Happy Groundhog's Day!

Happy February 2nd, Groundhog's Day! We are HUGE fans of Groundhog's Day. In the past my family has traveled to Punxsutawney for the fantastic Groundhog celebration. They have a four day extravaganza featuring fabulous craft fairs, carriage rides, breakfast with Phil and sometimes Phyllis (Mrs. Groundhog), ice sculptures, and snow, snow, snow! Last year when we were there we got a Groundhog cookie cutter and a basic spice cookie recipe for Groundhog cookies.

Unfortunately, we couldn't make it to Punxy this year, but we still celebrated! Last night my girls and I made Groundhog cookies (recipe below), then at 7:15 this morning we watched Phil via live feed from Gobbler's Knob. Members of the inner circle woke Phil up from his stump and conferred with Phil, in Groundheese. Phil relayed to the Inner Circle President, that he did not see his shadow so Spring will arrive early! To complete our celebration tonight we'll watch Groundhog's Day the movie with Bill Murray.



However, after we watched Phil's predictions, we decided to put our own cookie groundhogs to the test. We had some conflicting predictions between Punxy Phil and our Groundhogs here. Both our Cookie Groundhog's saw their shadow, so winter around here is going to be in full force. At least until March 21st!



Groundhog Cookie Recipe
(we tweaked and made this one our own-Shawn)

1 cup of butter
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of molasses
2 Tablespoons of white vinegar
1 Tablespoon of Vanilla
2 eggs
5 cups of all purpose Flour
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda

Raisins for eyes


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugar and then add the rest of the ingredients up to and including the eggs. Mix until light and fluffy. On the top (without disturbing the bottom) add flour, spices, and baking soda. Mix so the flour incorporates with the spices and baking soda and then mix with the wet ingredients below. Once the dough is formed chill for about 2 hours in the fridge.
Roll out after chilling into groundhog shape (you could modify a bunny maybe if you don't have a cookie cutter) or just use a glass to make a round shape. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes. Add raisins at the end if you like to decorate. Cool on rack. Enjoy and dream of spring!