Tracy Dueck
Special to the Langley Advance
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Tracy Dueck shares a few of her favourite cookie and high tea recipes, but has to keep her cupcake recipes a well-guarded secret, for obvious reasons.

"It's so important for me to share meaningful moments with my friends and family throughout the year, but at Christmas time, I really enjoy making those moments extra special with a delicious array of homemade treats like Christmas cookies, traditional high tea goodies, and of course, some holiday cupcakes."

FINGER SANDWICHES

Cucumber sandwich
6 slices of bread
* cup herb cream cheese

one cucumber, peeled and sliced lengthwise Spread the cream cheese on each side of the bread, preferably white. Lay cucumbers sliced lengthwise, on one side of the bread. Place one side on top of the other and slice off crusts on all four sides. Cut into three finger slices.

Egg salad sandwich
2 eggs, shredded for egg salad
2 tsp. mayonaise
dash of dill

Place two slices of bread on cutting board, spread with one Tbsp. egg salad. Place one side on top of the other and slice off crusts on all four sides. Cut into three finger slices.

Turkey (or ham) sandwich
2 slices turkey
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. mayonnaise

Place the bread (preferably whole wheat) on a cutting board. Lightly cover one side with one tsp. mayonnaise. Lightly cover one side with butter. Add two thin slices turkey or ham. Place one side on top of the other and slice off crusts on all four sides. Cut into three finger slices.

SPICY GINGER MOLASSES COOKIES

2 cups flour
1* tsp. ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
* tsp. cloves
* tsp. cinnamon
º tsp. salt
æ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
º cup molasses
additional sugar for rolling

Beat margarine until fluffy, add sugar, eggs vanilla and milk. Add dry ingredients. Bake at 375ºF until done (approx. 8-10 min.)

TRACYCAKES SUGAR COOKIES

1* cups margarine (or butter)
1* cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
8 tsp. milk
4 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
* tsp. salt

Beat margarine until fluffy, add sugar, eggs vanilla and milk. Add dry ingredients. Bake at 375ºF until done (approx. 8-10 min.) Frost with icing and enjoy! Share if you must...

BUTTER TARTS

1 cup brown sugar
* cup butter
1 cup raisins, currants or Craisins
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
* cup walnuts or pecans
*/* cup Creamo (half and half)

Boil water and pour over raisins, drain and add melted butter and remaining ingredients. Pour into unbaked tarts shells and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes.