Christmas Cookie Countdown and Gingerbread Cookies

I realize that my recent posts could be interpreted as more complaining rather than explaining the reasons I have been so busy that posting is presenting a challenge,  but honestly, I really am enjoying all the hubbub of Holidays.  There are so many necessary  – and very wonderful – things going on that require my attention that I am finding it difficult to post my final Christmas Cookie Countdown picks.  I’m actually typing this while flying home to spend Christmas with my family – proving my point that these are not ordinary days I find myself in.
As one by one I checked the days from my calendar this past week, it was this Sunday’s baking date with Lilly that I was so looking forward to.  Lilly is the daughter of a friend of mine and  I truly believe that this little girl came out of the womb a “baker”.  She is only five years old and is more competent with butter, flour, sugar, and eggs than most adults I know.  Imagine my delight as she let out a squeal when she realized that nutmeg was an ingredient in the cookies we were baking.  I turned a quizzical glance her way and asked – “you like nutmeg????”  “I love it!” she said.
With time running short before I was heading out of town, I had to make a choice; either spend a day baking and photographing a cookie recipe for the blog, or, keeping my date with Lilly.  I thought it a wonderful idea to combine the two.  This gingerbread cookie recipe comes from Deb at Smitten Kitchen and I recommend it to anyone looking for a ginger cookie that is perky with spices, easy to roll, and perfect for decorating.

Gingerbread Cookies +Frosting + Sprinkles = A Very Fun Day of Baking with Lilly!