Empire Biscuits

Cookies in some parts of Europe are called "biscuits," so don't be misled by the name! This recipe was passed down from my husband's grandma to his mom to me, and I've never met anyone yet who didn't like these cookies.

~Kate Boyer Brown

Cookies:
2 1/2 c. flour
7 oz. shortening (can use half butter or margarine)
2/3 c. sugar
1 egg

Roll or pat dough into circle; cut out cookies (approx. 1/4" thickness). Cut into small circles or other shapes (I use hearts for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, etc.!). Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.

Icing:
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
approximately 2 Tbsp. milk (more or less to make right consistency so you can swirl it onto the cookie from a spoon)

Beat icing ingredients with wire whisk until smooth.

Spread raspberry jelly onto one cookie. Top with second cookie to make a sandwich cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies. Ice cookies, and if desired, garnish with sprinkles or maraschino cherries.

Notes: Cookies freeze well. Also, I have substituted lemon extract for the vanilla in the cookies and icing ~ very good!
Makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on size of cookie cutter you use.

Creamy Baked Chicken

This recipe has to be one of the top favorites in the Boyer family. It is very rich, and extremely delicious! We usually have it for someone's birthday, company, or other special occasions.

1/2 c. flour
1/3 c. + 1 T. marg. melted and divided
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 c. whipping cream
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Put flour in a shallow bowl. Combine 1/3 c. marg. and other seasoning in a separate bowl. Coat chicken with flour and then dip in the butter mixture. Arrange in a greased, shallow 3qt. baking dish. Pour cream around the chicken. Bake uncovered @ 350 for 45 minutes- or until chicken is tender. Combine bread crumbs and remaining butter. Sprinkle over chicken. Bake uncovered for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown.
Serves: 6

Follow this link to many Valentine's Day recipes, from
Betty Crocker, including the recipe for the Indulgent Brownie Torte, pictured at left.

~Kari

Valentine's Jigglers

Follow this link to find the recipe for the classic Jell-O Jigglers......cut them out into hearts, with small heart cookies cutters for a fun Valentine's Treat.

Server with a bowl of Cool Whip for dipping.

I also liked this suggestion provided by Kraft foods:

"Substitute your favorite fruit juice for the boiling water. Bring just to boil before stirring into dry gelatin mix."

~Kari