Valentine festivities

For our datenight this last week Derek and I sat down and put together some fun ideas of things we can do as a family for the next several holidays. Valentines being the first! Today we made Aunt Marie's sugar cookie recipe, then decorated them as a family when dad got home.

Here's her recipe. Definitely a keeper! I must agree with my sister-in-law, these cookies need no frosting, they are delicious all by themselves!

Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 Cup Sour Cream

1/2 t. Baking Soda

1 T Baking powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 Cup melted margarine

3 eggs

1/2 t. Salt

1 t. vanilla

4 3/4 -5 Cups flour

Directions:Combine all ingredients except for the flour into a mixing bowl and mix well, slowly add the flour until the dough is no longer sticky to the touch. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour before rolling out. Roll out dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick (depends on how thick you like them) onto a floured cutting board. (I spray my board with cooking spray then flour it, it helps them to not stick) cut them with cookie cutters and place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 13 minutes. Adjust time by the thickness of the dough. Cook until cookie just begins to show color on the bottom, DO NOT over cook. Cool and frost.

Excellent Frosting

(cut out cookies are only as good as the frosting on them.)

2 lbs of powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco

1/2 cup or so of water

1t. vanilla

Whip together on high until creamy. Add water until it is creamy but not stiff and not too soft.

Number Of Servings: Makes about 3 dozen