Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Making Holiday Cookies with Mom


The weekend before Thanksgiving my father found himself in the hospital and as a result my parents didn’t make it up to VT. My mother and I had planned to do some holiday baking during that trip, something we both look forward to and especially when we get the chance to team up. Margot and I went as planned and I cooked the pies for our holiday enjoyment.

Fast forward a few weeks later. Dad is quickly recovering from bypass surgery and I visited today to check in and spend some time with my parents. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my mother had planned to make cookies while I worked. I had my camera with me so this made for a great opportunity for an unexpected post.

My mother subscribes to the e-mail newsletter of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. The daily recipe sent to subscribers on December 4th was for Scotch Rosemary Biscuit Cookies created by Andrea Newberry of the Forkable blog.


The recipe is intriguing for a couple of reasons. First off, it contains scotch. I haven’t baked with scotch before so I didn’t really know how much or little of the smoky flavor from the scotch would come through. Secondly, rosemary. Our friend Amy made rosemary shortbread cookies earlier this year, something that was new for me. I have to admit I ate way too many of them, but the rosemary flavors wrapped in butter and sugar were just too much.


The cookies came out fantastically and I have a nice satchel of them to take home. They aren’t going to last long! I couldn't detect any remnants of the scotch, but the rosemary flavor can't be missed. The coarsely grated parmesan cheese creates a chewy texture that really brings these cookies together.


I am participating in the International Blogger Holiday Cookie Recipe Exchange this month. I’ll be posting the recipe I was assigned early next week. The recipient of my recipe, Lori from Fake Food Free, posted her recreation of the recipe and the story I sent along with it yesterday. As you can see there is a history with my mom, me and cookies!

Cheers!

--Jason


7 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I am so glad that your father feels better.
Shortbread with rosemary, butter and whisky!! I would love to try those cookies! Never have cookies made with whisky (and you even used Glenfiddich! )

Belinda @zomppa said...

Glad your dad is feeling better! This is such a savory, awesome cookie. Nice. PS Love that stuffed tree!

Roxan said...

So glad to hear that your father is doing well, and super sweet that you and your mother get together to make cookies - that must be so fun and special. ... Especially when scotch is involved! Well, personally I don't like scotch that much but I imagine it adds a wonderful touch to baking.

Brian Samuels Photography said...

Scotch in cookies??? I love it!

Sorry to hear about your father... but I'm glad he is feeling better.

Kate said...

That's good news that your dad is doing better, Jason!! The cookies sound wonderful - three of my favorite things - Scotch, rosemary and cheese. Makes them a can't miss :-) Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Kate

Anna's Table said...

So glad to hear your dad is doing fine. I love the cookie baking tradition you share with your mom. The shortbread recipe is so original with the rosemary and of course,I have to commend you for your fine taste in scotch. Have a great week-end

Anonymous said...

So great meeting you this morning! I love fresh herbs in cookies. Some successes have included lemon and thyme and fresh mint butter cookies. Yours look like they turned out great. Hope to see you again soon!