This recipe will reward you with very decorative sugar cookies arranged in an unusual tableau. Sushi rice, which looks like snow, or whimsical red-hot candies are poured in a deep layer in a shallow container and are used to prop the cookies upright. In this way you can arrange women, men, kids, reindeers, trees, houses and what-have-you in the bowl, standing up, instead of laying flat on a plate. They look quite animated in their vertical stature. Their decoration comes from dissolved powdered food coloring. Powdered colors are dissolved in a bit of alcohol to a paint consistency, and then you literally paint your cookies. They not only look much more elegant than frosting-decorated cookies, but they are easier to make! Even pre-schoolers know how to wield a paintbrush, so get the kids involved.
- 1 batch Sugar Cookies (link), cut into shapes of your choice, baked and cooled
- Assorted powdered food coloring
- Small dishes or containers for each color chosen
- Vodka or almond extract
- Small artist’s paintbrushes
- Glasses of water
- Clean towel
- 8 cups sushi rice or red-hot candies
- Wide, shallow clear container
- For the Painting: Place about 1 teaspoon of powder in a small bowl; place each color in an individual bowl. Use a brush to stir in drops of vodka or extract until a paint consistency is reached. Refer to the photo for inspiration, painting hair, eyes, clothing, etc., going for a realistic or fantasy look, as desired. Use glasses of water and a clean towel to clean brushes between using various colors. Allow paint to dry for about 15 minutes or until dry to the touch. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container in single layers separated by parchment paper.
- For Display: Pour rice or candy in a bowl and arrange the cookies vertically, allowing the rice or candy to provide support. Depending on your choice of cutters, you could create a tableau using the whole depth of the bowl. For instance, larger trees or a house might be in the background, people and small animals in the foreground.
No comments yet.