As mentioned yesterday, I am finished with my Holiday Bake-Off baking. Packages are being sent today courtesy of my wonderful husband, Grizzled.
To your left, you see a kid-friendly version of what I sent... Below you will see the Limited Edition, Bill O'Reilly, "I Got Yer Holiday Package" cookie.
I thought long and hard about what cookies to include, but went with the classics, or those that are classics to me.
I had to include this less than beautiful cookie to my left. It is my Great Grandma H's, Pfefferneuse, or Peppernut cookie.
It is incredibly addictive which still surprises me to this year. I will look at them and will think, yeah... they're okay. But take a bite and before you know it, you're snarfing a handful.
They are reeeally good with coffee or milk.
The aroma alone is heaven.
One other cookie I knew I had to include was the classic sugar cookie. At some point back in college, I started painting them. At some point a number of years back, I sold them. I nearly went mad during those years so now I only make about 60 for special reasons. I figured the Bake-Off was a special reason.
The cookies are completely edible. The painting is done with icing and food coloring. Children love to eat them, but I've seen too many adults try to save them. The majority of the people prefer the snowmen and the skating penguins. I have also done people's pets, specific themes, you name it. If you can say it, I'll attempt it.
The other cookies that were included were a basic Christmas cookie that has 3 variations... one just a butter cookie dough, one with ground nuts added to the dough and the 3rd with ground nuts and chocolate added to the dough. Spritz cookies and rum balls rounded out the offerings.
And now, last, but certainly not least... the Holiday Bake-Off Limited Edition Cookie... It was inspired by none other than Bill O'Reilly and is entitled, "I Got Yer Holiday Package!" It did not turn out as I had envisioned and I had planned on making another just because I know I can do better, but frankly, I'm sick of looking at that face! Maybe next year... For now, this will have to do.
Holiday Bake-Off judge, Res, of the Republic of Dogs, is this year's recipient of the Limited Edition Cookie. Somehow, it seemed fitting. Other judges have received photos, but only Res will know what it's like to eat Bill O'Reilly.
So... there it is... my holiday Bake-Off contribution. I realize I pretty much focused on Christmas cookies, but in my heart, I was thinking "holidays"!
I hope everything arrives in one piece. If not, I'm hoping they all still taste good.
Oh yeah... and for those of you out there who will accuse me of CHEATING!!! I've documented the process... my sweat and toil is available for anyone who wants to question my integrity!!! :)
May the judging begin!!!!
Those all look awesome and the Bill O'Lielly cookie is fantastic.
Want to make me some? Please?
I am working on Christmas and my Mom is out of the country...please?
Pretty Please with Bill O'Lielly on top?
Posted by: Chuckles | December 15, 2006 at 10:22 AM
Hi Chuckles! I thought you said you were working on your waistline... these babies are butter bombs...
I think if I make one more cookie, my head will explode. Come to think of it, you merely mentioning Bill O'Leilly on top is making my head want to explode. I don't want to think of Bill on top!!! Or anywhere for that matter!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 15, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Just e-mailed Bill. I wish you would paint a cookie with the boys (Smokey Dog and Pugsleypants) on it, but then I would never want to eat it so it would be the torture cookie.
Oh crap, we're gonna have a Spritz-off!
Posted by: Pinko Punko | December 15, 2006 at 03:31 PM
I *hate* Spritz-offs! They're so messy!
I'll think about Smokey Dog and Pugsleypants... and I'll let you know if I hear from Mr. Christmas.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 15, 2006 at 03:46 PM
Those look awesome! Jennifer. Some of the best artwork I've ever seen on cookies. I kept tryin' to decide which one I'd take, but couldn't! lol!
Okay, I'd grab the candle first.
My mouth had started to water'in but when I saw the O'Liely, I suddenly needed a drink instead.
Well done regardless, Lady.
Posted by: Michael Bains | December 15, 2006 at 09:14 PM
We should dunk his head in some yummy Irish coffee. This would make him go down more easily and be a nice holiday insides warmer.
Posted by: Pinko Punko | December 15, 2006 at 10:52 PM
Thanks Michael.
I think there does indeed need to be a competition on how he is eaten!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 16, 2006 at 06:57 AM
Remember when you were a kid and Mom would come home with a birthday cake, and when it was your birthday you got to get the rose, or whatever sugar sculpture was drizzled on it? Now the kids, or adults more likely, can fight over his head, his arms.....no I don't want to go there.
Posted by: Exiled in New Jersey | December 16, 2006 at 07:41 AM
:)
Posted by: Jennifer | December 16, 2006 at 07:51 AM
All I'll say is "good luck" to anyone who thinks they can top YOUR efforts. Those cookies look beautiful! Even Bill looks good in icing!
Posted by: Connie | December 16, 2006 at 04:30 PM
Damn, Jennifer. Well played. I completely sluffed off my cookie making responsibilities. It just wasn't in the cards. Now I'm glad because I could never compete with any of that.
Posted by: Claire | December 18, 2006 at 07:16 AM
Claire!!! How do you know??? There's more than one way to decorate a cookie and taste is the ultimate decider. Oh wait... I think someone else is the Decider!!! but I digress.
Anyhow, I hope you had a fun weekend and that you didn't bake because you were having too much fun!!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer | December 18, 2006 at 07:39 AM
Well done and kudos Jennifer. If you and Res baked together there is no doubt you too would have cookies that would be in a museum because they are too pretty to eat. I remember his blue and white swirled cookies last yeart. They were so---oooo pretty. I hated eating them.
Posted by: Adorable Girlfriend | December 18, 2006 at 06:05 PM
Thanks AG- I can't wait to hear about your BAKED goods... no air-dry truffles!!!
Your goodies should show up at BG's when mine do tomorrow. Should be interesting! I'm curious to hear about the sufganiyot. Those sound like they involve no wankery whatsoever.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 18, 2006 at 06:10 PM