cookies!

 This week I decided to get back on the exercise train. I had been running most days in Philly and while my efforts were still pathetic and feeble, I WAS DOING IT. Then, we moved. And all my efforts died. This week, though, I bought a jogging stroller (thank you, craigslist) and have gone running most every day. 

Can I just say how unfair it is how difficult it is to get in shape and how easy it is to get out? It's a cosmic joke. 

Anyhow, since I'm back exercising, I naturally made cookies. It's almost Valentines day and I had just bought some cookie cutters so I put them to good use. I had this recipe last year and I LOVED the almond flavor the cookies had. Try it, you'll like it.

Sugar Cookies:
from Annie's Eats


1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 t. almond extract
1 t. vanilla
1 t. salt
2 1/2 cups flour


Cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, beat well. Add egg, almond extract, vanilla, salt and flour. Beat well. Chill dough in fridge for at least 4 hours. Divide dough into thirds, working with one while the others stay in the fridge. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Put cookies on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should not brown.

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 T. milk
desired food coloring

Cream the butter for about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, then milk. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar or milk to reach desired consistency. Frost your cookies and admire your work!