It’s that time of the year, a time to celebrate with family, friends, coworkers and your pets, whether in person, Skye or in heart and mind. But what would the holiday season be without some yummy cookies? Even though this blog is based on healthy, organic and quick meals, it is OK  to be naughty once in a while. Just keep it under control, well, oh alright, I know that may not be possible for all of the cookie monsters out there.

I have started my holiday baking a while back and frozen these treats so I wouldn’t be so overwhelmed on just one day. That way, I can just take out what I will need and keep the rest fresh and ready to go when needed. Added bonus, this also makes my apartment smell heavenly every time I bake!

So far I have made Biscotti, an Italian twice baked cookie that is great for dunking into coffee, tea or red wine, Chocolate Chunk cookies,( You are very welcome Brianna and Tom)  oatmeal raisin cookies (Yes Lonnie, I will cut back on the sugar next time), pecan baklava (I believe you like these Rob), (thank you Greece for such a delicious treat), Butter shaped cookies (per your request Tom) and now one of my favorite, Russian Tea cookies. These delicate and delicious cookies are made with ground walnuts, butter, powdered sugar and flour- very simple to make and trust me, they do not last long on the cookie tray!

I used a recipe from www.foodnetwork.com from one of my favorite chefs, Emeril Lagasse. This  is the link to the recipe , http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/russian-tea-cakes-recipe.html . What I would suggest though is that you rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time so they bake more evenly.

Now, I believe I have some cookie tasting to get to and then possibly run a marathon to work off the calories. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!