Giant Ginger Cookies

Sometimes called brown cookies at our house, these cookies are a family favorite. So much so that they made an appearance on the milk and cookies bar at my sister's wedding last week.  And to no one's surprise, they were quite popular and enjoyed by all.

Photo from BHG

Here is the recipe for you to enjoy as well! From Better Homes and Gardens.

4 1/2 cups flour
4 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup coarse or granulated sugar

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until softened.  Gradually add the 2 cups of sugar, beating until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses, beat well. Add half of the flour mixture, beat until combined.  Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon. (I never do this. I just add it in and overwork my trusty Kitchen Aid mixer.)

Using a 1/4 inch ice cream scoop, shape dough into 2 inch balls. (I used the large Pampered Chef scoop.)
Roll in the coarse sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 1/2 inches apart.

Bake in a 350 oven  for 12 to 14 minutes until cookies are light brown and puffed.  DO NOT overbake!
Let stand for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.  Cool.

Makes 25 4 inch cookies. (Again, giant.) 

Eat, Drink and Be Married!

While my favorite part of Briee and Ryan's day was the actual ceremony, the reception wasn't too bad either. 

We actually didn't do any decorating at the church.  There were two vases of fresh hydrangeas in blue and green on the flower stands. The paraments remained white and that was an added bonus.  The ceremony was beautiful and Lutheran and there was confession and absolution and some wonderful hymns and it really was all good.

The reception was where we got to continue the paper goods and they all turned out splendidly.  The room came together so nicely and best of all, the guests had a great time of eating, drinking an dancing. Just like the bride and groom wanted!

To our friends who have become family, and our family who have become friends.

Yesterday was Briee’s bridal shower.  It was a lovely shower with lots of church friends and family.  We had plenty of food and some good coffee. 
But as I think about it today, it marked the beginning of the end of the wedding preparations and the beginning of the beginning of the happy couple’s new life together.
So while I am happy, I am also sad and need to make sure I don’t overlook all the things and  emotions that go along with handing over your oldest daughter to the man who will take over taking care of her.
Because I still have a baby sister and three little girls of my own.  And that is a lot of weddings to get through!

I handed my camera over to Josie to take a picture of me and the bride and needless to say, it didn’t turn out !  Note to self, a professional photographer is a must!