The Workshops of David T. Smith Blog

These cookies are incredible - so light and flaky - it is more like eating pastry. We make these for almost every holiday. Chocolate is normally my favorite but these are irresistible . Store them in the fridge due to the cream cheese in the filling. For the cookie - 1 cup margarine – NOT Butter – will not make the same flaky layers 2 cups flour 1/2 cup half and half Sugar for tops of cookies Food coloring (if using) Mix margarine and flour with fingers until crumbly. Gradually add half and half. If using food coloring to tint the dough add it now. Mix until well incorporated and the dough can be lifted out easily with hands. Place in refridgerator until slightly cooled - 1/2 hour. Flour the counter well and roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters (Simple shapes work best with this dough) cut out your shapes. Dredge both sides of cookie through sugar. Bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes (until edges are slightly brown – slightly). Cool...

SOFT PRETZELS 1 (.25 ounce) package or 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 4 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 ½ cups warm water 4 cups flour (bread flour or all purpose) 2 cups warm water 2 tablespoons baking soda Melted butter Coarse salt and or Cinnamon In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your kitchen aid mixer, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in the 1 ½ cups of warm water. Add the flour to the mixture and mix until smooth and elastic. This can be kneaded by hand on a floured surface, about 8 minutes. Or, the easiest method, using your mixer with the dough hook attachment – about 8 minutes as well. The mixture will be smooth and stick slightly to the bottom of the bowl. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. If using the dough immediately, cover, and let rise for one hour. If you plan to make the pretzels later store the dough in the refrigerator – covered well. I have kept it in the refrigerator up to one day. When using refrigerated...

The design/ drawing details of the kitchen in these photos are featured in Primitive Place & Country Journal Magazine Spring 2012 Issue. The kitchen in this small 1860s cottage was similar to a lot of kitchens we have designed and built in the past. The kitchen area was broken up with several doors and windows so a conventional “Fitted Kitchen” would not fit the space. I designed the kitchen cabinets in varying styles, woods, and finishes so each had their own personality. We call this kitchen style our “Collected Kitchen.”

What a GREAT SHOW! We are sharing a terrific booth with Kristine & Kris, with Primitive Place Magazine. This is the best show for Early Antiques and reproductions I've seen in years. Nothing from China or across the water . . . . just as it SHOULD be; American Crafts Made By Americans! What a fine selection of primitives for your home, wonderful painted antiques & collectibles, Holiday items, etc. If you are looking for-that special gift, want to start your Christmas shopping or seeking something to add to your own collection . . This is the place!

Tomorrow is the last day of the Historic Home and Designer Craftsman Show. There was a great group of American artists in the show and we had a great group of buyers come through the show. I even talked to an Architect from California interested in period style kitchens. My salesman sample kitchen was also I big hit. I will be taking it to display at 2 more shows in the next 3 weeks. Check our Events page on our web site for my last 2 show dates of 2011.

 I am honored to work with publisher/editor, Kristine Berg Doss,and look forward to sharing my design skills, knowledge of antiques and history with their readers. A Primitive Place & Country Journal is the premier home and garden magazine featuring primitive and Colonial home tours, enchanting garden tours, savory recipes, simple craft projects, trash to treasure makeovers and more. Each issue is filled with inspiring photos and creative articles sure to intrigue you. If you have not subscribed to A Primitive Place & Country Journal, you will not want to miss out! My first article will appear in their Winter/Holiday 2011 issue scheduled to be released November 1st. Be watching for the big reveal of their Winter/Holiday 2011 cover and sneak peeks this Sunday! --David T. Smith