Loving Love

Well, somewhere over the last 13 years, I decided Valentines Day was one of my favorite holidays, granted it has it's roots in something pagan or strange like all holidays, but all that aside, what's not to like about a day to say "I love you" in a hundred different ways?

Pink, red, conversation hearts, silly romantic things, chocolate...all good if you ask me. It's also a great excuse to make frosted sugar cookies with too many sprinkles! I actually found an excellent recipe online this year, and thought I'd share it. And, if you're not feeling the LOVE...then tuck it away for another holiday. ~ENJOY~

Happy Valentines Day! I love YOU! (see, it feels good)

PERFECT SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
· 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
· 2 cups white sugar
· 4 eggs
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 5 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
PERFECT ICING
INGREDIENTS
· 4 cups confectioners' sugar
· 1/2 cup shortening
· 5 tablespoons milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· food coloring

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.