Thursday, December 18, 2008

Cookies and More Jewelry

I was a busy bee tonight - crafting jewelry and baking cookies. Rachel has been studying tonight for probably about six to eight hours. She has a big Biology Honors final exam tomorrow. Even though I swore I would not make more cookies until next week, Rachel loves the Fudge Balls I make. Since they were all gone, and Rachel spent so much time studying, I decided to make more cookies for her. She was very happy!!


Don't they look yummy? I got this recipe from Miriam B. Loo's Family Favorites Cookbook, copyright 1977. This cookbook came from the Current catalog. I bought it way before I was married and have used it often to make many great recipes.

These cookies are simple to make and I highly suggest you give them a try. Here is the recipe.

1/2 c. butter
1-1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate (1-1/2 oz)
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups flour
Confectioners' sugar

Melt butter with chocolate in saucepan over low heat; cool. Add sugar, egg, vanilla and salt; mix thoroughly. Stir in flour. Shape into balls, using a teaspoonful for each. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes or until delicately browned. While warm, roll in confectioners' sugar. Makes about 5 dozen. Yum!!

In between baking cookies, I crafted some jewelry for gifts. Below is a picture of the Christmas trees and snowman earrings. These are made with Swarovski crystals and pearls. Aren't they adorable?
Next is a bracelt using lavender Swarovski pearls and freshwater pearls.

I also made these present earrings which I am going to give to my sister, Lisa. Last year I made blue present earrings which I gave to my friend, Sandra, for Hannukah. Lisa thought they would be nice in a neutral color so you could wear them at any time. Voila!!

I got to the post office at 9am sharp this morning to mail my packages to New Jersey and Vermont. I was able to mail them regular ground transport with delivery on Monday. I walked out of the post office at 9:05 am!!! Talk about efficiency!!! I had a very productive day and night. What will tomorrow hold???

12 comments:

Kay said...

I am so impressed. The jewelry is terrific! They are so perfect for the season. LOVE them all! The cookies look fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.

Jo, a retired teacher said...

I am so jealous; the jewelry looks fabulous. I have been wanted to learn to make cooler jewelry (I've just played around with beads and stretchy string). What tools and materials do I need to get started? Which is the best instruction book? I would love to get as proficient as you seem to be. Thank you.

Victoria Lynn said...

Joyce,
Your jewelry is all too cute! It's funny, that is my FAVORITE cookbook! Everything I have ever made out of it is yummy! I have never tried the fudge balls, but I will have to make some. I think my mom gave that cookbook to me the year after I graduated from high school, so it's been with me a LONG time. I was thinking I would try to find one on ebay to give my Rachel. I love it that much! Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!
Hugs,
Victoria Lynn

Jane O' said...

Your jewelry is quite beautiful. I love the crystal and pearl bracelet! It sounds like you've got it all together this year. Have a Merry Christmas!

rachel said...

ew, thanks for telling me there were butter and eggs in those marvelous little sugar coated yummies! i dont care, im still stuffing my face with them! (:
huh, ya im going to be studying the exact same way tonight for english and algebra, oi vey.
the jewelry sure looks great! i can tell you have fun designing little peices of pretties! (: i love you!

Rue said...

Hi Joyce :)

I copied that fudge ball recipe and I hope to make them for Christmas.... yummy!!

Beautiful Jewelry!

I don't know where I find the time to get everything done, but as you can see from my late visit, I can't get around to see everyone as much as I like... ugh. Forgive me? :)

Merry Christmas hugs,
rue

myaliasgigi said...

Joyce I love your jewerly. I still love to wear the earings you gave me last year with my birth stone.. The little bags add a great touch. I still keep mine in the bag so I keep them nice. You amaze me !! All you do in one day is so paroductive all around, baking cookies and in the middle doing your jewerly and most likely other things.. Your amazing..

Gratitude Gal said...

Joyce, I love your jewelry. I am a fan of swarovski crystal as well.
Thanks for sharing it.

Glenda said...

They look yummy.

Love the new earrings. I wear mine when I get the chance.

Ciao

Connie said...

I also baked cookies yesterday, honey. Smooch that girl and feed her cookies. She'll pass that test - no fear, chick......
Smooches,
Connie

Joanne Kennedy said...

Beautiful jewelry you made! Those cookies look yummy! Wish I had some right now.

Hugs,
Joanne

said...

Joyce, your jewelry is so lovely! How nice to be able to make something so pretty to give as a gift.