Lemon Fresh Cookies

Ever had an ingredient that you buy saying this will be great to use but never do? That's me! Pure lemon extract ... amongst a few others... But, I even bought a second bottle forgetting I had one already in the cabinet. The extract gets pushed to the side and I keep saying I'm going to use it soon. Well, soon has finally come! 

(... Nearly years later ... But don't worry I checked the expiration date ...) 

I like lemons cookies on occasion. I have no idea why but they are alluring to me. I think they should be delicate in flavor. I have had my share of overpowering lemon cookies. It is always a disappointment when I try to choke one down on the first bite. So, I've come up with a lemon cookies recipe that is not overly sweet and has the right hint of lemon. These cookies are refreshing. It's definitely a nice palate cleanser. These lemon cookies are also soft and chewy! 

Lemon Fresh Cookies
Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, salted 

1 egg

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure lemon extract 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cup flour

Directions:

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Cream together butter, sugar and egg. Add baking soda and lemon extract. Mix in flour. Roll into teaspoon sized balls, place on greased pan and score with fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Bottom of cookies should be golden brown. 

Makes approximately 20 cookies. 

Tips:

If you want to spruce up this cookie, add white chocolate chips.

Scoring the cookies is not necessary. I did it to give the cookie a little textured look. Plus, it's fun! 

Keep an eye on the bottom of the cookies! 

Classic Taco Dip - Chilled

Classic Taco Dip - Chilled

Every taco dip is usually a little different. Hot/baked vs cold/chilled or beans vs. no beans. This classic taco dip is addictive! The recipe is no where near healthy. At this point, I have no desire to come up with a healthier kind. I have been making taco dip since college. I bring it to parties. I rarely make this dip at home because I could eat a whole pan nearly in one sitting...by myself! When I do make this (like tonight I had a craving), I try to make a smaller pan. Simple to make and delicious to eat! 

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

8 oz sour cream

1/4 package of taco seasoning

1/4 cup onion, sliced thinly and diced

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

1 cup lettuce, shredded

Directions:

In small bowl (cereal bowl), mix together softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add the taco seasoning. Spread mixture in 8x8 pan. Layer onion, cheese, and lettuce on top. You may sprinkle a little taco seasoning onto for looks and additional flavor. Cover the pan. Chill in fridge for several hours before eating. May be prepared the night before. Serve with tortilla chips. 

Tips:

Recipe can be doubled for a 9x13 pan! 

Do a little finger test to the dip after the taco seasoning is added, see if it has even taco flavor. If not, add a little more. Flavor will come out once chilled. 

I soften my cream cheese in the microwave for about 20 seconds.