Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes~

Not yet...

But soon..

In the Interim..
Flowers from a friend~



And different snowflakes~








A new pan..

Nordic Ware..
I really really like their products..
This is a post just from me..not sponsored..no gift ..it's just a pan I came across and bought.
I saw possibilities with my fave shortbread recipes..Cello wrapped or baker's twined packages full of these for special people..(brown paper packages tied up with string..)

Every year I seem to add a cookie cutter..or a cookie pan..or an idea..or a few new recipes..

I quickly went through some of my older blog posts and found a few..

It's good to referesh our memory as we sometimes forget what turned out well and what didn't~


















These are a few of my favorite things~

It's an indulgence.. a new cutter etc..and tepmtations abound..but I think the cutters will be in the family for years to come..

I have a Brown Bag shortbread mold with flowers and you cut the shortbread in points..  but it seems to me this Nordic Ware one works even better..
My oven was off by 25 degrees..too high..so they are browner..and I didn't have icing sugar..so used regular sugar..
2 errors and they still popped out perfectly..
That is a good thing:)

The recipe I used was the one on the cardboard that held the pan..

La Recette

3/4 cup of butter room temp
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract..(use the real vanilla..i.e..vanilla bean paste)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 cups of flour

Cream butter until light and fluffy .
Beat in sugar then vanilla..
Finally work in the flour..Knead dough on unfloured surface until soft..
Pat into mold up until just under the rope detail of the pan....
Prick all of the surface with a fork.Bake 30-35 mins until lightly browned..

Cool ap 10 mins..loosen edges with a plasticknife and invert onto cutting board.
Cut while warm~


Hope you can get your hands on this mold..
Posting early in case Thanksgiving calls for cookies at your home..or if you want to get a head start in baking..
I have found in the past that shortbread freeze beautifully and even keep well simply refrigerated.

This little good quality pan gets my humble stamp of approval..

Happy Baking~





62 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for all your inspirational photos of your beautiful Christmas cookies. Each one looks so delicious. I especially love the mittens with your artistic touch. I will try my attempt to make some this year. I also love the Nordic Ware pans. I have some too! They have some beautiful designs for desserts. Thanks also for stopping by, always love hearing from you!
    Hugs,
    Jody

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that I have seen your work..I am looking forward to seeing your painted cookies:)
      They will be works of art Jody.

      Delete
  2. Sold! I'm off to Google Nordic Wear. These look beautifully delicious!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    Replies
    1. I hope you like it:) I think you will.Bookclub fare:)

      Delete
  3. Each one a work of art, Monique. I'm always in awe of the pretty things you create in your kitchen. Definitely works of art! '-)
    A few years ago I purchased a pan for making mini acorns. This year I found one for mini owls, though I've not baked in it yet.
    Sending you special greetings ~ Sarah

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    Replies
    1. Sarah I was gifted with the acorn pan..it's so cute..I have never seen the owls..they must eb adorable too.

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  4. Bonjour ma chère Nana,

    La neige tombe à gros flocons chez moi et le paysage automnale de ce début de semaine s'est transformé en un véritable spectacle de carte de noël !
    Je n'aime pas beaucoup la neige mais j'avoue que cela est beau mais trop froid pour moi !

    En revanche tes petits biscuits avec les cristaux de neige me semblent succulent et seraient parfaits pour une petite pause thé cet après-midi après une petite promenade avec Icarus mon dalmatien.
    Lorsque j'admire l'ensemble de tes jolies photos, j'ai envie de cuisiner des gâteaux ! Je vais aller faire un tour dans ma réserve de moules à gâteaux que j'utilisais fréquemment lorsque tous les enfants vivaient encore parmi nous à la maison.
    Ton billet est doux et je fus très heureuse de te lire en poussant la porte de ton petit monde.

    Gros bisous à toi ma chère Nana.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Magique..la neige au début de la saison..!
      Il me fait plaisir de vous voir de retour:)

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  5. Tes photos sont toujours d'une beauté magnifique ! j'adore venir lire tes posts, cette fois ci les fêtes approchent, la magie de Noël se perçoit sur tes photos et j'aime beaucoup!
    Have a nice day ! Cath.

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  6. You bake the most delightful and beautiful cookies Monique. It seems everything you touch you manage to make magical and special.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because I try and only show you what has worked out well:)
      I promise..I am looking at a plate of cheese crisps that are not pretty..not good..and not photogenic.
      Thanks Sam.

