Family Holiday Recipe: Red Velvet Cookies

So very sorry for such a blurry shot: the actual recipe card is 4 x 2-3/4 and I tried to focus as best I could. So, no other choice but to retype it:

RED VELVET RICH AND CREAMY COOKIES
- 1 pouch (1.5 oz.) Sugar cookie Mix (Chocolate Cookie mix)
-1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa
-1/4 Cup softened butter (not melted)
-1/4 Cup Sour Cream
-1 Tablespoon red food coloring
-1 Egg
-1 Cup Rich and Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
-Sprinkles or color crystal sugar for topping

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees
2. In a large bowl, stir cookie mix, cocoa, softened butter, sour cream, food coloring , and egg until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll dough into 1" balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet
4. Bake 6-9 minutes or until set. Cool 2 minutes, remove from cookie sheets to wire rack. Cool completely about 15 minutes
5. Frost cooled cookies with creamy cream cheese frosting, add sprinkles or crystal sugar.

store tightly covered at room temperature.
Prep time: 1 hour 10 mins. Makes 36 cookies

Yummy!!!!

Family Holiday Recipes Details

Hi Everyone: well, scanning each of the recipes and attaching them to this blog post didn't work (or I just don't know how to do it). So what I am attaching are the photos of those recipes hidden by the cookies displayed on the plate. For those of you who e-mailed me directly, all the recipes have been sent to you. below are the photos of the recipes....they are at full scale (not compressed). Click on each photo for the details.

This one may be a little tough to see - the original is also quite small.

Enjoy baking.....................

Family Holiday Cookies

First: Happy New Year to All...............I am busily (is that a word?) cleaning, sorting, and purging. You all know how that is. Every year, I go through this motion and with Chinese New Year on my heels (it will be the Year of the Rabbit) on February 3, I need to quickly clean the house. Cleaning the house is one of the major tasks that need to be completed before the New Year or I will be cursed with bad luck!!!!

I forgot to post our family Holiday Cookies from the swap.....here is just a sampling......yummy!!!
Left photo: Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Right photo: Almond Biscotti Dunkers

Left Photo: M & M Cookies

Right Photo: Funfetti Cookies

Some of the swappers were very creative in their packaging:

These are Red Velvet Rich & Creamy Cookies in little cute lunch boxes!

Don't worry, here are the recipes:

In the Santa bag, Reece's Chewy Chocolate Cookies made by lat - she is a seasoned baker! (note: Recipe is on the Reese's web site, too). E-mail me if you want the recipe.

Next up: a Mother and Daughter (Tina and Laura) joint effort and also seasoned bakers making Molten Chocolate Chip Cookies. (oops, the entire recipe is not revealed - please e-mail me for the pdf)

These are Chocolate Espresso Cookies. I heard the espresso is from Starbucks made by my neice, Nannette.

Next: Michele made these delicious Strawberry Cream Cookies - soft and very delicious!!!

Marissa (age 10) made these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and they are yummy, for sure!

This is what I made: Almond Biscotti Dunkers. They are about 3" long and 1/2" wide - this is what I call petite.

Lauren (age 8) made these Peppermint Sugar Cookies. Lauren crushed the peppermint using a hammer - it was a site to see!!!

I got a Cookie in a jar from Teri and made these for Kyoko and Hana for the swap. I was able to find the recipe on line from M&M. Wow - I couldn't believe the crisp exterior and chewy soft center with scattered M&M's.......

These cookies were made by a GUY: Randy.......his first try but a great effort and his cookie tastes great...............he forgot the recipe but that's OK. These thumbprints are a holiday favorite and I do hope he will continue to participate in our annual cookie swap.

Another batch of cookies made by a GUY: Jay made these cookies called Funfetti. Very sweet with the icing and also tastes really good, too! Note the empty plate - someone ate all the cookies when I tried to photograph them but I was did take the photos before the cookies were handed out. Whew!

This was a really fun event with 11 participants this year. Everyone had fun putting their recipes in their decorated box, too.

