Clementine and Sugar Cookies

My dear sister, Jewelie, referred to me as "old school" yesterday as I whipped heavy cream by hand. I explained that I would rather do things in the kitchen by hand. At that point, I realized that I do almost everything in the kitchen the hard way. Or, maybe, it's just the old fashioned way. Years ago mom had a bread machine, and I learned to dump the stuff into the metal bowl and let it whir and sputter for three hours until a block of bread popped out.

Eventually I learned to bake bread by hand, and I find the experience and the end product are both much more fulfilling.  This past weekend I made sugar cookies according to Granny's cookbook recipe, which is from Aunt Irene, who is not my aunt, but the relationship is something I don't remember how to properly explain.  I made the cookies by hand, rolled them into tiny balls, stamped them with a sugared thread spool's end to create a flower imprint, and baked them.  

Sometimes Old School is just right.

Speaking of just right, my friend Kristen has begun to post some of her handicrafts for sale online.  Here is her store.  The necklaces, which I have seen in person, are not done justice by these photographs.  They are gorgeous.  And her animal pillows are adorable.  It all has a very particular arts-and-crafts feel that is both homey and artistic.

Finals are fast-approaching, and I am not doing a very good job at staying focused.  I'll keep on, though.

T