I love food! I love to talk about it. A conversation with me will most likely include food. I love to read about food, I read cookbooks like most people read novels. My large cookbook collection is like a dear friend and great resource. I am still mourning the loss of one of my favorite cookbooks. Lost in a move to a new home, that was 26 years ago. I love to feed people. It makes me so happy when someone enjoys the food I have prepared for them. If I love you, I will feed you. That’s how I show my love.
As we approach Valentines day consider sharing your love with your family by sitting down to a home- cooked meal. Turn off the TV, no phones, or distractions, just spending quality time, sharing your love. If you are spending Valentine’s day alone make it a special day by splurging on a meal for one, showing love to yourself.
This month I will share with you two recipes which my family enjoys. The Sugar cookie recipe was handed down from my Aunt Delores. I have had other sugar cookies, but none compare. The nutmeg and lemon extract make them unique. Top with butter cream frosting with a touch of almond extract. Oh so luscious!
The Mom’s Magic meatloaf recipe, which I found in a magazine years ago. I have never made another meat loaf since. Now that’s love at first sight or should I say first bite?
Sugar Cookies
2 cup sugar
¾ cup butter
½ cup shortening. I use butter (3/4 cup + ½ cup = 1 ¼ cup of butter)
3 eggs
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract
1 cup of cream
Mix cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, and other ingredients.
Add enough flour to make a soft dough about 6 ½ cups. The dough will be soft, divide dough in half. Flour surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness or desired thickness and cut with your favorite cookie cutter.
Bake at 375* until lightly brown on edges, 11-12 minutes.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
Buttercream Frosting
4 sticks of butter room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 TBS of milk or cream
2 pinches of salt
In a mixer with paddle attachment blend butter until smooth. Add extracts and milk. Add powdered sugar slowly. Beat on low speed until smooth, do not whip. Spread or pipe on cookie with pipping bag and your favorite decorative tip.
Mom’s Magic Meat Loaf
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 TBS dry basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 16oz can of tomato sauce
2 lbs ground beef
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and 1/2 of the tomato sauce.
Mix lightly. Form meat loaf in a baking dish. Bake at 400’ for 45 min.
Drain fat and top with remaining tomato sauce. Bake for 15 min. more.
Serve with mashed potatoes.
Don’t forget the special ingredient is LOVE <3
Photo Credit: Jennifer Renshaw