so fun, for me, at least. All that heavy eating never sits well with me, and it can take a while to fall back into healthier eating habits once again. Even so, I can look back on a wonderful year and welcome a new one.

        Of your holiday highlights, which do you remember most? Did you eat anything especially delicious? I know I did. Many times. Many cookies.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

        My family spent a tasty seafood-themed Christmas Eve dinner at my Zia Nancy's, and I was sure not to arrive empty-handed. This is when I put the holiday baking into full-effect. After scouring several cookbooks and the web for the perfect holiday cookie recipe, I finally decided on Snickerdoodles. But who said they're only for Christmas? I don't know about you, but nothing can stop me from making them outside the holidays… or even now, for that matter. There's no reason to wait another year to eat these yummies again.
        Before baking, the batter of a snickerdoodle cookie is formed into balls and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Snickerdoodles can be soft and chewy or hard and crisp, depending on the baker's preference. I tend to lean toward the soft and chewy side of things when it comes to cookies, so this recipe yields a few batches of soft and chewy goodness. The cinnamon gives the cookies a nice spice without being overpowering -- and the cinnamon-topped look reminds me slightly of french toast. These went down very well for Christmas Eve dessert. 
        We had my mom's side of the family over for Christmas Day and, what do you know, more yummy food. I spent New Year's in the happy company of my closest friends. Together we watched the countdown (complete with party hats, noisemakers, and all the works), cheering and dancing to the transition of 2011 into 2012. 
        It was an amazing year. Here's hoping this one is every bit as amazing.
        And while we're at it, let's also hope this year bears more cookies. 

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Snickerdoodle Cookies
(adapted from Food)
Print this Recipe
Yield: approximately 24 servings | 24 cookies


Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt


3 tablespoons white sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine butter, sugar, and eggs. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Blend dry ingredients into butter mixture.
2. Chill dough and two ungreased cookie sheets for 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge. While you wait, mix the 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. 
3. Roll 1-inch balls of chilled dough in the sugar/cinnamon mixture to coat. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from pan immediately.