Winter desserts

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I’m so honored that our trusty weather gurus listened to me. Snow, snow, went away and won’t come back … well until at least next week.

To celebrate the snow in the mountains and the sun down here, I am making Snowman Sugar Cookies.

Delicious, tender cookies with crisp edges coated in a buttercream frosting and dusted with powdered sugar, to replicate freshly fallen snow. I’m sure it fools people every time.

Now, who doesn’t love them some Frosty? Not the Wendy’s cool concoction but the ever-lovable Frosty the Snowman. Magical, friendly and very politically correct, that one. You can break out Frosty plates, napkins and of course cookies at just about any party in December and all’s well.

The song is such a winter pick-meup; the Jimmy Durante or Gene Autry version rock. Just shoot me when they decide to release a Miley Cyrus version, or even worse 50 Cent (ummm, pronounced fitty cent to you not in the know). Actually, that might not be too bad — rapping Frosty the Snowman could be just as magical as living inside a snow globe.

As much as I love Frosty, I have to ask: Why is it charming and whimsical that he rides a broomstick, however, (and by this time you know there is always a “however” with me — or a cocktail, but not in this column) when it is a broomstick and woman, it always has a witch connotation to it?

I think maybe next time I find a woman charming and lovely, I just might say, “Hey, why don’t you jump on your broomstick and meet me at Cantina Laredo?” Think she will know it’s a compliment? Just the fact I invited her to Cantina Laredo should be enough … Yummy!

OK, nobody knows how to turn an innocent subject like snowman sugar cookies into a gripe session like me. Make the cookies, you won’t be disappointed.

As for me, I’m going to hop on my broomstick and settle back into my snow globe of a life I think I lead.

Now, follow the directions, put some love into it and invite me over when it’s done.

Before you start: Make sure butter and egg are room temperature. You can bake for a minute or two less if you prefer softer cookies. I like the way these crispier cookies work with the frosting.

Snowman Sugar Cookies

2 cups flour 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla Zest of one orange

Buttercream Frosting

2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 tbsp. heavy cream (you can use milk) Powdered sugar for dusting

Now, who doesn’t love them some Frosty the Snowman?

Magical, friendly and politically correct, that one.

In small bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg, vanilla and orange zest. Stir in flour mixture and combine well. Form dough with hands into round ball. Divide in half and wrap each piece with Saran wrap. Put in refrigerator for 1/2 hour.

Preheat oven to 350.

Place parchment paper over baking sheet.

Take out one ball of dough at a time. Roll out with rolling pin until 1/4 inch thick. Cut out with snowman cookie cutter (or cookie cutter of your choice) and place on baking sheet. Repeat this process with remaining dough and second half in refrigerator.

Bake for 8-9 minutes until edges are just starting to brown. Place on baking rack or parchment paper to cool.

For frosting: Cream together on medium speed all ingredients for frosting until smooth and fluffy. You can add more heavy cream if you don’t like it as thick.

Spread frosting on each snowman cookie. Dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Note: Looks cute with colored or chocolate sprinkles as well.

You can watch the Dessert Diva every Monday at 8:35 a.m. on Channel 2. To contact Danette at the station, visit 2thedeuce.com, and click on Daybreak on the Deuce. To chat and/or send comments and suggestions, write to jdromega@aol.com.