How To Treat Yourself To Coffee, Cookies, & Cake Like Marie Antoinette Would

I don't think there is anything wrong with being indulgent every now and then. Life has so much to offer and we have the right to enjoy the pleasures of life when we can. So get into your silk night gown (maybe even top your head with a feather hat), put your feet up, and lick some sugar. When you work hard, you deserve it. Everything in moderation, right?

My grandmother baked a cake last week and the smell of it baking in the oven was absolutely divine. It immediately sparked an idea for my next recipe post. I think you all will really enjoy this one. With the fall season around the corner, I'm craving warm comfort foods, like cakes and cookies, more than ever. The cinnamon and buttery aromas will turn your home into a pastry palace, just as Marie Antoinette would have approved.

First, I'll begin with the cinnamon sugar cookies. These cookies are my favorite because they're simple to make and most people love it. When I was attending elementary school through high school, I remember all my friends would beg me for this cookie recipe. It was hilarious because, really, it's just a plain sugar cookie. Yet somehow, to my friends, it tasted so different. It was wholesome, natural, and made with love. These cookies are a Swedish favorite passed down from my grandmother. It uses all natural ingredients and I think that's what separates these cookies from the rest of the Americanized sugar cookies that use way too many preservatives. I especially love that you can make these cookies ahead of time, and freeze some batches away for later. When you're ready to take some for coffee or tea with friends/ family, just pull out the cookies and pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. That is how you do it. That's the natural way. You never need to use preservatives. Ever. So here is how you make them...

WHAT YOU NEED:

- Food processor (you can also do this by hand, it just takes more time and a little added effort)

- 2 cups of all purpose flour

- 1/2 cup of sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

- 3/4 cup of margarine or butter

- For garnish, pearl or regular sugar. Here, I used cinnamon.

INSTRUCTIONS: (borrowed from "Swedish Cakes & Cookies" recipe book).

1). Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees F.

2). Combine the dry ingredients and cut in the butter, kneading lightly. I used a food processor and combined all my ingredients in there.

3). Form dough into 1 1/2 inches thick ropes and roll in cinnamon. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a least one hour.

4). Cut into slices. Place cookies on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

5). Bake in the center oven rack for around 10 minutes.

The cinnamon cake is another wonderful Swedish favorite passed down from my grandmother. She made this cake last week for my mom who was returning from a business trip. It's one of her favorites. I was excited to try something new. Of course, it's amazing so I feel obligated to share this one with you as well. Here is a little fun fact: According to the recipe book that it comes from, it says this cinnamon cake won an award back in 1965. An award for its fabulousness? Most likely. So here's what you need to know to make the famous Swedish cinnamon cake.

WHAT YOU NEED:

- round pan for baking

- 3 eggs

- 3/4 cup of sugar

- 1 cup all purpose flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 tablespoon cinnamon

- 5 tablespoons of margarine or butter

- 1/3 cup of water

- For garnish, powdered sugar or sliced almonds