Baking with Children :: Sugar Cookies

In a previous post, I mentioned the acclaimed children's musician Andrew Best and Emerson the Moose. While at his outdoor concert last weekend, we were given Emerson the Moose cookie cutters along with a recipe for Sugar Cookies.

My youngest son was thrilled to receive such a wonderful gift, because like his father, cooking is his forte, passion, delight - you name it! He asked me several days in a row, "Mommy, can we make moose cookies?" of which I would respond, "Sure, in a bit," or "Tomorrow, definitely." Well, tomorrow finally came and we had some extra time so I asked him, "Hey sweetheart, do you want to make cookies?" I wish you could have seen how his eyes lit up!

I had him read the recipe card to me (we're working on reading skills right now) and he got out each ingredient after he read the card. He measured and added and mixed everything together. Then, he rolled out the dough on the counter. "Mom, this feels so nice. Can we make cookies each week?" I told him we may have to work it in to his schedule. Then, he cut out the cookies carefully so as not to hurt Emerson.

One or two Emersons lost limbs, but he was quick to reattach them. I placed the cookie sheet into the oven and he started rolling out more dough. We went through half the cookie dough when he decided to freeze the other half for next week; he's definitely a planner, like his Mom!

This was a wonderful recipe. It blended easily, rolled out smooth, and held it shape well. Plus, it tasted great (even our dog, Duchess, thinks so)!

If you haven't discovered Andrew Best and his Emerson the Moose, I suggest you should! Thanks Andrew for such a fun gift!

Emerson the Moose Sugar Cookies:

1 Cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 Cup sour cream

4 3/4 Cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Blend in dry ingredients. Roll to desired thickness; cut into shapes. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

(This recipe is not my own. It was provided as a gift, along with the cookie cutter, by Andrew Best.)

Andrew Best :: Real Music for Children

This past weekend, the boys and I had the pleasure of being musically delighted. Andrew Best, an acclaimed songwriter from Longview, writes and sings unique children's songs. It's more than the usual barrage of sing-song, high pitched, somewhat cartoonish music causing most adults to roll their eyes and let out a slight moan every time a child asks for it to play.

Andrew's music makes you want to listen and sing along; even as an adult. He offers what I call "real music" for the children's auditory pleasure. He couples it with an amazing "real band" with guys who in no shape or form resemble the Wiggles.

From songs about your relatives including your Grandmusin (I giggle every time I hear this) to a Latin-feeling song about a chihuahua, you will enjoy Andrew's songs immensely, and so will your children. My youngest son is not one for lyrical music. In fact, he can't stand it. Yet, he loved Andrew's music so much he joined the children upfront in a dance; we also took home a CD, which migrates from the house to the car daily.

You'll love the characters involved in his music as well - Emerson the Moose, The Lizard, a Little Monkey, and more. While we were at the home-town performance at Ellis Pottery, my youngest son was given an adorable moose cookie cutter with a recipe for making Sugar Cookies. Needless to say, he was delighted.

Visit www.andrewbestmusic.com to see more about how Andrew got started in children's music - it is a great story! His songs are available to purchase on CD or through the ITunes store. My personal favorite is Teeny Little Super Girl!