shape up or sheep out

I decided to make some cut-out cookies for two reasons. First and foremost, I needed to redeem myself after the somewhat disastrous lemon tartlets. Secondly, I just got my new cookie cutters in the mail and was really itching to try them out.



Serendipitously (yes, I said it)(and yes, it’s a real word), I began scanning my reader only to find that one of my new favorite blogs had just posted a recipe for shortbread cookies.


[Completely random tangent: The word “serendipity” always makes me think of the movie Serendipity, which makes me think of John Cusack. I love John Cusack. He’s so quick-witted and sarcastic and articulate and enjoyable. Okay, digression complete.]


The fabulous gal behind Heaven is Chocolate, Cheese, and Carbs is also doing the desserts for an upcoming event, so we’ve been comparing notes and tossing around ideas. Her cookies looked great and I decided to attempt them myself.


The only real change I made was to add a little cinnamon to the dough; I just couldn’t help myself. For shapes, I used cute little hearts and...


...sheep. Yes, sheep. You see, folks, the bride and groom are inherently and undeniably connected to sheep. They met at a sheep convention, he raises sheep on his farm, and the bride-to-be has been a sheep-lover her entire life. If I ever have a question about sheep, she’s my go-to woman.

For these reasons, I really, really wanted to incorporate sheep into one of the desserts that I’m making. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think cupcakes made with ground lamb sounds like a winning dessert. So, when I saw sheep-shaped cookie cutters on Amazon, I ordered them immediately.


To ice the ovine, I made a simple glaze out of milk and powdered sugar. [Funny story—I bought a bottle of white icing when I was in Kansas, but it got unceremoniously trashed when I went through security at the airport. ICING, for crying out loud. I still get riled up just thinking about it.] I used a black decorating gel for the eyes. Next time, I think I’ll glaze the entire sheep and then add the eye.


Good grief, I’m ridiculously excited about these!!