Hey Sugar

The title of this post makes me smile simply because I can only hear my dad saying those words. He often referred to his four daughters as "sugar." I loved it. It made me feel special. It still does since I still get a little "Hey Sugar" every now and then. Speaking of sugar, I decided that my once yearly baking and decorating of sugar cookies would be for Valentine's Day. Last night Weston helped me make the dough. It was a double batch, but still no match for my Kitchen Aid. After Weston went to bed I spent an hour and a half rolling, cutting and baking all the cookies. I should have counted how many I baked. Oh well.

This morning my friend, Tara, was supposed to come over with her kids to help us decorate all these cookies, but alas, her car was not cooperating, so we headed to her house instead. The 3 year olds each frosted and sprinkled 2 cookies, ate them, then headed off to play with an "I'm done!" That was fine by me. Tara and I got to spend a good hour just visiting and frosting cookies. A good time was had by all. The cookies taste amazing, which would explain why that is all I've had to eat today. Oops. :) Good thing I will be giving most of them away.

Here are the kids licking the frosting beaters. Talk about a sugar rush. I would also like to point out that these 2 are almost exactly 2 months apart, but Kenzi is SO tall and Weston is extra short. What a pair.
Check out the concentration on Weston's face while frosting his second cookie. I love that he is sticking out his tongue. I always did that as a kid when I was concentrating and still do as an adult on occasion.
The finished product. We just did kissy lips and little hearts. These are plates for neighbors and ladies in my ward.
Lastly a random pic of my newest cowboy. He had so much fun playing with Weston's hat while his brother napped.
I hope everyone has a fabulous Valentine's Day with their sweetie(s). Don't forget to spread the love. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Addendum:
If you would also like to get in the Valentine's Day spirit and do sugar cookies, here is the recipe:

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour

Mix all ingredients 3 at a time starting at the top. When dough is well mixed, refrigerate for about an hour. Using lots of sprinkled flour roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies on greased cookies sheets and bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes (depending on how thick you roll out the dough). I try to roll out the dough about 1/4 inch thick or less. They will rise in the oven. I did all mine for 8 minutes. I also doubled this recipe and it made 3 trays FULL of frosted cookies.

Powdered Sugar Frosting

1 c. butter softened
1-2 tsp. vanilla
milk
1 pound powdered sugar

Mix everything together using a little bit of milk, then add milk 1 Tbls. at a time until you get the consistency you want. Divide frosting into multiple bowls to color.