Family Traditions

Every family has at least one sacred recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. Being Italian, my family has many recipes that have been carried on. I have been given the coveted recipe for Nana's Italian Cookies. Actually, it was given to me over a year ago as a Christmas gift from my aunt who, in my opinion, is the guardian of all our families most delicious, and 'secret' recipes. I'm not sure exactly why it has taken me so long to make these cookies. I think part of me was afraid to make them. Yes, I was afraid to make cookies. I feared my cookies would not taste as good as I know they should; and then there is the fact (yes, fact) that if this recipe was to be exposed to anyone outside of 'The Family' I would be haunted forever by my relatives who have since passed on and be banished from my existing family. Ok, that may seem a little extreme, but I did mention that I came from an Italian family!

Well people, I was able to push my fears aside, and make the cookies. My father's suggestion of posting about more than just sugar cookies also helped me to get passed the fears I had and the end product was just as delicious as I can remember. Now, if I can only get my hands on more of those family recipes...are you reading Auntie Gemma?

There's A First Time For Everything

I met with a friend to discuss the types of cookies she wanted for her sister-in-law's baby shower. I showed her all the cutters that I had, which proved to be a bit overwhelming. I think my binge shopping trend has shifted from shoes to cookie cutters! However, we did manage to narrow the designs down to 4; carriages, onsies, ducks, and blocks. I didn't have a block cookie cutter, but I thought 'how hard would it be to make a square, right?' Well...

In the process of drawing up some design ideas, I realized the blocks were not going to be as simple as cutting a square out of dough. It could have been, but come on, a 3D block is way cuter than a 2D square! I needed to make a template. After a mini panic (which usually happens when I realize I'm not as prepared as I thought I was. Any of you reading this who know me are well aware of my need for things to be organized and planned!), I focused and was able to generate a decent template out of card stock. Then, with a sharp knife, I was able to cut out the block design from the dough. I have to say, I like my results! Ok, so a cube may not be the most difficult shape to recreate, but it's a start!

I added some more pictures from this order to my flickr page, check them out. The onsies are my favorites, I love adding designs to them! There is also a picture of my most delicious chocolate chip cookies, my mouth is watering just looking at them. I'm glad I made some extras for me and my husband!