Christmas in July Day 1

The Christmas in July sales remind me of Christmas, so I thought I would spice up my July by taking about different things about Christmas. I love Christmas because it reminds me of so many fond memories. I almost feel like a different person during Christmas; I bake more, make more crafts, I like to do things for others, and in general I just feel happy. I decided I would try to capture this Christmas feeling in July so that I could feel that love for more of the year (who knows maybe it will last until Christmas.)

Today I want to talk about two things: a gift given to me and how it became a Christmas cookie for my Christmas 2011 cookie.

My sweet husband David gave me these:

While I love Chocolate so very much, I wanted to share these with my children as well. I was staring at the bag of Hershey's Kisses and noticed a recipe on the back. Fate was on my side because it was a cookie recipe I had always wanted to try. So I recruited my children to help me make them. The recipe is below.

Hershey's Kisses Peanut Butter Blossoms

48 Hershey's Kisses

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons of milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Granulated sugar (for rolling the cookie dough in)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degree F. Remove wrappers from the kisses.

2.Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well.

3. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

4.Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

5.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 4 dozen.

Here are my cookies:

 

Oh no I'm melting!

Are you hungry for cookies now? I sure am. I will be sharing all kinds of things this month so come back each day.

Question of the day: What is your favorite Christmas cookie?