Valentine

We are pretty low key Valentine's Day participants. Not because we like to be all bah-humbug about it like many choose to be, but because we like to - and choose to - keep it simple. I choose to not make it a rant about commercialism or pressures on the men around the world blah blah blah... But I do like a good day to enjoy and celebrate love. I made Dustin a batch of our famous family heart shaped cookies that we grew up with, bought him a card, and a bag of M&Ms. We enjoyed a simple meal at home, and a (mostly) relaxing night. I love love and I like to acknowledge how lucky we are to have and love each other. What better way to do that than with the pink and red colors flying and a touch of handmade goodness. Hope you had an enjoyable Valentine's Day. XO, Meg


Famous Traditional Sugar Cookies (recipe thanks to my mom, grandma, and every other woman in my family who traditionally makes these cookies)

3/4 cup shortening (or butter or margarine, softened)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (or 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract but we typically always use vanilla)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs and flavoring. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; chill at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes (*HEARTS of course*). Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until very light brown.

About 4 dozen 3 inch cookies.

Mom's Notes: For the Valentine's Day Cookies I don't roll them out that thin. I don't measure but probably about 1/4 inch. I have to bake closer to 8 to 10 for thicker cookies. I never get close to 4 dozen out of a batch.

For the frosting, I mix powered sugar, milk and vanilla. I don't measure just stir to a good consistency.

**They are always better made a day ahead as they soften up by day two to the most heavenly soft texture.**