PUERTO RICAN CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH JAM FILLING

This recipe brings such wonderful memories of growing up in Puerto Rico.

My mom always made sure there was a delicious snack waiting for us after school. These shortbread cookies were our absolute favorite with a cup of Ginger tea, or hot chocolate. Although they are a typical dessert during the Christmas Holiday, mom never hesitated in baking these all year round.

Buen Apetito!

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup Crisco (baking shortening) at room temperature

2 egg yolks

2 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour (good quality flour)

Food coloring (optional)

Note: A variety of jams is recommended, since these shortbread cookies are thumbprint cookies (guava and raspberry jam is our favorite) but of course the jams are optional as well. If you decide not to use jams, then you don't have to press in the thumb to make the indentation.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. On medium speed beat sugar, butter, and shortening until light and fluffy, for about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add in the egg yolks, and beat until combined. Add in the almond and vanilla extracts, and beat until combined. Slowly add in the flour, 1/2 cup at-a-time, and mix on low speed until the batter is thick.

4. Using a measuring tablespoon, roll out balls of 1 tbsp full and place them on the lined cookie sheets. Slightly make an indentation in the center of the cookie with your thumb. It's during this step that you fill the thumbprint with the jam of your preference (this step is optional)

5. Bake at 350 degrees until the cookies are slightly golden, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and enjoy!

This recipe yields 4 dozen thumbprint cookies.

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:4-5

THE POWER TO CHANGE

"Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."
     Romans 12:2


Educator and best-selling author, Tony Wagner is a firm believer in "disruptive
innovation" that changes the way the world thinks and works. "Innovation occurs in every aspect of human endeavor," and "most people can become more creative and innovative...given the right environment and opportunities."

Paul was a first-century innovator who traveled throughout Asia Minor, telling people how they could be transformed by faith in Jesus Christ.
To the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing they way you think" (Romans 12"2).

He urged them to give themselves fully to God. The world has changed dramatically since Paul's time. But the longings for love, forgiveness, and the power to change remain the same. Jesus the Great Innovator, offers all of these and invites us to experience a new and different life in Him.

Let's Pray,
I'm thankful for the ways You're changing me. Lord, help me to be open to You and to cooperate with Your work in me. Transform my life for You. Amen.

God takes us as we are, but never leaves us that way.

Yolanda
Take Delight In The Lord,