Poppy Seed Jam Cookies

I'm kind of laughing here, ummmm ... so I wouldn't be making or eating these if you have a drug test coming up. And yes, drug testing is really sensitive enough to give a false positive result for opiates for up to 48 hours after eating a delicious poppy seeded bagel. So I'm just thinking I'd take it easy on a bunch of these cookies. But that being said, this is a delicious sweet crunchy treat. You can use my preferred jam, raspberry or boysenberry, or your own favorite jam filling.

Save the egg whites to use with these delicious recipes -  Flourless Fudge Cookies or The Forgotten Cookies.

Cream Cheese Cookies

This rolled Cream Cheese Cookie recipe is a traditional Christmas favorite of our family. Kind of a shortbread cookie with a twist. I am always misplacing it, and have had to ask someone in the family for it every Christmas ... for let's say ... oh ... 20 years, or so. Sorry family!!

I do have to say, I have tried to find this recipe on the Internet, and have been unsuccessful. I've scoured through all kinds of cookbooks along the way (so I don't have to admit to family that, once again I have misplaced it ...), but no success, although I've found some great "other" recipes while I "researched". So with that thought, I want to say this is a family original cookie recipe, and I am proud to share it with you.

Chocolate Crinkles

As I'm listening to Christmas music and watching the twinkling of the lights on my tree, I'm reminded of these Chocolate Crinkles that my mom made long before you could find the recipe on the Internet and in bakeries.

I would watch as she added four or five cookies on the plate of assorted treats she gave to neighbors, friends and family, sometimes sliding my hand to grab one and run into another room to savor that chocolaty taste. Even now, it takes me back to my childhood home and the image of our silver sparkling Christmas tree with red bulbs and red bows.

From my family to yours, enjoy this snowy chocolaty cookie wonderland. Bring out the cookies and some hot chocolate, listen to Christmas music and watch the lights dance around ...

Sparkling Eggnog Sugar Cookies

I saw a pre-made mix for Eggnog Sugar Cookies, and thought, how good does that sound?!!! But I'm not a "prepared mix" kind of gal, so I went on an Internet cookie search and found this recipe via the test kitchen at Canadian Living. I made the recipe last night and they were delicious; reminiscent of a good glass of eggnog.

Lemon Coolers

I will admit to scanning websites and books for recipes, any recipe, that reminds me of home. As funny as it sounds to say that Lemon Coolers are "homey" to me, they are. I guess most people think more of chocolate chip cookies, and although they are a favorite of mine too, for today, these lemony treats are sounding pretty tasty. They remind me of hot days by the beach, long car rides to get to favorite hiking spots, and powdered sugar all over my blouse ... and lips ... and chin ... Okay, Okay, I was a bit of a messy eater when I was younger. This recipe comes from "The Baking Sheet" back in a 2000 issue. 

Even if it is only 40 degrees outside (or 4.4 C, depending on where you come from) these Lemon Coolers are tasty and as refreshing as a glass of lemonade. A little explosion of lemony sunshine on the tongue.

Enjoy them while decorating for the holidays!