Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup butter

1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients
2. Chill dough 1 hour
3. Roll dough out 1/2 inch thick, cut shapes
4. Bake 400 degrees or 6-8 minutes.
5. Let cool, decorate if desired.

Scotch Shortbread

This is an extremely quick and easy cookie recipe that isn't too sweet and only requires 3 ingredients. They make a delicious snack with a cup of coffee or tea; or just by themselves!


3/4 cup butter (or margarine), softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
2 cups of all-purpose flour

Directions:  

1.      Preheat oven to 350°

2.     Stir together butter, granulated sugar. Stir in flour and mix well.

3.     Roll or pat dough 1/2 inch to 1/3 inch thick

4.     Cut into small shapes, place 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet

5.     Top with sugar sprinkles (optional)

6.     Bake for 20 minutes or until set.

7.     Remove from oven immediately.

Makes 2 dozen, 1 1/2 inch cookies.

Butter Tarts

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup currants or raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vinegar
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
One batch of pie crust

 Directions:

1.     Preheat oven 350° 

2.     Beat eggs. 

3.     Add sugar, syrup, and melted butter and beat again.  

4.     Add the currants, walnuts, vinegar, salt, and vanilla extract and mix vigorously.  

5.     Put a small amount of corn meal into tart tins or muffin pans OR use cupcake papers  

6.     Place circles of uncooked pie crust into the pans.  

7.     Fill the shells 2/3 full and bake until the pastry is light brown, about 20 minutes. (For runnier tarts, cook for 15 to 17 minutes.)

Makes 24 tarts 

Grandma's Hot Water Pie Crust

1 cup shortening
1 large teaspoon margarine
3/4 cup boiling water
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Mix up the shortening, margarine, and water until creamy.
2. While it's still creamy and not yet cold, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. (Try not to knead it while forming it into a large ball.) 3. Separate the dough into two equal balls for easier rolling; (each portion will yield a single 9-inch pie crust or one dozen small tart shells.) 4. Chill the dough before rolling it out, but not overnight (depending on your fridge, 20 to 40 minutes).