Chistmas baking

It's been cold here in the bay area...and that means I have been baking like crazy in between my trips.

I went on a crazy cookie baking blitz prior to my trip to NYC in early December. Trying out new recipes, using up ingredients I had around the house. I even tackled pretzels.


Lime cookies: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spring-Lime-Tea-Cookies/Detail.aspx


Sugar Cookies basic dough and various ideas (the jam filled, the glazed, and chocolate filled ones). Dough can be frozen (I divided the dough in 2, wrapped it in plastic wrap and threw it in the freezer), and taken out to defrost for 1/2 hr before shaping. It actually works much better and easier if the dough is fridge temperature.
Recipe at: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/baking/ten-ways-with-sugar-cookie-dough-00000000024244/


Pretzel: I used 1 pkg Active Yeast instead of Instant Yeast. And instead of throwing it all together, I proof it first, added the yeast to warm (110 F) water and sugar, let it sit 5 minutes or so until it's foamy, and then threw it in with all the rest of the ingredients. I just made plain ones. Mixing with wet hands is easiest.
Recipe at: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/soft-pretzels-recipe