Dragon's Orchid Garden

 This is a recipe that I’ve used for at least 20 years. A coworker brought these cookies in for a staff holiday party at the library. I loved them so much, I asked her for the recipe. She found the recipe in a magazine such as Ladies Home Journal or Good Housekeeping. Every Christmas, I make these and  mail them to far away family. You can find the recipe here . They are scrumptious with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy and happy New Year!

 I am set in my ways, but since retiring, I am becoming more open to trying new things. Today, I decided to try a different way to make pie crust. I used a recipe from a cookbook I’ve had for years - Baking with Jim Dodge . The recipe for Flaky Pie Dough was a little more work than the dough I usually make. It turned out beautiful and was so much easier to work with and roll out that I will make it my go to crust.  Recently, I read an inspiring article in the Tampa Bay Times.  Pie, once despised, became her pandemic salvation : Brittany Volk of St. Petersburg found solace in meticulous baking of pie, pie and more pie. This blueberry pie isn’t as pretty as Brittany’s, but the sentiment is heartfelt ❤️.