How To: Cut-Out Cookies

I'm often complimented on how pretty, unbroken and perfect my cut-out cookies look (see previous post for an example.) I decided to document the process the last time I made them, which was at my 6th annual cookie party in December. I'm sure other people do it this way, but this is one tip I learned on my own.

 First roll out the dough on a Silpat, other baking mat or parchment paper.

Second use various cookie cutters to make fun-shaped cookies. Make sure you leave a little room between the shapes.

Third do not move the shaped cookies! Leave the cookies in place and remove the excess dough.

Slide the mat or parchment paper onto a cookie sheet and bake as directed. As soon as you take them out of the oven, slide the entire mat or parchment paper off of the cookie sheet and place on a cooling rack. Wait for the cookies to cool before removing them from the mat or parchment paper. They should retain their shape and be ready to frost to make them even prettier!

I try not to do the last part of the process if I can help it. In fact, Cookie Party started because I love to bake but hate to frost cookies! Other people seem to like it (or at least feign liking it) and show up to frost cookies every year. And every year I am thankful that they do.

10k Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant (1/5 cttw, I-J Color, 12-I2-I3 Clarity)

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• The total diamond carat weight listed is approximate. Variances may be up to .01 carats.
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Related Products

• 10k White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace (1/10 cttw, I-J Color, I2-I3 Clarity), 18"
• 10k Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Cross Pendant (1/10 cttw, I-J Color, I3 Clarity), 18"

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Celebrate your devotion with the unparalleled shine of the 10k Gold Diamond Cross Pendant. Hanging 18 inches from a delicate rope chain, this stunning 10k gold pendant features a cross made from two intersecting figure eights, joining together in the center like a glistening bow. Giving this pendant incredible radiance, the front-facing curves of the cross are emblazoned with 52 shimmering diamonds weighing 1/5 carat and sporting I-J color and I3 clarity. Striking and elegant, this remarkable cross is an incandescent symbol of faith.

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And the Award Goes to... Chocolate Lava Cake!!!

Chocolate Lava Cake

I first made these cakes for New Year's Eve. I stretched the batter to make five cakes that night since there were five people, which worked out fine since we had eaten a lot before dessert. This picture is from my latest baking on Oscar night. This time I stuck closer to the original recipe although both times I cut down on the amount of sugar.

I wanted to try my hand at this type of dessert for a while, but I never had the occasion since most recipes make a small batch and call for the cakes to be served warm. For such a ubiquitous fancy restaurant dessert, it was remarkably quick and easy.

I'm not a big chocoholic so I don't have a lot of experience with soft-center chocolate mini-cakes, but these were very good. They were rich and decadent and worthy of Oscar night! I found this recipe on The Pioneer Woman site, which links to the original recipe on the Tasty Kitchen site.

Luck O' The Irish

I made a lemon whiskey cake for St. Patrick's Day this year. It was an odd recipe from an Irish Heritage Cookbook. The "lemon" in the cake came from soaking lemon zest in whiskey (I used Jameson's, naturally) and then discarding the zest and using just the whiskey.

Although the cake contained almonds and the lemon-ated whiskey, it was kind of bland. Ha ha, a bland Irish recipe. Well, this (half) Irish lass isn't laughing, but she might add more flavorful ingredients if she makes it again.

Eighties Mania!

Back in April, I won tickets to the Eclipse tour, which is a concert headlined by Journey. The other two bands are Night Ranger and Foreigner. It was my ultimate I-wouldn't-buy-these-tickets-but-would-go-if-they-were-free concert. Here's the official trailer for the tour!











The show was actually great! My concertmate and I knew we would be running late , but we saw most of it. I was mainly interested in seeing Journey anyway, and we caught their whole set. They played some songs from their new (who knew?) album, called "Eclipse" and all the songs I wanted to hear except "Who's Crying Now?" Their lead singer, Arnel Pineda, has a voice that deserves to fill an amphitheater or arena. He sounds a lot like Steve Perry, but he managed to make the songs his own. And you could tell he was having the time of his life! If you don't know his story watch the video from CBS Sunday Morning. It's a little corny, but sweet.

14k White Gold Solid Pointed Tip Cross with Rope Chain Necklace, 18"

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This white gold cross-shaped pendant showcases a classic silhouette and makes a wonderful gift for any special occasion. The pointed ends emphasize the pendant's shine along the bottom of an included 18-inch rope chain.

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Cake Slice

Strawberry cake with chocolate frosting.

A birthday cake for my oldest nephew.

Yummy when served with vanilla ice cream.