Cinnamon Star Cookies

Original recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/10210/cinnamon-stars/

Recommended by Heather H. 

Ingredients :

2 2/3 cups finely ground almonds
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/3 cup egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:

Stir together the almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest until combined.

Beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Slowly sift in the confectioner's sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is stiff. Set aside 1/3 cup of the egg white mixture for the glaze. Fold in the almond mixture.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C). Line the cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a surface that has been sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Using a 2 1/2-inch star cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the cookie sheets.

To make the glaze, add the lemon juice to the reserved egg white mixture, stirring until smooth. Brush the tops of the cookies lightly with the glaze. (If the glaze starts to thicken, add a few more drops of lemon juice.)

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When done, they will be light brown and soft in the center. Remove and cool on wire racks. 

Hot Mama Grade: B-

Hot Mama Notes: These cookies are great if  you are a fan of cinnamon.  Sadly, I really am not.  I wanted to like them, and I did, to a point.  However, I'd much rather eat some other type of cookie (PB chocolate chip, chocolate chip, chocolate cookies, etc), that I will probably never make these again unless I make them for someone who adores cinnamon.  I feel the same way about snickerdoodles, which some people love.

Frosted Peppermint Brownies

 Originally from Fry's Grocery Store end cap. :)

Peanut Crunch Balls

Molly's Meringue Kisses

Meringue Kisses

2 egg whites

½ cup sugar

½ cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300°. Cover cookie sheets with brown paper bags.

Beat egg whites until very still and dry. Add sugar slowly and continue beating until mixture holds its shape and sugar is dissolved. Mix in chocolate chips.

Drop onto cookie sheets

Bake for 25-30 mins.

Cool on sheet for a few minutes before removing

Makes 2 dozen

Royal Icing

Royal icing - http://beeinourbonnet.com/2011/03/basics-of-sugar-cookies-and-royal-icing/

Mom's Tomato Soup

Originally from: My Mom!!!  The best Mom in the whole UNIVERSE! :D

Ingredients:

2 quarts water
3/4 cup rice
Small can of tomato sauce
1 chicken bouillon cube
Salt to taste
Pat of butter 

Directions:

Bring water to boil, add ingredients.  When rice is soft, soup is done.  Orzo or other small noodles can be substituted for rice or it can be half rice and half noodles

Hot Mama Grade: A

Hot Mama Notes: Now I don't really like Tomato Soup, but my kids do, so there you go.  However, I did have a bowl, and I have to say it is pretty good.  You know, if you like tomato soup!  Great with grilled cheese! :D

Egg Nog Cookies

Originally from: https://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/kroger/25merrydays/?banner=Kroger&origin=25mrydys#calendar/rumglazed-eggnog-cookies

Ingredients

Cookies:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg, plus additional for sprinkling
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks


Glaze:
• 1½ Tbsp. dark rum or 1½ tsp. rum extract
• 1 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 1 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. corn syrup
• 1½-2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Whisk flour and ½ teaspoon nutmeg in medium bowl. Beat ½ cup butter and sugar in large bowl at medium speed 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, until blended. At low speed, beat in flour mixture. Divide dough in half; roll into two logs. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice dough ¼” thick; place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until pale brown. Cool completely on wire rack.
3. Meanwhile; beat rum, 1 tablespoon butter, milk and corn syrup in large bowl. Slowly beat in 1½ cups of the powdered sugar, adding additional powdered sugar to desired consistency. Spread glaze over cookies; sprinkle with nutmeg; let stand until set.

Hot Mama Grade: B+

Hot Mama Notes: These cookies were good, moist and tasty, yet not overpowering.  Especially with the icing.  Without the icing, I think they would be a bit on the bland side.  It's important to put the dough in the frig for 2 hours.  And in between slicing and baking, I put the dough in the freezer.