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............ sixty years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth ............. and a very proud day for all of England. I'm here in London, visiting my daughter and her family and I've loved seeing all the delightful festivities. Today was the final day of celebrations; a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, a lunch at Westminster Hall, a carriage parade to Buckingham Palace and the culmination - a balcony appearance by the Royal Family. The streets were packed with well-wishers and loyal citizens, many who had queued for untold hours, just to get a glimpse!
Lilly is two and a half and is delightful, full of life, energy and........ a zillion shenanigans - she has kept me laughing, almost non-stop. We have traipsed all over this end of London, visiting parks, riding bikes, talking (Oh, how she LOVES to talk!), playing games and just hanging out together. And although we didn't venture into the heart of the Jubilee activities, we did see evidence of the loyalty and great British patriotism - there were celebratory decorations; flags, bunting and every imaginable paraphernalia in royal red, white and blue - everywhere we went! Check out a few photos from our day.
Oh, don't let me forget the cookies ............
............ After returning home from our adventures today, we took naps (much needed, after all the walking and scootter-ing!) and then decided to bake cookies. Being in London, it really wouldn't do, to bake just any kind of cookie! I decided on a recipe I've had my eye on ever since my daughter received Cake Days - the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook as a Christmas gift. The book hails from a famous cupcake shop here in London which has gained notoriety all over the world. I've always been quite smitten by Snicker-doodle Cookies and the Hummingbird Bakery version looked especially delicious. I wasn't disappointed with the results; crisp, crackly, cinnamon-y exteriors with soft tender interiors. Lilly thought they were yummy too!
Hummingbird Cupcake Shop Snicker-doodle Cookies
Ingredients:
4 ounces (120g) butter, softened
1 ½ cups (320g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 ¼ cups (480g) all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients for rolling the dough balls:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, mix well and scrape down bowl, mix again to ensure all ingredients are combined well.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions and mix until combined.
3. Preheat oven to 325°F.
4. Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon into a small bowl. Scoop up dough in approximately 2 tablespoon-size pieces and roll into balls. Roll these balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture making sure they are completely coated.
Laurie says
These snickerdoodle cookies are AMAZING! I love the thickness of the cookies but yet they are light and tasty. I never was fond of other recipes for snickerdoodles but now I found a new favorite! They are also so easy to make too
Thanks for sharing...I love your recipes...
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Laurie! I'm so happy you enjoyed them. This recipe has been buried in the Café archives. I'm so happy you found it!
Patricia Ann Holden says
I just made these. Was surprised how dense and thick they are. Seems wrong although they taste good. I triple read the recipe to confirm I left nothing out. Hmmm. I doubt I'll make them again but I thnk they're not bad.
Shar says
These look fabulous, and I have been on a quest for the "perfect" Snickerdoodle for ages! Looking forward to trying them, but I wanted to make sure that quantity for the butter is right--only 4 oz.? My other recipes have been double the butter/shortening amount.
Chris Scheuer says
That is correct Shar - enjoy!
bellini says
What a special day you had Chris.Pinned and on the list to try.
Sally says
I made these shortly after this was originally posted and have made them several times since. They are the best!
hobby baker says
Love this post - it's been 20 years since I've been to London. Had it pinned to try and finally made a half batch of the cookies tonight. And they are delightful! My daughter loved them too, I'll have to make another full batch! And find a copy of the book... 😉
lena says
Lilly is so adorable! wow, i would think small kids like lilly riding scooters is such a cool thing to do!! It makes me smile reading that she waits for you to catch up!
JMCD says
She is adorable! Lucky Grammy.
I am getting my first grandaughter in early July. Can't wait.
Veronica Miller says
Awww, love that you got some family time in lovely London during such a fun festive time! Your grand-daughter is soo adorable. The cutest kitchen helper ever! I love how nice and fluffy your snickerdoodles are. Mine always come out flat! boohoo
renee @ Singing With Birds says
I'm on the first plane out to join you and Lilly. What a cherri-o good time and your pictures and cookies are smashingly good. Enjoy the rest of your time together.
Paula {Salad in a Jar} says
Granddaughter is too cute. Enjoyed your pictures of the festive spirit.
Ginny says
She is just beautiful, and what gorgeous big eyes!!! What a blessing to be able to have this time just the two of you together!!! I love your shot of the decorations and double-decker bus, and other shots of London, you have given us a very good overview!
Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says
Lilly is such a sweetie! What a great time to bond with your grandchild.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a wonderful day you had together. Lilly is just gorgeous and those eyes. She could have looked up at me and I'd give her the whole plate of biscuits if she asked.
You'll never guess what I have on my to do list today (I wrote it earlier in the week)... make snikerdoodles! I just chose them because I like the name but now I can't wait to make them.
Eri says
Oh I cant get enough of this pretty face, Lilly is such a cute little girl!
I love your cookies, you know I was wondering what is the Snicker doodle thing, I;m going to make them for the weekend!
Hugs my friend, and have a safe trip back home.
bellini says
Lilly and Snickerdoodles, what more could you want!
SharShar says
Thanks for the sweet memories. My husband and I just returned from a European tour that started in London and we can't get enough of that lovely city!
Vicki Bensinger says
How nice to be able To spend quality time with one grandchild and how nice for your daughter and son in law to have such a great mom that will do this for them. My mom and dad were the same way and still babysit but for my dogs now.
I always enjoy your stories with your grand kids this is especially sweet. These snicker doodles look so fluffy and light, certainly not like the ones I've had. They look wonderful. I'm saving this recipe and may have to check out this book on amazon.
Have a great time in London.
Susan says
London looks so pristine and proper. I enjoyed your photos, especially of Lilly. Enjoy your stay. I know they all love having you there. Susan
Kim says
This little Lilly is soooooooooo cute!!!!! And she looks like she enjoys the super cookies! Actually I have this book at home (present too) and I think you make me want to bake these cookies!
Sandra Lee says
You and Lily had quite an adventure in and out of the kitchen. The cookies look like pillows of Yummy and so glad you are having fun. Lily is a cutie pie!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh what fun! It sounds like your having a blast!! Lilly is just adorable! I love the pciture of her holding the cookies! Snickerdoodles is one of my all time favorite cookes and your look delish!!
Chatty Crone says
You're cookies are cute - Lilly is beautiful!
Mom To Chef says
Amazing.
Mom to chef
Hovkonditorn says
Ohh, how lovely it must be to spend time with your grandchildren! The cookies looks so delicious! And the picture of Lilly with cookies in her hands is so sweet 🙂 Cheers!