By Alice Huth-Derrah
Arizona springtime is quite special, though sometimes it seems like we go straight from fall to summer! Appreciating the amazing diversity, abundance, and brilliant colors of the plant life in this state need not be experienced only outside the limits of the metropolitan area. Driving down city streets allows you to take in the breathtaking yellows of Palo Verde trees, the rich pinks and magentas of Bougainvillea, and the fiery oranges of Firestick succulents. We almost instinctively want to pause in order to soak in the splendor before us and breathe in and out deeply and slowly. Such beauty is inspiring and a wonderful doorway into the Lenten Season. Easter, like springtime, awakens the senses and revives hope as we witness new beginnings in each extraordinary bloom. This must be exactly what God had in mind in the creation of this magnificent time of year!
The different Easter traditions that families share in their celebration of the season are lovely markers for this joyous time. Most of us have cherished memories of Easter celebrations spent with loved ones, and food is often an important part of the festivities. Cookies of all sorts tend to be the favorite choice in the sweets department, and sugar cookies are especially popular because of the innumerable ways to prepare them. This cookie’s recipe includes poppy seeds, almond flavoring, cream cheese and an almond flavored glaze. Taking the time to use almond slices to create delicate flower motifs on top of the cookies sets it apart and says, “Spring is in the air!” I have always loved the quote by Lady Bird Johnson “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Yes indeed. Enjoy!
Betty Crocker© Almond Poppy Tea Cookies
Makes: 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened.
- 1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened.
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, if desired
- 1 cup powdered sugar.
- 3 to 4 tsp. water or milk
Directions:
Prep Time: 1 Hour
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Stir together in a large bowl the cookie mix, flour, poppy seed, butter, cream cheese, 1 tsp. of the almond extract, and the egg until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1 ¼ in. balls and place these on an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Press these balls slightly to flatten them and top each with 5 almonds arranged to form a star or flower. (Note: You can also bake the cookies, glaze them, and then place almonds on top of the glaze and then gently press down.)
- Bake 9-11 min. (oven temps vary). Cool 3-5 minutes and move them from the cookie sheet to cooling racks.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, the remaining 1 tsp. almond extract, and enough water or milk until the mixture is of spreading consistency. Spread glaze over cookies. (NOTE: Adding food coloring makes for pretty spring pastels.) Store tightly covered at room temperature.
