Crystallized Ginger Cookies

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes, and I only make them at Christmas. They're crisp at the edge and chewy in the middle. They're filled with jewel-like candied ginger. And they make your entire house smell like ... Christmas! They do, in fact, have a lot of ginger in them, and I've been known to leave out the powdered portion (a request from Brad). If I'm making them for myself, however, I put in all the called-for ingredients, and after they bake and they're cooling on the counter I brew a pot of strong coffee. It's the perfect pairing, especially sitting by your glowing Christmas tree watching the snow swirl around outside.

Crystallized Ginger Cookies by Mary at Alpineberry.

You'll notice my comment is the first in the list, and it's from 2006! These have been a favorite in our home for several years now. I can't give them a more glowing review.

The Time Has Arrived (to Bake!)

If you're like me you use a handheld mixer most of the time. Now that it's December, however, it's time to break out the big guns, i.e. that beloved Kitchenaid stand mixer that you keep in pristine condition. The most wonderful time of the year - time for holiday baking - is here! I have my first ever cookie exchange next week (!) so I'm scouring my bookmarked recipes and cookbooks for the perfect trio of treats. Have you made plans for your holiday baking? If you're looking for ideas take a minute to check out the 2009 version of the 12 Days of Christmas Treats here at Confabulation in the Kitchen. And don't worry. There are new recipes on the way, too! Happy baking!