Fall Recipes

The Blog Tech says that there are no words to describe these cookies. However, I call them 'a pain in the ass'. These cookies are a lot of work. But I suppose seeing the smile on both the Blog Tech's face as well as my daughter's, makes the effort worthwhile.


There are a lot of steps to this recipe so I usually begin by making the frosting bags. I make one big batch of royal frosting and then separate it into zip lock baggies, add the food coloring and fasten them tightly with rubber bands. You just sort of massage it around to blend the colors.


I roll out the dough and cut out maple leaves and pumpkins, bake them and let them cool.


Then the fun starts....I'm kidding here. The only fun about this part is the first two or three cookies. After that, I want to scream.


Even with a good movie playing on the TV, each time I looked at the pile of unfrosted cookies I wanted to cry.


I suppose I could just frost them all one color.


But the Blog Tech is a stickler for tradition and that might push him over the edge.


These cookies seriously flew out of here faster than Fall leaves on a windy day. Hours of prep work and seconds of consumption. If any of you are crazy enough to want to give these a try, here is the recipe:

I double this because I am a masochist.

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons of brandy (if you are smart you will drink the rest of the bottle while making these!)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

Cream the butter with the sugar, then add the egg, brandy and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Icing

1 cup confectioners sugar
1 egg white
Beat until creamy.



The Blog Tech had people over for dinner the other night so I made him one of his favorite appetizers......Southern Cheddar and Red Pepper spread. This might not look or sound appealing but once you take one taste, it becomes an instant favorite.


Shred about 5 cups of cheddar into a bowl. Add about a half of a jar of roasted red peppers diced, grate a small sweet onion.....


Then add about 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of buttermilk.


Add a tablespoon of dijon mustard and a bit of hot sauce. I use sriracha which can be found at Asian markets. You can use any hot sauce you happen to have.


Add some salt and cracked pepper and mix everything together.


Mix it until it is very well blended and creamy.


Line a bowl with plastic wrap.


Scoop the mixture into the bowl and pull the plastic up and over the top to cover it. Then use your freaky veiny hand to push it down to work out the air bubbles. You could borrow mine but I am using it as a Halloween prop.


Refrigerate it until it is firm which will take several hours. Then invert it on a platter and surround it with crackers or a baguette cut into slices. And then if you are like the Blog Tech you keep the whole thing for yourself and share none of it with your guests. Grrrrr......