SUMMER + FRIENDS = TREAT

My home is located between the homes of two wonderful neighbors. Yesterday, when I came home from a shopping trip I found on my back porch a little container filled with sugar cookies from neighbor Barb Satter. Later I was outside sitting at my patio table when my neighbor Leanna Sherman walked over from her house with a container of grape salad for me! I ask myself how I can be so fortunate?

With these treats I came inside to prepare an afternoon snack for my grandson, Tavian and myself. We thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of my neighbors labors. Well, of course I asked for each recipe so I could share them on my blog.

The 'Friend' framed piece was a gift from Jeanette Brown, my good friend who lives in Council Bluffs. I think it is the perfect fit with these recipes.

Leanna laughed and said that she just kind of 'wings' it but this is the recipe she shared.

Grape Salad

• Mix 4 pounds grapes with the following:

• 1 (6oz) package cream cheese

• 1 small carton sour cream

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 4 TBSP brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

Keep chilled in refrigerator - enjoy this savory treat!

*********

The following is the recipe Barb shared.

SUGAR COOKIES

Cream together 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup white sugar

1 cup shortening (Crisco)

1 cup vegetable oil

Add (and stir in)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla Add

4 cups + 4 heaping TBS flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp soda

CHILL DOUGH

ROLL INTO SMALL BALLS

PLACE ON UNGREASED COOKIE SHEET

PRESS DOWN W/GLASS DIPPED IN SUGAR

BAKE AT 375 degrees 7-10 minutes

(NOTE: Can be made ahead several days and can be kept frozen for 3 months)

Friendship multiplies our happiness and divides our troubles.