Sugar Cookies - Sweet Memories

From halloween sugar cookies 2009

My paternal grandmother, Olive, died when I was quite young so I have few real memories of her. The strongest, most significant "mem
ory" I have of her isn't a memory at all but rather a smell. The smell of sugar cookies. I can feel being in her kitchen and standing next to her while she baked them - I don't remember what she looked or the set up the kitchen but I have feelings of love, safety and joy when ever I smell these cookies. I hope you enjoy them.

Olive's Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla (I use McCormicks)
• 2.5 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt

What to do:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In bowl; whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to combine. Set aside.
• In another large bowl beat butter and shortening
• Beat in sugars until light and fairly fluffy
• Beat in egg and vanilla.
• Mix in flour mixture.
• Divide dough in half; flatten each slightly.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
• On lightly floured surface, roll out dough, 1 piece at a time, to 1/4-inch (5 mm) thickness
• Using 3-inch (8 cm) cookie cutters, cut out shapes.
• Press scraps together to reroll.
• Bake in centre of oven for about 12-14 minutes or until light golden on bottom and edges.
• Let cool for 1 minute on baking sheets.
• Transfer to racks; let cool completely.
• Decorate as you like.