Excerpt from Erin's Adventures In Dreamsville and holiday recipe, Ireland's Charming Cinnamon Cookies

 Introduction:

Little did Erin O'Malley know that she was about to experience the most life altering year of her existence. The sudden passing of her Aunt Ireland would bring bittersweet emotions along with newfound friends. Their special tea parties and blissful Sundays spent baking would always remain treasured memories in Erin's heart. However, this was not the only treasure which Erin bared, for Erin's aunt left a part of her legacy underneath a blue blanket in the closet. Curiosity of the unknown only heightened the excitement of what Erin was about to reveal about her aunt as well as herself. Either way, nothing or no one could have prepared her for what came next, like her aunt's secret life and Erin’s purpose in it all.

 Excerpt from Chapter One:

Erin recalled peering out of the window, remembering a certain instance with her aunt.  “Come to the kitchen!” Aunt Ireland yelled.  Erin skipped into the kitchen, where her aunt had a beautiful tray of Erin’s favorite cookies, cinnamon sugar.  Erin sat at the kitchen table eating her cookies and sipping an icy, cold glass of milk.  While Erin was gobbling down her goodies, her aunt would be preparing the tray with dainty teacups for tea time.  The sight of the silver tray sent Erin from her chair and immediately to her aunt’s side.  “Is this what I think it is?” Erin asked.  Aunt Ireland had nodded “yes,” picked up the tray, and lead Erin into the Florida room.  The Florida room was one of Erin’s favorite places in the house, because the French doors led to a balcony, which overlooked the enchanting woods.  Erin recalled Aunt Ireland placing the tray on the white, wrought iron table and taking her hand, as they moved towards an old, wooden chest.  Erin always smiled at the cheerful paintings of children playing in colorful autumn leaves.  There was another painting that she was extremely fond of, which consisted of children sledding beside a quaint, snowy cottage.  She particularly loved the way the smoke bellowed from the chimney, while a small family gathered out front, enjoying mugs of something delicious.  Erin liked to imagine it was hot chocolate with lots of mini marshmallows.

Ireland's Charming Cinnamon Cookies:

3 tbsp. white sugar 

1tbsp. ground cinnamon 

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup butter (softened)

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups of all purpose flour

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Pinch of nutmeg

1. Preheat oven @ 300 degrees F.

2. Combine 3 tsp. white sugar and cinnamon with pinch of nutmeg in a bowl and set aside.

3. Blend dark brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl with mixture on medium speed. Add butter and blend until grainy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy. 

4. Whisk flour, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to sugar mixture, mixing at low speed just long enough to combine. Over mixing will make the cookies tough!

5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then roll each ball into cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 300 degrees F for 18-20 minutes. Remove from sheets and let cool on racks. Caution: Eating these cookies may cause you to smile and be surrounded by family and friends!

About The Author, Michelle Tighe

Michelle Tighe, a New Jersey native, graduated from Gloucester City High School and has worked as a Legal Secretary for the past seventeen years. She is happily married and has a son. Michelle has always enjoyed writing poetry and reading. She is excited to pursue her lifelong dream of publishing Erin’s Adventures in Dreamsville, a children’s book.Serendipity Media Group Publishing

For Sale in softcover and e book format.