Roz Watnemo Designs

Christmas 2017 means Christmas in the country for me and my family! When the grandkids come with excitement on their sweet faces, the adults join in on the joy and laughter that always happens when we are together! Christmas in northern Minnesota usually includes snow and cold and ice with coats, gloves, boots and scarves piled high in the entry of the house. The tree is decorated with lights and lots of Hardanger ornaments I’ve made over the years, and the gifts for each other are spread beneath. Happiness abounds as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the love we have for Him and each other. Merry Christmas!

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

1 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups flour Raspberry jam Icing 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 3/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth; add almond extract and flour. Mix until dough comes together. Roll dough in 11/2" balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make a small indentation in the center of each ball of dough with your thumb or finger and fill with jam. Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for a minute or so on cookie sheet before removing to cooling rack. Drizzle icing lightly over warm cookies.

For icing, mix ingredients together in small bowl.