sick

I'm sick. Could be worse, but could be better, too. Sore throat, congestion (severe), headache, and extreme fatigue. Just going up the stairs is about all I can do. 12K was out of the question.

***

Since I can't work out, I decided to post 2 delicious cookie recipes. Ha ha. I'm certainly in no condition to bake, but hey, since I can't exercise today, I could make some other people fat ;)? They are basic recipes - you probably already have them in one form or another. But I have experimented and personally find these to be the best recipes for each type of cookies (sugar cookies and chocolate chip bar cookies). Enjoy!

Sugar Cookies

1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 TB milk or cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Sift together:
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 c. plus 2 TB flour

Cream butter w/ sugar, adding sugar gradually. Cream together until light and fluffy. Add the egg. Beat well. Add the milk or cream and vanilla and mix well. And in 1/4 cups, sifted flour mixture to the butter-egg mixture. Mix well. Form into ball. Wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill at least 8 hours.

To bake-- remove small amounts of dough and roll on lightly floured surface and cut into shapes (I personally like them thick so they come out a bit chewy). Bake at 375 degrees for approx. 8 minutes. Mine do not usually brown - remove before then or you will have crunchy cookies!


Icing
1 bag powdered sugar
2 (heaping) TB of Meringue powder (I used Wilton brand)
1 tsp vanilla
about 15 TB water

Use squeeze bottles to apply icing. Pipe the edges of the cookie first to make a "levee". Then "flood" the interior of the cookie w/ icing.





Decadent Blonde Brownies

1 1/2c all-purpose flour
1t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3/4c granulated sugar
3/4c packed light brown sugar
1/2c butter, softened
2 large eggs
2t vanilla
10 oz semisweet chocolate chips
optional: 3.5 oz macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped, to measure 3/4c (I didn't add these)

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 13x9 inch pan. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl; set aside.

Beat sugars and butter in large bowl until light & fluffy. Beat in eggs & vanilla. Add flour mixture. Beat at low speed until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan (I do this with damp hands). Bake 25-30 min or until golden brown. Remove pan to wire rack; cool completely and cut into bars.