the little things

I have decided, being the blogger who is anti-resolutions, that for a little while at least, I am going to focus on the little things.

It seems that my "big picture" is a bit overwhelming for the moment, so my attention will settle on small successes, small goals and small, but lovely pleasures.

In keeping with this theme, I got in the kitchen yesterday and baked something wonderful that I want to share with you!  Falling in the category of small pleasures, I am, like many of you, a follower of Pinterest.  Having so little free time, my Pinterest "addiction" has been limited to food and home decor.  Since baking is my absolute passion, I spend more time looking at creative food ideas...beautiful icings, delicate cake stands...you know me...anything sweet.

I saw this recipe, knew that I had all the ingredients on hand and got started.  Big Soft Ginger Cookies translated to sugar and spice and comfort food.  Thank you all recipes.com.  This one is a total winner!!

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened (*I used unsalted butter)
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons white sugar

Preheat the oven to 350.  Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses.  Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture.  Shape the dough into walnut sized balls and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.  Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.  Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.  Store in an airtight container.

Rolling the dough...not as sticky as it looks, but you will have to wash your hands after a few.  I use a small ice cream scoop to form the balls.

Rolled in sugar, ready to flatten and put in the oven.

The fragrance is amazing...hot out of the oven!!

Ready to share with friends and family.  A cup of hot tea is calling my name!!

My advice for the weekend is, do something nice for yourself.  Call a good friend, read, paint, bake...take a nap, tackle a project...anything that will make you say, "That was good!!" Keep it simple, keep it small...little things. 

I'm going to keep working on that..little by little.