Holiday Traditions

One of my favorite this to do during the holiday season is to bake...in particular, my Grandma Myrtle's sugar cookies. The late great Myrtle Gauslow was a master in the kitchen. She could make her oven do things many master pastry chefs jealous.

Every (and I do mean every) holiday Grandma would bake, decorate, and individually package cookies for my brother and my elementary classes. I was so proud to pass out the confectionary treasures to all my eager classmates. Thanks again Grandma...I love you!
In the spirit of giving, here is her famous recipe. Enjoy!
 White Rolled Cookies From: Myrtle Gauslow
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg, unbeaten
2 tbsp. cream
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour (plus a little more for flouring your rolling surface)
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter, sugar, egg, cream and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl; flour, baking powder & salt. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix. Roll thin on a floured surface. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters. Sprinkle with a little extra white sugar before baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are a very pail light brown. Frost with your favorite frosting, but I have been using the one below.
Frosting:4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup shortening
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring
In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.