Today marks the beginning of Random Act of Kindness Week. I hope all my readers find ways to drop wee gestures of kindness around their circles and workplaces.
Me? I’m sticking to the basics for my favourite Kindness Ambassador Stephanie Black, who asked if I could bake up some sweetness for her work in the field. These are the easiest cookie around. You’ll find all the ingredients in your pantry. Grab a rolling pin and your favourite sparkles (I’m partial to disco dust myself).
Valentine Hearts
What you need:
- 3 sticks (¾ lb) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3½ cups all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
What you do:
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a mixer just until blended. Add in vanilla.
- Sift together flour and salt. Add to the butter mixture and blend gently until it begins to come together.
- Gather into two discs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 3o minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Roll out dough to about ½ inch thick. Cut out heart shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Set trays in the fridge for ten minutes.
- Bake each tray for approximately 15 minutes until edges begin to brown.
- Let cool and then decorate with royal icing. Or leave them plain and sprinkle some sugar only.
These cookies keep well if wrapped tightly in plastic. You can also have fun adding flavours like chocolate chips or ginger.
Get baking. Full hearts abound. If you need more prompts, you know where you can find them: with love and sugar, my food memoir is full of baking ideas. Order it today via email annehome1@rogers.com.
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