      Delete
  7. your cookies are SO beautiful Monique..you make me want to get into the kitchen and start baking too! It is as Sam says..you have a magical touch with everything you do!
    Ronelle

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    Replies
    1. Je dis cela de toi toujours!
      Ta vie..est si belle et riche en beauté!

      Delete
  8. You have the best posts on all your creations. What kind of camera do you use? The lighting is always so perfect and makes me want to grab the goodies from my screen! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I use a few cameras.. From a Point and Shoot DSC-H5..that replaced my previous one..to A Canon XSI and a Olympus E 510.
    None are new..
    There are outstanding choices on the market..always temptations at every corner:)
    I admit to being incapable of taking good photos at night or in very low light.
    I never use a flash..and am starting to fiddle w/ AV..I have a wish to learn Manual:)
    I usually shoot in P mode and adjust exposure..ISO to see what happens:)
    I am a novice novice novice to say the least but I love it.
    Thank you:)

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  10. Que maravilla de galletas, me gustan todas. Que preciosidad, me dan ganas de ponerme a hornear ahora mismo.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  11. You are the queen of embossing!
    Gorgeous

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  12. This is a perfect time for Christmas cookies idea, thank you-) Delightful pictures! Sweet post-)

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  13. How beautiful, all of them, it makes me so anxious for Christmas cookie time :) it's probably one of my most favorite parts of the holidays.

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  14. Now I'm singing that song:) Heavenly, seeing all your wonderful Christmas treats, especially the gingerbread houses, which my granddaughter has been after me about. You do things so beautifully and so carefully, I'm - well, in awe.

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  15. OMY Monique! All look amazing and beautiful! Thanks by the récipe, I will try:))

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  16. Oh, such gorgeous Delights & you are putting me into the holiday spirit of Joy. If it be an indulgence, it is one that is spreading merriness far & wide!! Did you do the painting in those 2009 cookies? I've rarely seen anything like that. I can't eat sweets, but I would love to have the mold just because it is so pretty itself. And the shortbread you made with it: Divine!!!!! oh, yes, and the wings of those doves, never seen that either! Lucky are your grandchildren & children...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did paint them in 2009:)

      My friend mary at Once Upon A Plate showed us how..I never stopped..
      I can imagine how yours would look!
      I don't eat sweets either..
      I just bake them and let others eat them..
      Thank good ness they do..because I have fun doing them..
      Shortbread.. I take bites..I can't resist. :)
      Have a lovely day..hope you paint:)

      Delete
  17. Lovely post. I get all excited when I see what others use for bakeware. I think it is more important than it is given credit. Your mittens are wonderful, and the special cookies for your boys. I remember my Dad would bake little biscuits that were just my size when I was little. I remember it to this day. Now I am going to check out Nordic pans.

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    Replies
    1. I love seeing what others use and enjoy too Madonna..That's how we learn..in good spirit!

      Delete
  18. Your biscuits always look like works of art, how lovely to see some of your previous posts. Just loved the decorated mitts they look too good to eat. I can just imagine your lovely alphabet boys when they come to visit you, wanting to see what goodies you've made specially for them. I'm sure your new biscuit baking tin will be well used during this winter. The tin or tray that's used does make a difference to the finished result. I must make some shortbread, I have so many shortbread recipes, my hardest decision will be, do I try a new one, like yours or stick to my tried & tested always a good result one ? I'll let you know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stick to tried and true and add one:)
      The Alphabet boys..gravitate towards the Hello Kitty cookies..believe it or not..those are the ones that I got the best response from:)
      And they are boys..I guess because they are large..plain and on a stand kind of:)
      Barbara..you could make wonderful painted cookies..they are like watercolor but w/ food coloring!

      Delete
  19. I love, love, love this post! My mouth was dropping open at one lovely photo after another! I'm crazy about your new pan too, I'm so much like you and get so inspired by something like this. I got some really cool wooden spoons today and I'm dreaming up a salad to use them with ...........
    I think my favorite, if I had to pick, but it's hard, would be those little mitten cookies, just precious! The present cookies would be a close runner up ....... so fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh..I know we both like to play in the kitchen..:) And open parcels and bags fast!
      Looking forward to seeing the cool spoons Chris!

      Delete
  20. Love their products too. Such yummy confections you have made. the painted cookies -- ooh la la, and Linzer cookies are ALWAYS a favorite here. JOni

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  21. I remember so many of these fun cookies. I still want to make the little gingerbread houses that go on the cup. I know my little ones would think those were magical and that's what it is all about - creating magic in the kitchen!
    That is a great Nordic Ware pan. I have so many pans I had to start storing them down in the kitchenette in the basement. I am always tempted with a new one though and yes, they do stay in the family. Love it!

