Christmas Time is Here!

So I love this time of year. When the weather starts getting cold I can't help but want to bake. This is dangerous for pretty much everyone around me as then I start to push my treats on to anyone that is in the vicinity. My sister Becky has a cookie swap that I am involved in every year and to tell you how much I love to bake I am making three different recipes that I have been wanting to try. I dont want to post any recipes that aren't tried and true but one recipe that I found last year for the swap turned out to be one of my favorite...plus it is just fun to say APPLE DOODLES...I told you it was fun. My whole family loved these cookies so here is the recipes that is easy and fast to make, perfect for this time of year when we are all short on time.





Apple Doodles



Preheat oven to 375 degrees

* 2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all purpose flour
* 2 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup finely diced peeled tart apple (about 2 apples)
* ¾ cup chopped walnuts, optional

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir half into the creamed mixture. Stir in the apple, walnuts (if desired) and remaining dry ingredients. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 3 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield 3 dozen.