Cookies For Katy

'Never arrive empty handed' is a good rule to live by as everyone benefits, especially from a big tin of cookies! Chocolate Chip or Butter + Raison cookies are so quick and easy to make (no chilling dough in the fridge or complicated decorating) so you can be out the door in an hour with a tin of warm, cutely wrapped cookies for your host. This white tin is only 4$ at The Container Store, the (dry wax) sandwich paper in red+white check is available at any kitchen store and any ribbon lying around will make a nice finishing touch. Arrange the cookies on end to get more in the tin and don't put the lid on until just before you arrive to avoid any heat making the cookies soft. Tie up with the ribbon and the gift is complete. (The tin can be placed in the freezer just as it is to keep the cookies for longer, just fish one out to go with a cup of tea when the urge takes you!).

The Butter+Raison cookie recipe here is from my Mother-in-Law in Sweden. The cookies melt in the mouth, they are SO GOOD and so simple to make. The kids call them squashed bug biscuits, but the Swedish name is Spröda Russinkakor - spread raison cookies. Beat 200g of soft butter with 1.5 dl of sugar (a dl is roughly 2/3 of an American cup) until creamed and white. In another bowl mix the dry ingredients; 3.5-4 dl of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1.5-2 dl of raisons. Mix the dry goods into the creamed mixture until fully combined. Roll by hand into small balls, place 2-3 inches apart on a baking tray and squash with a fork. Bake for 8-12 minutes - careful not to burn! MMmmmmmmm, jatte gott! Enjoy!