Thanks for coming by today.............it's not a card or project. It's a follow-up to the holidays!!!! They seemed so long ago already but I haven't finished clearing and cleaning up the house of Christmas yet!!!! I will be done this week and then I can start to play again!!! So stay tuned...............

Happy Holidays to All

Today is Christmas. I want to wish you all peace and happiness. May you all have good health and wealth of friends - a toast to all! Enjoy this time with friends and family.

I will be taking a bit of a break for the rest of the year and will resume my blog time later when things are settled.

Have yourself a grand time..................

Family Holiday Cookie Exchange

OMG - it's Christmas eve.........................
Am busily getting ready for the massive gathering at my house on Christmas: about 60+ relatives (and that's not all of them) will be converging to one location. One of our traditions we started just a couple years ago, a cookie swap. This tradition was inspired by a good friend: Frances C. I loved the idea for people to bake and participate to share what they made. this is such a great activity for Mom and daughters, too.Last year Frances, had us make recipe boxes. This is the same one we all got from her cookie swap I wanted to share with my family. Each participant will receive a box to hold their recipes.

The top is decorated with a cookie stamp from Just Rite using More Mustard ink - it was perfect. Add some red stickles give just a little bling. The scallop circle is from the glitter paper left over from my Halloween Dracula house. The potholder and hot mitten pad is from another stamp set (???) embossed with white powder on Close to Cocoa.

Here's a closer view of the front: The "From my kitchen" Cartridge was used for the recipe word and the gingerbread man. Those measuring spoons are stamped and die cut (non SU) using more mustard card stock. Do you recognize these recipe boxes? They are $1 from your local craft store.

A decorated shopping bag with a bulb ornament is ready for everyone to carry all the cookies home.

This will be one of the fun events planned........................yeek, only one more day to prepare everything so gotta run.....................

12 Projects: Gingerbread House Tote

A very easy treat to give someone. this is a Gingerbread die which is simple and quick. Finished project size is 2-5/8" x 5" x 1-3/8".

Back (note: no chimney - it was cut off. No Handles, too - they were also cut off)

Inside contained some Gingerbread Cookies and candies:

Supplies:

• Stamps: Just Believe
• CS: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Real Red
• Ink: Real Red
• Accys: Word Window Punch , Big Shot Gingerbread House Die (non SU), Dot Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Red Adhesive Rhinestone (non SU), 5/8" Dot Ribbon (retired), Tombow Adhesive, Sticky Tape.

Thank you for stopping by.....................AND, this project concludes the 12 for the Christmas season. I hope you enjoyed all of them and make versions for the up coming next celebration..........now is that Valentine Day?

12 Projects: Milk Carton Treat Trio

Correction to blog inspiration made 12/23:
I love this project.......my inspiration: from Robin who posted her version on 11/5/2010. Her blog: http://www.trinitydesignstudio.blogspot.com/ so ya gotta go by to see it. I added the holder for it. The clothespins allow easy access to the treats inside.

Don't forget to use that Build-a-Brad to secure the bow. Then attach to the holder using a mini glue dot.


Here are the wooden beads used for the feet:
To make this project I used:
(2) Old Olive Milk Cartons,
(1) Real Red Milk Carton,
(1) Old Olive die cut snowflakes to be attached to the Real Red Carton using mini glue dots, pop with dimensional to attach to milk carton.
(2) Real red die cut Snowflakes to be attached to the Old Olive Cartons using mini glue dots, pop with dimensional to attach to milk carton.
Stamp “J” , “O”, “Y” from the Lovely Letters Alphabet stamps set using Real Red Craft ink on Very Vanilla CS - use 1” punch, attach to snowflakes
Carton Holder
(1) 7-1/2” x 4-1/8” Real Red CS, score 1-1/4” around all sides
(2) 1” x 4-3/4” DSP
(2) 1” x 1-3/8” DSP
Assemble carton holder with DSP, wrap 1/4” Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon 14” long around. Use DSP to punch ½” circle for the Build-a-brad, Use to wrap around 7” long ¼” Old Olive Grosgrain to make bow. Attach bow using a mini glue dot.
Apply wood beads to each corner of carton underside holder using mini glue dots.
Supplies:

• Stamps: Lovely letters Alphabet
• CS: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, DSP (retired)
• Ink: Craft Real Red
• Accys: SU Exclusive Biog Shot Milk Carton Die, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Northern Frost Sizzlit Strip Die, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Clear Embossing Powder, Dimensionals, Sticky Tape, Red Wood Beads (non SU), Clothespins (non SU)

Thank You for stopping by today.......................

