Last weekend, we experimented with some new cookie technology -- marking pens with food coloring.  We needed a cookie that had a smooth surface.  My sister remembered a sugar cookie recipe she had.  She also had a recipe for a glaze that hardened nicely, was smooth and shiny (great for the markers!), and durable (hard but not tooth-shattering).  The glaze also drizzled well for decorating.  (See recipes below.)

My husband and I ventured to Long Island in late December 2006 to participate in a long-standing tradition in an extended family member's family (how's that for a connection?) Our daughter Becki married Joe, a young man from Long Island, in 1999. Joe's mother, Nancy, had been widowed and had remarried. Nancy's second husband's sister has hosted a family Christmas sing along for many years. Apparently if you're related to Aunt Alice in any way - no matter how distant - you are welcome to join.

  A single batch of Grammy Peg's Christmas Cookies -- make sure you've got lots of help! These cookies are an important part of our family holiday celebration.  It was a sign that you were growing up when my grandmother asked you to stop at her house after school to help make Christmas cookies.  As far as I've been able to learn, this recipe dates back to at least the late 1800's and is probably from Bavaria, Germany.