How It All Started!
Seeing the beautiful designs that can be made using royal icing, I decided this was something I wanted to try. I consider myself a somewhat creative person and I enjoy trying new things. Being an elementary teacher for over 20 years I had plenty of time for my creative outlets, although over the past few years, the opportunities I have had haven't been what they used to be.
Over my last Christmas break, I decided it was now or never and set out to make cookies with royal icing. My first attempt was quite the fail since I basically had no knowledge on icing 'consistencies' that were used for different parts of the decorating process. Notice you won't find a picture of those cookies on my website :)
After some research and several attempts, I finally had it somewhat figured out and decided to practice on Valentine's day cookies. They were a hit at school and I received far more orders than I expected for the holiday!
Not only was I getting compliments on my designs, but everyone also loved the cookie. I selected a recipe from an old cookbook that my mother gave to me. It was, and continues to be, my favorite sugar cookie because it was a little crisp on the outside, but nice and soft on the inside. In the past I have ordered a few 'cookie bouquets' and it's always the same...the designs are beautiful, but the cookies end up in the garbage because they're hard as a rock! For me, finding the right cookie was just as important as the design.
I was asked to make cookies again for Easter, had a teacher ask me to make unicorn cookies for her daughter's 9th birthday party, I made cookies for Teacher Appreciation week, and from there I've continued to receive orders.
I was very pressed for time on some orders although this is what I really enjoyed doing. So I recently retired from teaching after 24 years so that I could focus on the things I love to do...one of which is baking and decorating cookies!