Spritz Cookies

I am not a big fan of cookies.  But thought over the years I had put at least one cookie on the blog - nope never have.  So I decided to change that.  I picked my favorite all time cookie. I believe these are my favorite as they taste like a soft sugar cookie with no frosting.  My husband thought they tasted like cookie dough (maybe that is why I like them).  I am not a big fan of frosting.  These cookies are usually only made around Christmas time, not for sure why cause they are so good all year around.  I will have to admit that I never had made these cookies before.  I always thought they were to hard t make.  Boy was I wrong.  I did some research though before making them and the pan needs to be cold and no need to spray or butter the pan.  I didn't believe it though as  you always make cookies on either parchment paper or on a liner.  Or at least spray the pan so cookies don't stick.  Nope nothing and they still come off like magic.

3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 Egg
2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond

In mixing bowl, place butter and sugar into bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Add egg, milk and flavorings.  Beat again until well combined.  Add in flour, baking powder and salt and beat once more until a good dough is formed.  (will only take a minute or so),,scraping down sides as needed.

Place dough in cookie press and add a stencil to the bottom according to cookie press directions.  Pipe out onto ungreased cookie sheets and sprinkle with colored sugar.  Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes or until just lightly browned, around the edges.  Repeat until all dough is used.

*Most spritz cookie dough has to be refrigerated to firm up before use, but this one doesn't.

Makes about 6 dozen.

Ham Balls

If you have never been to Iowa and not had a ham ball you don't know what you are missing.  Try this recipe with cheesy potatoes and you will have a stick to your rib meal.  Try them you will like them.

1 lb ham loaf - see note
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg


For the sauce use

1 can tomato soup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp dry mustard

Mix meat, graham crackers, milk, and eggs together and form into 9-10 balls.  Please in a large flat baking dish.  Mix soup, sugar vinegar, and mustard and pour over ham balls.  Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees uncovered.  This recipe may be prepared ahead and held in the refrigerator until time to use.

*Note:  If you can't find ham loaf, use 1/2 lb ground ham and 1/2 lb ground pork to make up your pound of ham loaf.

Grape Salad

This recipe came from some friends when we were out camping.  I know it sounds weird to put cream cheese and sour cream with fruit but let me tell you, once you start eating it you just can't stop. You can add any kind of grapes that you want.  If you only like red make it with red, just like green make with green grapes. Whatever you like go for it!!!  Just make sure that the grapes are really dry before making this recipe or it sweats and makes the dressing soupy.  Enjoy!!

Ingredients:


2 lbs fresh green seedless Grapes
2 lbs fresh red seedless Grapes
8 oz Cream Cheese
8 oz Sour Cream
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla

Topping

1 Cup brown sugar
4 Butterfingers, crushed

Wash grapes and dry very well.

Cream together cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla.

Fold in grapes.

Mix brown sugar and Butterfingers.  Sprinkle on top.

Chill.

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Snicker Apple Salad

My sister in law used to make this salad all the time.  It is so good but really  needs to be eaten the day it is made.  This salad does not keep.  My sister in law makes this with only three ingredients but I added the vanilla pudding to mine.  Just gives it a little something more.  So if you don't like the vanilla pudding just leave it out and it still takes great.

6 Small Granny Smith Apples
1 (12 oz) Cool Whip
1 (5.1 oz) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1/2 cup milk
6 (1.86 oz) Snickers Bar, but into bite sized pieces

Whisk together pudding mix and milk in a large bowl.  Fold in cool whip. Fold in apples and chopped snickers.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.