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Snowball Cookies & Vacation Ornaments - Happy Christmas in July(R)!

by on ‎07-29-2014 06:26 PM

Hi, everyone!


I took a look at my calendar today and did a double take…today is July 29! That means we’re almost into AUGUST! I just can’t believe how fast the summer is flying by…there’s so much I wanted to do with my kids before they go back to school!


I intend to make the most of the two days to come...especially because tomorrow there’s another episode of You’re Home with Jill at 7pm ET! AND, we have a few more days to celebrate Christmas in July®! So far, we’ve made a Drink Umbrella Wreath and I shared my recipe for Frozen Hot Chocolate. Tomorrow night, I’m going to show you another DIY project that you can make and enjoy now and then every Christmas to come...Vacation Ornaments.


Vacation Ornament


Aren’t they just so elegant? And imagine how nostalgic you’ll feel when you’re unwrapping all your ornaments in December and find this one. All the memories from your vacation will come flooding back and it’ll be summertime—if only for a second—all over again. Just one small word of caution before you bring the beach home. I’ve actually heard that some beaches frown upon folks removing sand and shells from the property. If you know your beach has such a guideline, simply recreate this from sand and shells you can find at your local craft store.


Now, back to the fun. After you’ve got all your supplies home, you’ll need a snack to munch on while you work. How do Snowball Cookies sound?


Snowball Cookies


Snowball Cookies
Makes 24–36 cookies, depending on the size


Ingredients:



  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup shortening

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 2 cups flour

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

  • 6 Tbsp powdered sugar + extra for finishing


Directions:



  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla.  Stir in the flour, nuts, and powdered sugar and mix well.  Shape the dough into balls—my grandma always said, “smaller than a walnut, bigger than a cherry!”  Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies become light golden brown.  Be sure to watch them carefully, as these can burn quite easily.

  3. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let cool slightly, just until the cookies can be handled. Roll them in the extra powdered sugar while they’re still warm. 


My grandma made these cookies every Christmas and I’ve had similar cookies over the years…sometimes they’re called wedding cookies or tea cakes. But, my grandma mixed powdered sugar into the dough and it really sets these cookies apart. There’s that initial crispness when you take a bite, but then they just seem to melt in your mouth!


I’ll show you both projects tomorrow on You’re Home with Jill at 7pm ET. I hope you can join me!


From my home to yours,
—Jill


P.S. I nearly forgot! Our theme for August is “YHJ Inspired.” I don’t think you realize how much you all inspire me each and every day with your comments, suggestions, and posts. So I’d like to give YOU all a chance to shine. Send me photos of your kitchen—I’d love to see how you incorporated pops of color into your décor. I’m going to feature three of my favorites here in the blog, on the next episode of You’re Home with Jill, and on my social pages. Submit your photos to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and use #YHJInspired. Or, you can email them to us at yhj@qvc.com. Hurry—we need them by Thursday, 7/31. Thanks!