Learning in the Kitchen

One of the many blessings of having daughters is teaching them their way around the kitchen.  I have three daughters:  our oldest is 27, married and is expecting a fourth child in a few months, our next daughter is 23, at home and teaching or tutoring outside the home two days a week and our youngest daughter is 12...still at home as well. ; )

All of my girls (and my boys to some extent) have been free to experiment in the kitchen from a pretty young age and for the most part we have really enjoyed the "experiments" they have shared with the family.  While there most certainly have been some failures from time to time, our girls have really become accomplished cooks.  However, this didn't happen magically.  From the time they are young my children help in the kitchen and are slowly given responsiblities as they become more adept.  Making toast (no toaster needed) and scrambling eggs soon turns into making homemade breads and entire meals and experimenting with developing their own style of cooking and their own recipes.  Little by little the children have been able to take over more and more responsibility in the kitchen and, I have to admit, there are some days that I don't step foot in there!

My youngest daughter has taken on a new task of providing an easy to eat dessert for our Sunday luncheons at church.  Each week she prepares a simple cookie, brownie or cinnamon roll bite to share with the other families.  This past week she made these wonderful sugar cookies and I thought I would share the recipe with you today.  Perhaps you have a young aspiring cook in your home who would love to get in the kitchen to make a special treat for dessert this week.

Kaelan's Sugar Cookies 


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t. cream of tartar
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. salt
1 egg
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup shortening

In a large mixing bowl (or use your Bosch with the cookie paddles) beat shortening, powdered sugar, egg and vanilla at low speed for about 30 seconds to blend well.  Mix at high speed for a minute until light and fluffy while scraping the sides of the bowl.  Add a little flour at a hime and mix at a low setting until well mixed.  Use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to drop the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Leave 2 inches around each cookie.  Flatten the cookies with the bottom of a drinking glass that has been lightly greased on the bottom and then dipped in sugar.  Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or slightly less if you desire a soft cookie.  Remove from cookie sheets and cool on racks.  Kaelan added fall colored sprinkles to her cookies before baking.

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