Farm house Rake key rack and sunglass holder

Rake upcycles to key rack and sun glasses holder.  Also holds leashes and  flashlights for when the lights go out.

Why buy something if you can upcycle? Not just reuse but upscale the item! I saw a cute key rack on the web for sale and knew I had a rusty rake head with a broken handle I never got around to fixing.  So, ta-da new rack by the door for the things you need!

Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Well, I tried a new recipe this week. I needed something small to try out buttercream recipes on so I thought I would do half a batch of Lofthouse cookies to taste test with.  I used this recipe as a starting point

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/lofthouse-style-soft-sugar-cookies/

Added some sugar to the cookie I took a photo of because it looked so plain without something.  They  tasted great.  Might add lemon flavoring/zest next time.

and I used my old recipe for making buttercream from cake decorating class in the stone age.  I had to get different shortening because in 2007 Crisco changed their formula.  They make something called hi ratio that decorating websites and stores sell.  It is not as cheap or easy to get as Crisco but the taste was good. Since it was a taste test I didn't bother coloring or using sprinkles.

I only wanted to make a half batch so I used 2 smaller eggs instead of wasting half an egg.  I also used the pro flavorings in both the icing and the cookies. I baked on a pizza stone that lives in my oven and the first batch took longer than 7 minutes to cook.  The next day when I baked off the rest I turned it up to 500 to preheat. I didn't want to bother rolling them.  So, I dropped and flattened them. I accidently baked it at 500 but they turned out so light and fluffy I don't believe I will go back to 425. And I will probably add 4 medium eggs or 3 very large eggs if I make a full recipe.  I liked the eggy flavor.

These are my changes to their recipe:

Lofthouse cookies half recipe and cooking changes.

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (I used popcorn salt with butter flavoring)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (one stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 medium small eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional white bakers concentrate type)
1 teaspoon creme bouquet flavoring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon butter flavoring  (optional)
3/4 cup sour cream

Cream butter and sugar for at least 3-5 minutes till very light and creamy with paddle blade.  Sift dry ingredients while this is beating.  Add eggs slowly to the butter sugar mixture and mix till fully incorporated.  Add Sour Cream and flavorings then slowly mix till combined. Slowly add dry ingredients and mix till just comes together.  Don't over work the dough.  Chill till firm.  When cold, preheat oven with pizza stone to 500 and using parchment paper on cookie scoop out on parchment with very small scoop or teaspoon.  Flatten with glass or other flat object to round disks and 1/4 inch tall.  Then slide paper on to pizza stone and check cookies frequently they should take  7-10 minutes. Bottoms should be just beginning to brown and top firm and set but the sides are not brown.

My old school Buttercream icing

Shortening 1 cup (8oz) (hi ratio if you have it)

Light karo  1 tbs

Powdered coffee creamer and water if hot temps for cake like summer weddings, milk if not - just enough to thin to the right consistency

1/2 tsp Popcorn Salt (used butter flavored popcorn salt do a full teaspoon if you are using coarse salt)

Vanilla concentrate 1 tsp

Crème bouquet 1 tsp

1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon butter flavoring  (optional) 

Sifted powdered sugar  2 lbs bag

(but you will probably use use about a pound for this much but have extra on hand to get the texture right.  This is very much an add till it gets right recipe.  You are wanting something about as stiff and soft peanut butter if you are going to make flowers.  Cookies only go for taste.)

Cream shortening for at least 3 minutes with a blade paddle.  Then add karo, 2 tablespoons of milk or water and salt.  Cream again till well mixed and salt is dissolved. (that is the reason the popcorn salt even unflavored is better) add flavorings.  Then slowly add the powdered sugar and over the mixer with a towel before turning it on to keep the stuff from getting all over the kitchen.  After adding about a pound of the sugar then start adding more sugar or liquid for taste and texture.  For just slathering on cookies this is not that important but to pipe flowers the texture is very important.