My parents flew to Las Vegas yesterday, without us! Vegas has always been our Family Vacation Destination (pre Growly Bear that is!). My parents took me for the first time when I was 11 years old. Then we went back, this time with my boyfriend (now husband) for my 21st Birthday. In May 2008 we got married there! We had a big entourage that came with us, and we had a blast! We went back a year later for our 1 year anniversary, again with a group of people. So fun! Our most recent trip was in October 2010 when I was 8 weeks pregnant. Luckily, my morning sickness kicked in the day after we got there, and I spent the entire trip feeling disgusting.
Anyone who's been to Vegas knows that the Strip is full of smells of food, and deep fry, and cigar smoke, and the occasional wafts of sewer. Super fun when you are already doing your best not to vomit. After that 10 day vacation, I was so glad to come home, and I wasn't in any hurry to go back. But now I REALLY want to.
Unfortunately, I don't think Vegas is the ideal Vacay Destey with a 10.5 month old. Plus, my hubby has an expired passport. I was suppose to send in the renewal form last May, but I got kinda busy having a baby and all that! And, we haven't applied for Growly Bear's passport yet, and I'm pretty sure they'd think we were trying to smuggle a baby across the boarder if we attempted it without one! So, we're stuck at home this time.
So, I decided to do what makes me happiest and try not to feel sorry for myself. I had a baking afternoon! It's Growly Bear's 1st Birthday next month, and I'm planning quite the shindig (that's for another post!) that requires all kinda of crazy prep, so I figured I'd get the cookies done, and frozen, and out of the way.
I pulled out my tried and true favorite Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe. I've never actually made cut outs with it though. I've always formed it into balls and then rolled them in sugar. The reviews swore it made a good rolled cookie recipe too though! So, I made a great big batch, and got to work.
My first few attempts at rolling and cutting weren't very successful, and resulted in me eating much more then my share of cookie dough (I had to eat the crumbly bits!). After a while though, I got it figured, and made lots of pretty cut outs!
I really am happy that my parents are having fun in the 85+ degree weather, and are enjoying margaritas and pool side meals, and fabulous shows, and having fun at the tables and slots. I just hope that next time, we are there along with them!
If you'd like to check out my recipes, they are at the bottom of this entry.
This tired mommy is off to bed now!
Love and Hugs
Sugar Cookies
(I made 3 batches and got 48 big cookies)
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Place cut out cookies on a greased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 for 10 - 12 mins.
Sugar Cookie Icing
(I used 6 batches to decorate the 48 cookies)
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Divide into separate bowls, and add Wilton icing tint to each to desired intensity. Dip cookies, or spread with a spoon or knife. Or, pipe with a small icing tip.