Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Cookie Cutter Critters~







How sweet are these cookie cutters?
A gift from my nana friend♥we knew each other when we only had girls..and now we have boys:)
Years and years..we have been virtual and more friends:)

Crate and Barrel.
Can't believe I was in that mall w/ a Crate and Barrel..and breezed in and out thinking we would return..and didn't.
Must have been the valet parking that did it:)
Knowing time is advancing so quickly into this December 2014...I did some baking Saturday and Sunday..
Tried a new chocolate shortbread cookie recipe..to put my new cutters to good use.
I must admit working wih chocolate cookie dough is not my fave..Dark..and messy..
I looked at the recipe I had pinned..and changed it..first of all I made half..
Subbed all flour for some rice flour..added a bit more sugar..
and a bit less vamilla..
They held their shape quite well..in fact spot on..
But I love regular shortbread better.
I used Wilton Fondant for the white parts..and my black gourmet food writer for the noses and eyes..
Except for Mr Owl..I used my pre made eyes:)

La Recette~

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup rice flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 stick butter softened
1/2 tsp vanila bean paste
pinch of salt

With stand mixer blend butter and sugar until creamy..add vanilla.. salt..and blend in flours and cocoa powder.The mix may still be granular..knead with hands..
Roll out and cut into desired shapes..
Bake 300  ap 20-25 minutes.. do check..as I did mine convection 260 ..and just kept checking..
It made the cookies you see..plus 2 big moose..and a tiny house.


I think these would be so sweet as a gift..or even just one of the critters added to a mélange of festive treats.
This is called PLAYING in the kitchen..:)

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51 comments:

  1. Those critters are so cute! For the first time in ages, all my girls will be home for Christmas! So, I plan on doing some cookie baking to have lots to nibble on when they get here!

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    Replies
    1. How wonderful!
      What a great year for you Pam!
      So many wonderful things.

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  2. I love your cookie cutter Monique. They are so unusual and you made beautiful cookies from them. The time is flying by right now. So much to do! Hope your weather is not too snowy.

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    Replies
    1. I am hoping to enjoy your Floridian posts..all winter loooong:)

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  3. I love Crate and Barrel. They seem to be on every corner in Chicago and the 'burbs. I love those cookie cutters too.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    Replies
    1. I saw a dear one ..another dear one..It says Baked for Santa..
      The presentation in their stores was so lovely! Like Pottery Barn..that's lovely too and Anthro.:)

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  4. Oh my are they super cute :-) I also have those darling cookie cutters. Perfect cookies to serve at our cottage. I think we've seen all those critters in the back yard.

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  5. Adorable, Monique, but the watercolors are exquisite. You are amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Sarah..It is Waterlogue!:)

      Not me..my mini Ipad ..like you do:) You were one of my inspirations:)

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  6. Those critters are adorable and your bunny watercolor and Christmas balls are gorgeous. You've definitely brighten a very dreary day here.
    Sam

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    Replies
    1. Really? Fl is dreary?

      You should see here!

      Do you have Waterlogue Sam?

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  7. Qué bonitas, me encantan. Te copiaré la receta.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  8. Absolutely adorable! I love them.

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    Replies
    1. I think your grandchildren would like to make them:)As they are proficient in the kitchen!

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  9. What adorable animals! So sweet.... Your watercolors are beautiful...I am partial to the bunny.

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    Replies
    1. Anyone with an Ipad and Waterlogue can make these:)

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  10. I love your adorable cookie cutter set! You always find the best kitchen items & display everything so beautifully. Gorgeous watercolour creations too xo

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    Replies
    1. My friend sent me these..sheès pretty excellent at finding things:)
      Waterlogue is the fantastic artist.It would be a dream to paint like this:)

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  11. Love, love love them. They are the cutest. I don't mind working with chocolate cookie dough as it turns out so delicious. I am off to crate n barrel website. I need more cookie cutters like a whole in the head but you have inspired me again.

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    1. Hohoho!!!
      You inspire me too!!

      Too bad re the cutters..:( Next year :) )

      Yes Waterlogue!!

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  12. I just saw that you used waterlogue to create your masterpieces. I went on crate and barrel website and they are sold out. Darn! Maybe next year....

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  13. They turned out so CUTE! Those critter cutters are a favorite of mine too. Each year they sell out and are very hard to find close to Christmas. I'm glad you got yours ;) I started making my candy cane cookies yesterday and today Mr. Dane will be here and I hope to make cut-out cookies with him. I love holiday baking!!! I haven't downloaded that app yet - must remember!

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  14. I LOVE holiday baking too:)
    I can just see the beautiful blonde boy smiling making cookies..
    Have fun Nana!!!

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  15. Oh, how lovely those cookies are! You have the patience of an angel, Nana. And your starry Christmas tree watercolor is shining with the Christmas spirit!

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    Replies
    1. I think the boys will like:)
      I am really not a flashy Christmas girl..These look so old fashioned:)
      Happy Holidays Katrina.

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  16. Very, very cute little cookies, Monique. And your photos are charming.

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    Replies
    1. I am sure you are baking too..are you back from the ocean..or have you not been yet?

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  17. Oh these critters are so adorable, I collect cookie cutters, will have to run out and purchase these. Happy Holidays to you!

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  18. I don't know how these could possibly get any cuter!

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  19. Ooooooo
    Yr watercolors !!!
    Look at Emile Nolde please.
    Beautiful bravo

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  20. Replies
    1. I can't take credit for the watercolors..I did practice today though:)

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  21. Oh my! They're so cute :)
    Ces biscuits me semblent irrésistibles !

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    Replies
    1. Je dois admettre..je me sentais comme une jeune fille en les faisant:)

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  22. Your critters are just adorable! They look so chocolaty and delicious too! Your Waterlogue is great too. These are definitely cookies the kids would love!

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  23. Monique, what lovely cutter cookies, so cute!!!

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  24. I love it when you use your cookie cutters. These are so cute, and I love what you did with the fondant. I like a good chocolate butter cookie, so I'm going to try this.

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  25. Monique your cookies are adorable Everything you bake is just beautiful. NO suprise there. You are an artist in all that you do. I need to do some decorated Christmas Cookies. My cold has kept me back somewhat from feeling like doing much. I am hoping next week I will be more in the swing of things! I Need to make my mince pies and my tortiere! Loving you always! xxoo

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    Replies
    1. I hope you feel 100% soon!
      We have so much snow Marie!!

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  26. Cookies are so cute!!!! I love your watercolors-))

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  27. I so miss chatting with you in the comment section!!
    I have visited a few times, but had no time to comment, sorry. I usually do it late at night or in a quick, relaxing moment, and I usually am so dead tired or my mind focused on what I'm doing, that I have no energy to even think of something to write that makes sense :=O
    Have a very happy Christmas, too. Hope we'll manage to chat again.
    xoxo

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  28. Thank you, Monique, for your comment this morning. Sara has no available web page. The "no profile" notice appears on my screen. Also, it was a "no reply" comment. I hope she checks in with the blog again in the next couple of days.

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