Sugar Cookies

Today is my Dad's birthday. He would have be 69 years old today. But really, he is only 64, 2 months and 27 days old.

My Dad on July 24, 2008 

When I think of my Dad, there are so many things he taught me and my family. He was a funny guy with a quirky sense of humor. A wealth of expressions and actions. Why we thought those funny faces and cliches were so damn funny. They are Butchies now. 

In honor of my Dad, I should post a recipe for chocolate cake w/peanut butter frosting or a peach cobbler. Those were his favorites.  That is not in me today. He had a few favorites, but really he loved good pastry. I made Sugar Cookies for a customer yesterday. They were for a 50th Anniversary party. My sugar cookies are amazing. I wish I could give him one or two....

I double the size of my cookies, to make this thick large size cookie. The cookie was not a floury tasteless dry mess. They were frosted, decorated, sleeved and bagged. They turned out to be a nice gift at each person place setting.

My Mother has made cookies also forever. My Dad always love cookies also. This recipe is not hers. 

Sugar Cookies

adapted from theprofessionalpalate.com

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper

Beat butter and sugar until white and creamy. (about 10 minutes). VERY IMPORTANT

Beat in egg, vanilla and milk

Add in four, salt and baking powder. Beat slowly until just mixed together. You can chill for an hour if you want. Most of the time I believe in chilling dough. This recipe is ok if you do not.

Scoop into balls and place on your cookie sheet. Should be about 2 inches apart.

Flatten cookies. My current method involves a flat spatula dipped in water. Use a flat bottemed glass if that works. Sprinkle with White sugar and place sheet in the oven for 10 minutes. The edges should be BARELY  brown. 

They are waiting to be flattened and sugared

A pretty renegade slipping off a tray.

So, it has been five years since we celebrated my Dad's last birthday. I do miss him and think of him often. 

Bake something today. Even a small batch of cookies. Remember the good people in your life.