12 Projects: Gingerbread Shaker Box

And you think the Fancy Favor Box is only used for totes? Look at this treat:

A close-up of the shaker with micro beads:

The side view:

Another view:

Open the top:

The treat inside:


To make this project:
Box:
-(1) Fancy Favor Box in Crumb Cake (Kraft) CS, cut out 2-1/8” circle on the 2nd panel from the right, sponge edges with Close to Cocoa ink, randomly stamp small gingerbread man image using Close to Coca ink, apply sticky tape to the 3/8” extension
-(1) 3” x 3” acetate, attach over circle on 2nd panel, attach foam tape, 1 spoon red micro beads. Set aside.
-(1) 3” x 3” DSP (retired SU)
-Stamp (1) Gingerbread man using Staz On or Momento Tuxedo Black ink Whisper White paper. Color with Copic: E27 Africano, E34 Orientale, R37 Carmine or your favorite Stampin' Write Pens. Cut out, center and attach to DSP.
-Then place the DSP on top of foam tape, secure tightly to create shaker..
Topper:
-(1) 3-1/8” x 2-3/4” Red Glitter paper, position 3-1/8” edge on the top of Fancy Favor box to obtain decorative edge, score on the 2-3/4” side 1-1/4”, 1-3/4”
-Use a 1/8” hand held punch 3/8” toward center for 6” long ¼” Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon. Secure ribbon using sticky tape or tie a knot.
-Apply sticky tape to topper's 3-1/8” straight edge (which is the back)
-Apply Velcro to topper shaped edge.
-Stamp “enjoy” from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set on Very Vanilla CS using Close to Cocoa Ink, punch using ¾” x 15/16” Medium Punch, sponge edges using Close to Cocoa ink. Attach to lid with dimensionals.
-Fill with treats!
Supplies:

• Stamps: Fabulous Phrases, Gingerbread man (non SU)
• CS: Crumb Cake (Kraft), Close to Cocoa, Glitter Red Paper (non SU) DSP (retired), Very Vanilla
• Ink: Close to Cocoa (retired),
• Accys: Big Shot Fancy Favor Die, 1/8" Hand Held Punch (retired), 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Velcro (non SU), Circle Scissor Cutter, Foam Tape (non SU), Red Micro Beads (retired), Acetate (non SU), 3/4" x 15/16" Punch, Sticky Tape, Sponge Dauber

Thank you for stopping by today.....................

12 Projects: Present Gift Card Holder

This is a great creative Present that holds a gift card: (inspired by www.itsastampthing-vicki.blogspot.com posted 11/1/10) - see her blog for her version:

Flip up the front "lid" to reveal a tab............

Pull out the Gift Card..........


To make this project:
-(1) 4” x 8” Real Red, Score on the 8” side @ 4”, use Round Tab punch at the top opening before adding the solid strips of cards stock in front (it will be too thick), apply sticky tape on two sides
- (1) 3-3/4” x 3-3/4” decorative pattern paper
- (1) ½” x 4” Real Red strip to be applied centered on top of the decorative paper, then (1) ¼” White strip on top of the Real Red
- (1) 4-1/4” x 3”, score on the 3” side @1-1/2”
- (1) 4” x 1-1/4” decorative paper, pop with dimensionals on all sides except top center.
- (3) Red Oval loops + (3) White Oval loops = (6) total loops to be applied to the top (lid) before applying the 4” x 1-1/4” decorative paper.
- Connect the “present” to the ‘lid” with sticky tape in the back, Add Velcro, Add stamped and punched Wide Oval on to the lid.
Gift card Holder Insert:
- (1) 3” x 4” White Card holder, 3/16" Corner round punch all four corners
- (1) Round tab punch white, attach using sticky tape to the holder at back. Apply sticky tape only to the top half of the front. It will be used for holding the gift card at top.
- use slit punch at the bottom, then insert gift card.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Christmas Punch (retired)
• CS: Real Red, Whisper White, DSP (non SU)
• Ink: Real Red
• Accys: Large Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Round Tab Punch, Dimensionals, Sticky Tape, Slit Punch (retired), 3/16 Corner Rounder Punch, Velcro (non SU)

Thank you for stopping by today..................

