making cookies

It's my annual baking bonanza! I am an enthusiastic baker (notice that I did not say good or skilled) but I find I rarely have time to do so except for special occasions. However, I was so enamored by the mooncake cookies that were made for the Starry River Booklaunch that I felt like I had to make my own. And holiday treat making was the perfect excuse!

Along with the Sasquatch's mom (Mother Sasquatch?),  Saquatch's sister (Sister Sasquatch?) came to help me out:

Mother Sasquatch clued me in on the secret to  perfect mooncake cookies-- the adjustable rolling pin! It's rather amazing. The rolling pin doesn't allow you to roll your dough thinner than your chosen thickness so all your cookies are uniform:

But, the real magic (and fun) was using the mooncake molds:

Look how pretty they are!

But I have to admit, I love packaging:

I am particularly in love with my label. It's become an inspiration for a new baby book idea. I really hope it works because I ♥ it! 

So, next time when students ask me where I get my ideas, I'll tell them I get them from baking cookies!

Book Launch Treats!

What are these? No, not mooncakes! They are moon-cookies! Specially made for the goodie bags for Sunday's booklaunch!

Originally, I had thought of having star cookies (and there might still be some served) but I realized that this year's Moon Festival is on the same day as my book launch! I actually didn't plan it this way, but I think it is perfect. The Moon Festival is all about getting together with friends and family and giving thanks. And my book party is pretty much the same thing!

Traditional mooncakes  are, of course, the traditional treat and I will be serving some at the party. But, it was a bit of a stretch to make/purchase the traditional ones for each goodie bag. Plus, mooncakes can be an acquired taste--I wasn't sure if my young readers would appreciate lotus see paste! So, instead, the goodie bags have shortbread cookies molded into mooncake shapes! Aren't they lovely? This, I admit, could not have been done without the help of the Sasquatch's mom (Mother Sasquatch?) as Rain Dragon has made my baking time very limited.

So, when you bite into one of these delicious mooncake cookies this Sunday,  say a special thanks to her!