Key Lime Cookies

 It's been a tough week in our community.  When tragedy strikes, it can impact each of us in a different way.  Feelings of helplessness, anger, fear, sadness and hope abound.  As our family tries to make sense of all that has happened, I have found myself finding more joy in the small things.  I no longer take for granted that my two beautiful blessings: Josilin and Luke will be here, as they are, each day.  I'm hugging them a whole lot more and annoyed a whole lot less, because today is the only guarantee we have.  Moments like these cause me to pause and remember what is important and to worry a whole lot less.  Perspective.

 The community at large has responded with a strong showing of support for the family.  There have been over 1500 lime green ribbons hung on homes and businesses asking for prayer and healing.  There have been countless signs put up expressing hopes and prayers.  When I saw a Twitter request: "anyone want to bake for our lemonade stand tomorrow? All proceeds going to the H family" I knew I needed to respond.

Halfway through baking these, I did have a moment of questioning my sanity.  Was I really going to deliver cookies to a strangers' home?  In a time of helplessness, the desire to help can push us out of our comfort zone and so I carried on baking.  Lime needed to be the key ingredient as an acknowledgement of L's favourite colour.  The use of graham flour helps evoke the memory of key lime pie but in a cookie format.  It's a little harder to find, but worth seeking out.

 I have no idea if L would have liked these cookies, but I have a sense she would have tried one.  I hope you'll give them a try and when you do, say a prayer that a little girl will heal, mend and recover.  Say a prayer that her family will continue to be held in God's hands as they face each day.  And lastly, as their family twitter account told us all: Hold your children close, hug them, tell them you love them, and pray for them.
** Update: Want to hear how L is doing?  Check out her her site

Key Lime Cookies

1 c butter

3/4 c brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp grated lime zest

1/2 tsp salt

1 c flour

1 1/2 c graham flour

Beat the brown sugar and butter together until fluffy.  Add the vanilla and egg till blended.  Then add the lime zest, salt and flours.  Mix thoroughly.

Divide the dough in 2 portions.  Roll into log and wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill in fridge for approximately 1 hr minimum.

Preheat oven to 350F.  Take the logs out of fridge and cut into 1/3" slices and place on parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for approx 12 min.  Cool on wire rack

Icing

1/4 c fresh lime juice

1/4 c butter

2 Tbsp lime zest

2 c icing sugar (plus more if too thin)

pinch of salt

Beat together butter, zest and juice.  Gradually add icing sugar until desired consistency achieved. Add a pinch of salt if icing seems "too sweet". Once cookies have cooled, smear icing on top and serve. Enjoy!