Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies from Martha’s new cookie app
Did I ever tell you how much I adore Martha Stewart? I think she is the most amazing woman, and if I had to choose one living person in the world whom I admire the most, it would be her. I certainly do not aspire to be her (I prefer pampering and plenty of beauty sleep to hard work), but I do think she is an excellent role model for women. I love it that she is a self-made billionaire with humble beginnings. I love it that she is always poised and elegant. I love it that she says what she thinks, even if it’s not always the popular opinion. I love it that unlike most women on TV, she never uses (or used) her sexuality to move ahead. You will never see Martha suggestively licking an ice cream cone (like Nigella), or giving us more than an eyeful of cleavage (a la Giada)– even though in today’s world of celebrity, just wearing panties is positively prude! Martha is incredibly knowledgeable on so many subjects, and knows a “good thing” when she sees it. And did I mention that her recipes ALWAYS work? No kidding!!! Martha is a superstar! So I guess you can imagine how thrilled I was when on my visit to NYC I actually got to go to a live taping of the Martha Stewart Show!!! It was an experience I’ll always remember, and something I hope to do every time I visit New York.
Here is what I learned about going to a Martha Stewart Show:
Martha, even though I didn’t really get up close to her or anything, is positively radiant, really lovely. Martha is very in control of what goes on, so much so, that the taping of her shows work like a well oiled machine. Her staff corral the audience and get everything ready, so that all Martha has to do is walk in and set the magic in motion. She is so good at her job as host that she is able to tape the show live, no editing or mistakes, just perfection.
Joey, a member of Martha’s staff who hypes the audience up before the show, is awesome. Totally worth his weight in gold. He’s kind of like a funny little chipmunk.
You have to wear bright clothes, and it should be warm, as the studio is kinda chilly. I don’t actually wear a lot of bright colours, so I had to get something new. I chose a sweater kind of last minute… at the Gap *gasp*. It was okay, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I modelled it for Mr P, and unsurprisingly, he did not approve. Right before my trip, when Mr P should have been relaxing (he gets so little time off), he drove me all the way to Harvey Nichols (almost an hour away, I live so far from civilisation) and bought me the most lovely sweater 
. I’m not that sentimental, but I think I might just keep it forever. Whenever I wear it, I will always think of Martha and my lovely Mr P.
The new Martha Stewart Makes Cookies iPad app is totally worth the $7.99.
So, anyways, another thing I really like about Martha is the way that she really embraces technology. Martha Stewart Living Magazine and Everyday Food, in my book, are the best iPad magazines available. It’s especially great for me because living in the UK, you pay a premium for overseas magazines, and they are also not that easy to find. Instead of having unsightly piles of magazines, they are all nice and neat in my iPad, and right at my fingertips. Now I’ve got to be honest with you, I was very disappointed with Martha’s iPhone app, Martha’s Everyday Food. I actually deleted it. But I got to tell you, her newest cookie application is the shiz!!! I loved using it. It is beautiful to look at, and very user friendly. I highly recommend you download it ASAP. If you don’t have an iPad, then get with the program daaaahling! Everyone should have one of these babies in their designer handbag. It is an absolute essential!!! I’ll tell you on thing, I never leave home without an Apple product of some kind. They are like my desert island goodies I could not live without.
The old-fashioned sugar cookie is the first cookie recipe on the application. They are big and beautiful, and very simple. They don’t require too many ingredients, and they are sure to please. Tip: be sure to taste the batter, it is yummy 
–hey, you should be tasting batter, after all, if the batter doesn’t taste good, the cookies won’t either!
Before I go, I just want to wish all my American friends a very happy Thanksgiving! Eat a turkey leg pour moi daaaaaahlings!
Martha Stewart’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Makes about 20 (3 1/2-inch) cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, (2 sticks), softened
- 2 large eggs
- Sanding sugar, for sprinkling
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl; set aside.
Put sugars and lemon zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed 30 seconds. Add butter; mix until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and then the lemon juice. Reduce speed; gradually add flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
Scoop dough using a 2-inch ice cream scoop; space cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten cookies slightly with a spatula. Sprinkle tops with sanding sugar, then lightly brush with a wet pastry brush; sprinkle with more sanding sugar.
Bake cookies until golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks using a spatula; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Read more at Marthastewart.com: Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies – Martha Stewart Recipes
I know you don’t celebrate it, but Happy Thanksgiving!
How fun and Mr P is a doll for making sure you’re outfitted in style! That app looks so cool, very useful indeed!
Between the bigger than life personality that is Martha and the very delightful gesture that came from your love…no wonder you’re a happy gal.
Oh…and let’s not forget the joy of a fabulously tasting cookie ;o)
Ciao bella and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
I really enjoyed this and agree completely about Martha Stewart. I love her shows past and present and believe she should be credited for the entire food network, HGTV, and all else that sprung up from her beginnings on public TV, Her book “Cooking School” is, to my mind, one of the best instructional books about cooking to be found. I also appreciated the grace with which she accepted incarceration, and, instead of letting it destroy her, embraced it and found “good things” to do while in prison.
Your husband is a good man
SMOOCHES!
Lovely post they look delicious!
haha….i feel ya about paying a premium on overseas magazines. here, a copy of “O” runs about $17. (back in Canada i would’ve paid $6. outrageous.) thank God for the internet where i can read stuff for free!
An app for COOKIES?? genius! Wish I could have joined you at the Martha taping, sounds like a total blast! I will need to download this app asap. XO
Have a good weekend!
Thanks for the tip on the Martha app HH, I have to agree with you that Martha is a living treasure and your absolutely right. Her recipes always work.
It’s too bad Martha can’t pop over and read your lovely words. I completely agree, Martha is amazing! How great that you were able to be a part of her show! I’ve used her recipe many times and never have I been disappointed. Her cookies are always to pretty. Sugar cookies are perfect in their simplicity!
Dear HH, You are really sweet to check in on me. I so agree with your assement of the two App’s — you are right on! You were one lucky duck to actually get into her show, and stay warm . . .
HH lucky you to be in Martha’s show and to have so caring Mr. P!
Thanks for the info about the new apps!
Those delicious simple cookies with sugar crystal topping …. excellent!
Enjoy a creamy sugary delicious weekend dear!
Those cookies look damn good!
I will have to go an get the app, as my cookie making skills are rubbish!
I found a great site for downloading iPad magazines if you’re interested, I know there is a couple of home/womens.cooking type of magazines that might be of interest:
http://www.finddigitalmagazines.co.uk
Hope that is of use