It's November about half-way through and I'm beginning to prep for Christmas. Beginning in the loosest sense of the word. I have all of the ornaments finished (18 cross stitch ones) and am now beginning on the baking. I have yet to do my fruitcake, and it is getting very late to do the fruitcake, but I've been sick. Fruitcake hopefully next week.
I decided on a different way to choose the recipies this year. I marked all of the possibilities, and will randomly grab a book and randomly open it when I have the time and energy. It will change up the offerings this year. I may not actually get hte shortbread and gingerbread done this year. It's been a tough year and the change will do us all good.
The first batch of cookies is out tonight. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints. Since we're scaling back on the entertaining this year, we get to eat some of the cookies right out of the oven, which is very much appreciated by the others in the household.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints
(Betty Crocker's New Boys and Girls Cookbook, 1974)
1 2-layer package white or yellow cake mix
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup margarine
Jam or Jelly (I used strawberry)
Beat half the cake mix with remaining ingredients until smooth. Add the remaining cake mix and mix throughly. Form dough into 1 inch balls and place 1-1/2 inches a part on a cookie sheet. Make a dent in the center of each ball, flattening the ball slightly. Add jam or jelly (about 1/4 tsp per cookie) to the dent. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden. Remove from sheets and cool.
Makes 5 dozen
These are very good, and I'm glad that we get to sample this year instead of giving them all away!
