Nani and the Cookies

It took my mom almost nine months to decide on her "grandma name."  In her defense she hasn't turned 50 yet and is thus way too young to be called "grandma."  My mom finally decided to be called "Nani," and she is an excellent Nani.  She loves to read books with JAC, play games and cuddle.  Unfortunately, JAC had a difficult time understanding that Nani was too sick to play.

JAC quickly recovered from his disappointment because Nani had a new toy - A Walker! While Nani was embarrassed to use a walker, JAC embraced the idea and raced around the house pushing the walker and bumping into things. I had to be careful or the walker would not be available when needed. My mom has now graduated to a cane but who would have guessed that a walker would actually make you a more awesome Nani?

To help Nani feel better we made her favorite fall cookies. We call them whole wheat critters and they are so delicious it is hard not to eat a whole batch in one sitting. Nani had a small child sized rolling pin and JAC helped roll out dough. He cut star shaped cookies and ate a good bit of dough. I'm pretty sure I've posted the recipe before but I'll post it again. Here is the recipe for Whole Wheat Critters:

2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. milk
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine flours and baking powder. Beat butter 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, honey, and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to beaten mixture, beating after each addition. Divide in half. Cover; chill several hours or overnight.

On floured surface roll half the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Using large cutters, cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Using fork, prick sparingly. Combine sugar and nutmeg, and sprinkle over crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes, cool on wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Makes 36 crackers-cookies.