Grand Prize Winning Cookie Food

PRIZE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
• In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in the mincemeat.
• Drop dough by teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking pans to cool on wire racks.

PRUNE MUFFINS

Steps:

• My helpful hint! I like to prepare the prunes before I start baking, sometimes even the night before I chop the prunes, sprinkle with two tablespoons of water, stir and let sit until needed. I find it makes them much more moist, if there is any liquid left in the dish after I spoon the prunes into the flour mixture I add it to the bowl of liquids.
• In a large bowl, combine prunes, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and sugar.
• In a bowl blend together beaten egg, sour cream and melted butter.
• Add to dry ingredients and stir just until well blended, but do not overmix.
• Batter will be firm like a stiff drop cookie dough.
• Fill 12 greased medium-size muffin tins about 3/4 full; you will need to use a spoon and knife to do this as the dough is very thick.
• Bake 15 - 20 minutes in 375 degree oven, or until golden brown.
• Let sit in pans for a couple of minutes before turning out, they will be easier to handle when dipping in the topping.
• While hot, dip muffin tops into the 1/4 cup melted butter, then sugar and cinnamon mixture.
• Note: I use about 1/3 cup of sugar and find that is sufficient, or you can double dip and have a nice crunchy topping.
• Delicious!

GRAMMY'S CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Steps:

• Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, 2 cups sugar, and eggs on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix to combine. Gradually add dry ingredients, and combine with mixer on low speed. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill until dough is firm, about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with Silpat baking mats. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Dip top of each ball into sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

AWARD WINNING SOFT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.
• Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.
• Yield: 72 servings (Serving size: 6 dozen).