Evie Vinson’s Ranch Cookies & Fennel Butter Cookies for Mother’s Day

I’ve made two kinds of cookies for my mother and this year’s Mother’s Day, the first that she can hide in her room because it’s a crispy, buttery bit of goodness which stores a bit longer than the softer cookies. She’s been hiding sweets that she doesn’t want to share for as long as I … More Evie Vinson’s Ranch Cookies & Fennel Butter Cookies for Mother’s Day

Spot the difference.

You’re looking at classic Jubilee Jumbles* and my Snicks with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Mint Truffle Kisses.** I made them as a present for a couple out-of-town nieces who are visiting their cousin (also known as my daughter) today, as she returns to London tomorrow. One of my nieces has a birthday this weekend and her … More Spot the difference.

Chocolate Sourdough Cherry Cake with Betty Christensen’s Fudge Frosting, and a joyous family surprise

The 22nd of December is the birthday of a friend who didn’t get a cake on her birthday last year (or even a dedicated post-birthday cake) not due to oversight but because my daughter took me to Las Vegas to satisfy my curiosity about the city at the same time as removing me from the … More Chocolate Sourdough Cherry Cake with Betty Christensen’s Fudge Frosting, and a joyous family surprise

“Boy Version” Coconut Dream Bars, Recipe

First thing this morning, while the coffee was brewing, I was cutting the parchment for these cookies. They’re also known as Hawaiian Dream Bars* in my family, another of my mother’s favorites. I didn’t put butterscotch chips in these, so the coconut is the star. If you’re wondering why I’ve provided them a gender-defining name, … More “Boy Version” Coconut Dream Bars, Recipe

Next: Peanut Butter & Honey Cookies

What? Peanut butter cookie for the Christmas mix? Nope. These are peanut butter and honey, a different cookie almost entirely. Again, one of my mother’s favorite hide-a-ways. Christmas cookies and candies, when I’m the decider, are about different flavors and textures but now I consider the shortened length of my kitchen time, both in number … More Next: Peanut Butter & Honey Cookies

Today it’s Cinnamon Butter Cookies & Kashmiri Fennel Mini Tea Cakes

Those crunchy buttery cookies of cinnamon goodness, special for my mother. There’s gotta be a couple types that she can stash away in her dresser drawer, and today I made them both. She loves butter cookies and this year I chose spice to go with the sugar. The other is these bite-size nuggets, mini teacakes … More Today it’s Cinnamon Butter Cookies & Kashmiri Fennel Mini Tea Cakes