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  22. You two sisters must have quite a sweet collection between the 2 of you..must be so nice to share your love of baking and cooking together..lucky girls:-)

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  23. You have sorely tempted me to buy one of those pans Monique! Thinking now of how I could justify an expenditure of £51.86! Somehow I don't think I would get away with it! lol

    All of your cookies have always been breathtakingly beautiful. You do such a lovely job at presentation. I am in awe of this talent of yours. Anyone who gets a gift of cookies from you is very lucky indeed! I would not want to eat them but keep them forever as they are so beautiful!
    Love and hugs to you today and always!! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I even wondered if I should splurge on a new pan..it was $19.95..

      I have an older friend that loves shortbreads and she gets a kick out of different little boxes..for cookies etc..Thought this would please her:)
      I am so near the end of my buying cooking things..I slipped into temptation yet once again LOL..
      That sounds way too steep for me the price you quoted:(
      I hope you paint cookies Marie!!

      Delete
  24. That is a great pan and lovely cookies! Winter treats are wonderful.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  25. Your cookies are little works of art, Monique, and so beautiful to look at. I particularly like the little hand painted mittens and the little birds with almond wings. You always inspire me to try new things. Lovely photos as always.

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  26. Your posts are always so inspiring, Monique. I was looking at my cookie cutters this morning...it is time to start baking for Christmas. Now if only I could have your decorating skills. :)

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  27. I love the walk down Cookie Memory Lane :)

    I will be looking for that mold! I love the beautiful snow stamps and perfect squares and you know I love shortbread. There were snowflakes here this morning. Winter has come early this year!

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    Replies
    1. Snow in MTL forecast too..
      We've shared many a recipe and trips down memory lane over the years Susan..
      Grateful.

      Delete
  28. Love your snowflake cookies! I need that cookie pan. Nordic ware, right? I am going to look it up right now. Oh, and you found so many other treats, you're putting me into a Christmas mode and I am not done with Thanksgiving yet!

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  29. Our Thanksgiving is so early compared to yours.. we start gearing up when the weather gets cold..or..November..The pan was bought at Homegoods/TJ's..and I saw it at Target..but more $$ at Target..just a few dollars..
    It's a keeper Julia:)

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  30. I shrieked with delight at this post!
    Not only are the photos amazing but the cookies and recipe .... merci!!!!
    I just love the shortbread cookies with the snowflakes!!!! Love love love it!
    Have a snowless weekend!
    **hugs** diane @ aug's blog

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  31. I enjoyed the flashbacks :-) I love anything with a mold! We have snowflakes today, and I actually like the cold weather during Thanksgiving week. xo

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  32. Oh this is utterly stunning -
    Mary x

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  33. Thank you.. Hope everyone has a nice weekend~

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  34. je suis venue rechercher une recette et j'en profite pour te dire:Have a nice weekend !
    Bise Cath.

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  35. Those are some beautiful flashback cookies, Monique! The ones with the chocolate bow are adorable. Love your new mold...it certainly turned out some delicious looking cookies.

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  36. wonderful for christmas. i love to have the cookies.

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  37. I'm inspired! Maybe this year I will actually have the time to bake a few!
    Cheers,
    Ry

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness.. how nice to see you:)
      I hope you are well and I look forward to a post:)
      Happy Thanksgiving..

      Delete
  38. Oh my....I'm loving all these holiday cookies. What a wonderful new pan to have. I've got to check that one out. :)

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  39. Oh I have missed looking at you're pretty pictures while I've been settling into motherhood xx

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  40. Again..congratulations!!!He is BEAUTIFUL!!!

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  41. Quels magnifiques biscuits... Si parfaits et appétissants!
    Bravo ~
    De bons teatime en perspective :)

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  42. Your blog is just beautiful. I just got lost looking at all your gorgeous posts, especially the Tuscany one.
    Loving the cookies and it's getting me in the Christmas mood--already!

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  43. Monique I missed the beauty of your blog while I was away. The mould is gorgeous and makes the shortbreads extra festive.:)

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  44. Monique, Thanks for your lovely comment!! The recipe for the popovers is from Martha Stewart. Hope you make them so I can be inspired by your photos!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  45. Thanks:-) will look it up..they popped up perfectly..Dolores..so nice of you:-)

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  46. Can you add the links of all recipes? I would like to try some. Love everything and that new mold also.

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