Sugar Cookies and Fall Days

The sweet smell of fresh sugar cookies reminds me of the first day of fall. With each whiff, of the warm vanilla-sugar aroma, my sensory glands are transcended— feeling a gust of crisp cold wind sweeping past my body. Opening my eyes brings me back to reality with warm air resting peacefully in the atmosphere.
Well if colorful leaves are yet to come, at least Ilya and I have discovered that we can recreate a sense of comfort through one little cookie (or a batch of 50).
Actually, this food frenzy we have goes beyond the powerful taste-buds in our mouths and the empty pits in our stomachs when we are hungry. Cookies for me (these at least), are a time machine, a memory, and even a dream. At first bite a subtle smile takes over my face, and as the warm flavors begin to take their place in my mouth my mind is at ease; I feel like the world is at peace and everyone is enjoying their evening as much as I am. I remember the when baking with pre-made dough and boxed mixes felt like an enormous accomplishment. As I appreciate the joie de vivre, I remember the last time I curled up on the couch with a warm cookie and a glass of milk.
Ahh... I love many other sweet luxuries, but cookies in its purest form— fresh, warm, sprinkle-free— are, without a doubt, the most mesmerizing of all sugary pleasures.

If you still don't understand how I feel, just try this recipe.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tspn baking soda
1/2 tspn baking powder
1 cup (softened) butter
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tspn vanilla extract
1 tspn cinnamon (optional...my favorite)

Oven 375 degrees F.

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
2. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks

[recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com... altered sugar and cinnamon]

bon appétit!

~ the confectionist ~

note: don't forget to close your eyes as you take your first bite

I'm Back

Bonjour fellow readers,
It's been a long and food-filled summer. You musn't fret; I still hold the art of dessert-making close to my heart (and stomach). With my chum Ilya, standing by with astounding egg cracking skills, we have conquered many fabulous delicacies— a cool and creamy raspberry sorbet, cinnamon swirl bread that tastes like a cozy winter's day, vanilla muffins with a cocoa frosting, and a sweet mouthwatering kugel.
Now that I have checked in, and you know that I'm here to stay, I must get back to the kitchen.

au revoir amis!

the confectionist

p.s ~ look out for my restaurant review blog "the gourtmetist" coming soon...