wise craft

shortbread chocolate chip cookies

 

Years ago, when I started the job that brought me out here to Seattle, my new coworkers and I had a cookie exchange for the holidays. The cookies I had that day are still some of my favorites, I still make several of them. My friend Nancy was there and she made these shortbread chocolate chip cookies and they are truly yummy. Definitely once a year cookies, considering the amount of butter in them. What I love about these is that they are rich (you really don't overindulge in these, and I make them small for that reason), they meet the butter to cookie ratio requirement for Peter, and best of all, they are drop cookies. Here's the way I look at it...just when I've spent the most of the day mixing other kinds of cookie dough...chilling it, cutting it out, chilling it again, baking it, then decorating it, only to realize I've really only got about 6 cookies, these shortbread cookies are so simple. Just mix the ingredients, use a tablespoon to scoop out and drop on to a parchment lined baking sheet. I know you'll want to do more, asking yourself if you should flatten them, or at least roll them in sugar, or thinking it would be cute to cut them into christmas tree shapes, but really, there's just no need. Make these and you will have plenty to put out on a plate when someone comes over. Which they will...

Shortbread Chocolate Chip Cookies

16 oz. butter

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add in vanilla, then slowly add in flour and mix between batches (add salt to the flour before you begin adding it to the mixer). When mixed, add in chocolate chips and just stir to combine. Drop in tablespoon-sized balls (or even slightly smaller) 1" apart on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. (Hide half so you'll have them for later.)

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I still have several things to get done, and I think its time to take a little blog break. I will be back in a couple of weeks and my head is spinning with all the new things I want to start once 2010 is here. In the meantime, I want to thank every single one of you who has stopped here this year. For all of your encouragement and support as I share my creative thoughts with you. This space continues to be an inspiration to me and, I hope, to you. I also want to thank all of the wonderful folks who have purchased sponsor spots on the blog throughout the year. And I would like to welcome my newest sponsor, tiny prints.

Happy days for everyone! xo

possibly nailed

It's a familiar story, one you've probably heard before...

Blog writer (me) has a busy week and doesn't update blog.

Mom of blog writer mentions on the phone, in a rather accusing tone, that she's noticed that said blog writer hasn't updated her blog.

Suddenly, blog writer feels 12 all over again, runs to the computer, quickly pulling up typepad and frantically searching her brain for what she's meant to write about all week but hasn't.

The power of the mom.

Truth is, lots has been going on. But I really can't show you a single thing. The kids were in school all week last week and I was able to pace myself and get a little sewing and a little shopping done each day, felt really on top of everything. Even managed to help out at the Friday afternoon 5th grade class party. Just when I was feeling a little too done with it all, I was handed this "special letter" Emma had written, asking if I had a stamp so she could mail it.

"But you've already mailed your letter to Santa this year", I said.

"But this is just something I wanted to write, because, well, he'll understand." she said.

People, for the sake of all that's sacred in the land of Santa belief, I felt compelled to read this letter. I was convinced she was finally calling our bluff. The jig was up!

Santa schmanta...

I won't go into too many details, except to say if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a real dragon, and a machine that makes anything you draw come to life, please let me know and I'll be eternally grateful.

(The photo is of one of the gift's the kids made this year, crystal stars. The stars are pre-formed and come in packs of seven, then we chose all different shades of beads. The kids strung and I just bent the ends into a loop. So much fun and so shimmery! I'm all about the glitz this season, but I'll save that for another post.)

Hope all is well. xo

tree (and kitty cat) wrapped in a sweater

Too many felted sweaters stashed away, that weren't being used.

Made a garland to go around the Christmas tree.

Took me most of a quiet, enjoyable afternoon, (3 This American Life episodes to be exact).

(Did you see the ornament versions Betz recently made, with bells on them? This is also a project in Amanda's book, and would be really fun and easy for kids to do.)

I am officially in the Christmas spirit. Not that I wasn't before, but all this making and sewing (and soon to be baking) has sent me into the spirit of the holiday full force. The kids are out on Friday for winter break, and this week will be all about finishing the shopping and the handmaking before we start baking cookies together.

So I'm just spazzzzzing...cause I really want to make this, and this, and these have been on my list and I could eat through an entire bowl of this, and man, if I really had the time I'd make this, I really want this, and this, and...

Meanwhile I am secretly pining away for 2010 just so I can clear my plate and start cutting on all this (bought even more of it since this photo, yessir). Its beautiful, every scrap of it. And some corner, some place in this house needs a new quilt, I just know it.

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The winner of an art print of their choice from the lovely Regina of Creative Kismet is Alex. Congratulations Alex, please send your info to wisecraftblog@gmail.com. In the meantime, don't forget that Regina is offering free shipping on everything in her shop through December 31. Thanks to everyone who played along!

Oh wait! The kitty!

OK soldiers, get back to your sewing and knitting! Clocks-a-ticking! xo

winter sweater wreath

My how-to to make this winter sweater wreath is over on the design*sponge guest blog today. Grab those old sweaters and make one for yourself

gift guide for you

I did a little gift guide over at Design Sponge today. Take a peek.

on design*sponge today

Today over at the Design*Sponge guest blog I give instructions on how to make a party flower for all that holiday hobnobbery you'll be doing. Also, don't forget to comment to win one of Regina's prints here.

Have a great day!

jumping over to design*sponge this week

I am really excited to be a guest hosting over at Design*Sponge this week. I will be posting some holiday DIY projects, gift guides, and holiday inspiration all week, so I hope you'll join me. Our first project is all the ingredients you'll need for a spur-of-the-moment, why-not ornament-making party.

Thanks to Grace and everyone at Design*Sponge.

featured sponsor creative kismet

give thanks every single day

treasure bird

Regina Lord is the creative mind behind Creative Kismet, a collection of upbeat, happy unique art and handmade items. I love her tin holiday ornaments and her ingenious tea wallet (how fantastic is that?). *Leave a comment on this post and I will draw one name later this week to win a free art print of your choosing. In the meantime, Regina is generously offering free shipping on everything in her store until December 31.

Go get some holiday shopping done!

Amy's in town

For all you Seattle locals, Amy Karol will be in town at The Quilting Loft tonight (12/3), signing books, handing out treat bags, and being her charming self. Come on down! 7pm.

(P.S.- And I'm kind of thrilled that I finally get to meet Emily, who's coming with her, after all these years! Yay!)