It just hit me. Teacher's Day will arrive in no time at all (I know it is only March but I like to plan things way ahead of time). Gifts are sought after by kids to celebrate this auspicious days. I was once a teacher, thus, I know what gifts would please an educator's soul. Mugs? I got one full box in my closet, collecting dust over the years. Picture frames and vases? A dozen or so. Diaries and stationery?...Enough to equip my kids in school for the next 2 years. Not to say that I do not welcome or appreciate those gifts, I do and I value those gifts from the bottom of my heart. I just find that a touch of creativity can turn those gifts into awesome surprises.
Mugs or vases filled with cookies or candies are simply delightful and meaningful. Or cupcakes with colourful toppings neatly placed in fancy cupcake boxes...or even iced cookies...or mini cakes..or petit fours topped with colourful fondant glaze...In short, I find anything edible, artfully presented, a wonderful gift. Hence, I've decided to make iced cookies for Teacher's day.. My reference? Peggy Porschen's book. The result? Lovely sugar cookies which taste good, unlike a few other recipes which I find rather bland and floury. Worth trying.
Recipe:
Makes about 25 medium-size cookies
200g unsalted soft butter
200g caster sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
400g plain flour, plus more for dusting
For chocolate cookies (which I made) replace 50g of the plain flour with 50g of cocoa powder.
- In an electric mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter with sugar until well mixed and just creamy in texture. Do not overwork, or the cookies will spread during baking.
- Beat in the egg until well-combined. Add the flour and mix on low speed until a dough forms. Gather into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and knead briefly. Roll out to an even thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and, using a palate knife, lay on a baking tray line with greaseproof paper. Chill again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180C, gas 4.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on size, until golden brown at the edges. Let cool on a wire rack.
A very simple recipe.
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