12 Projects: Ornament Gift Card Holder

Ornament Gift Card holder (with sleeve)....totally inspired by Dawn Griffith (www.dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com) and also Roxy (www.stampingwithroxy.typepad.com)

Closer view of front:


Card insert removed:


Flip up the insert to revel message and gift card:


To make this project:
Outside Holder: (1) 4” x 7-3/8” Real Red CS, score @3-1/2”, 7” along the 7-3/8” side
·Emboss front panel using Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder, sponge and face edges using a dauber with Encore Silver Ink
- Apply Sticky tape onto the 3/8” extension
-Die cut ornament and emboss in Silver Foil CS
- Die Cut and Emboss strip of Real Red. Attach to Silver Foil CS. Pop ornament with dimensionals, place on holder front.
- (1) 9” long Silver ribbon, secure with a rhinestone brad to make bow, position through Die Cut Ornament loop – attach using a mini glue dot.
Inside gift card holder: (1) 3-3/8” x 10-3/4” Whisper White CS, score @ 1-12”, 6-1/2”
- Secure 1-1/2” pocket for gift card with sticky tape on each side
- Stamp (3rd generation) Fleur from the using real red ink on front of Inside gift card holder and inside. Stamp message in Staz-on Black ink on top of the Fleur image.


Supplies:

• Stamps: Friends 24-7, Christmas Greetings
• CS: Real Red, Silver Foil (non SU), Whisper White
• Ink: Real Red, Staz-on Black
• Accys: Ornament Die (non SU), Silver Ribbon (non SU, Square Rhinestone Brads (retired), SU Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Sticky Tape, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, sponge daubers

Thank you for stopping by...........................

12 Projects: Our Front Door

Our Front Door card– inspired by Calla Lily (www.callalily.wordpress.com on 10/27/2010) Note: measurements tweaked from the original card size.

Side view:


A close-up of the wreath:

To make this card:
(1) Card Base: 4-1/4” x 11” Close to Cocoa Card Front
Sponge all pieces with Close to Cocoa
Front Door 2-1/4” x 4-1/4” Real Red CS
Door Panels: (4) 1” x 2” in Real Red CS, pop with dimensionals
Attach (1) Black brad to 4th door panel BEFORE attaching to door.
Door mat: 1” x 2-3/4” (not shown in photo) in Going Gray, sponge edges with Black ink. Stamp message (Warmest Regards stamp set) in on door mat using Black ink.
Foliage details:
Wreath Base: (1) ring – punch 1-1/2, then punch 1-3/4”. Attach leaf pieces on ring with Tombow Adhesive.
Wreath components: 4 Old Olive, 3 Artichoke, 2 Mellow Moss, 3 White MS Leaf Punch =12 total, alternating light and dark colors
Foliage for side pots(6) MS Leaf Punch for each pot in the following order from top to pot opening Old olive, White, Mellow Moss, White, Artichoke, Old Olive
Pots: (2) Small Oval Punch More Mustard CS, cut off both ends, sponge edges, pop with dimensionals
The template:

These are the pieces of what you should have:

Sponge all those pieces:

Add dimensionals:

The greenery on the side:

Assembling the wreath:

Supplies:

• Stamps: Warmest Regards
• CS: Real Red, Close to Cocoa (retired), Old Olive, Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Whisper White, More Mustard, Going Gray (retired)
• Ink: Black, Close to Cocoa (retired), More Mustard
• Accys: SU Square Lattuce Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Large Black Brad (non SU), Piercer, Leaf Punch (non SU), Small Oval Punch, Sponge dauber, 1-1/2" Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1/4" Red Gingham Ribbon (retired), Mini Glue Dots, Tombow Adhesive

Thank you for stopping by today..............