And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Another December weekend at home results in a dozen eggs being used, the Kitchen Aid mixer getting lots of use, a mixture of Muppets and Elvis Christmas music to sing along to and wonderful smells from my childhood filling our house as I spend another day baking mom's tried & true (and super yummy too) recipes. I love this time of year!

Mom's Powder Puff Cookies

½ c. margarine
½ c. oil
1 c. powdered sugar
Beat together and add:
1 egg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Mix and add:
2 1/3 c. flour
½ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp baking soda

Roll into balls – roll in sugar – press with bottom of glass
Bake 10 – 12 minutes at 350
DO NOT BAKE UNTIL BROWN!

Makes five dozen (If you don't eat the dough as you go along...)

Two-Tone Fudge

Combine:
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup butter in a saucepan

Bring to full boil, over moderate heat, stirring constantly. Boil 8 minutes over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Add:
1 jar marshmallow cream (5oz to 10oz jar)
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

Stir mixture until smooth and creamy. Dump into a sprayed 9 x 13 pan and cool until firm.

Makes about 2½ pounds.
Mom’s Tips: (1) Cut when it’s still a little soft. (2) To make Erik’s favorite fudge – substitute chocolate chips with peanut butter chips

Peanut Blossoms

1¾ c flour
½ c sugar
½ c brown sugar
1 tsp soda
½ tsp salt
½ shortening
½ c peanut butter
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 tsp vanilla
48 candy kisses

Combine all ingredients except the kisses. Blend well. Roll into balls, roll into sugar and put on an ungreased pan. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes, take out and put the kisses on and then bake for 3 more minutes.

Frying Pan Cookies (Date Balls!)

Melt ½ pound of butter in frying pan (or in the microwave)
Add ¾ cup walnuts (chopped finely)
1 cup of sugar
Dash of salt
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups of dates (chopped finely)

Stir until dates melt and then add:
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups Rice Krispies

Roll into balls and then into coconut
Place onto wax paper

Makes 48 cookies