Life is Sweet!

So my mom found an adorable cookie jar a few weekends at our favorite resale shop (can I get a "what what!" for Next to New?- Kase, you know what I am talking about!) Anywhoodle, I thought about my grandma's house and how every time I saw that cookie jar as a kid, I was dying to know what was inside!)  When I "grow up" I want to have a magical cookie jar that my kids remember as having delectable goodies inside. Right now, I have a dog/cat treat jar and anytime they hear that sound, watch out- Audrey will knock you down for a tasty treat. I think a cookie jar must have a touch of whimsy to it. So, go for what you like, not necessarily what you think "goes with your stuff." You will be surprised how it just all matches. Honestly, this is how I feel about my house. I know having a huge artichoke pottery piece in your living room may not seem "normal," but it all works. Plus it was $3 so how could I resist? I love it!


Here are some precious jars I found!
Also, what is your absolute favorite cookie or recipe? Send it to me! I will POST! -Aly

Here is a great cookie recipe for you! Thanks Emeril! Isn't life sweet? ;)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or jelly
• 1 tablespoon Chambord or kirsch
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.

In a small bowl, combine the jam and Chambord. Stir to combine.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt andwhisk to blend.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemonjuice and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and beat just until moist clumps form. Gather the dough together into a ball.

Pinch off the dough to form 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1-inch apart. Use your floured index finger or 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create depressions in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with nearly 1/2 teaspoon of the jam mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.