Vegan Eats...World!: It's raining cookies in here!

I spent this past Saturday making batches of delicious Italian cookies with my lovely and multi-talented sister-in-law, Michelle and my adorable mom. For a few glorious hours, I left the stress of dissertation writing behind and just relaxed.

As the cookies baked away, we spent the afternoon sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee, chatting and watching gorgeous juncos, cardinals and chickadees put on a show for us in the backyard. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon-eating, laughing, sharing and enjoying the holiday season.

I hope you'll love baking and eating the cookies with your family as much as we did. Be sure to bake extra, because if you're anything like me, you'll snack on a couple or ten cookies along the way. :)

Italian Cookies

This recipe was passed down to Michelle from her grandmother, and now to me and all of you.

A few things I learned from Michelle:

1. The dough is ready when it doesn't stick to your fingers. If it is still a bit sticky, add a quarter cup of flour and check again.

2. In general, it's somewhat difficult to tell when cookies are fully baked. An easy technique? Check the bottom of the cookie. It it's a nice, golden brown, then it's cooked through. If not, bake for a few extra minutes and re-check.

Ingredients

5 cups flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 cup sugar

7 eggs

2 ½ sticks melted butter

1 tablespoon vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Beat eggs; add sugar, melted butter, vanilla and salt.

Add dry ingredients

Form dough into rounds, knots and ribbons.