Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl. Set aside. In a medium bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream the margarine, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix, then stir in vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients a little at a time. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake approximately 8 minutes or until edges of the crisps are lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to racks to cool.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Makes 8 ounces

• 5 to 6 grade A Madagascar vanilla beans
• 1 cup vodka (80 proof alcohol), see note

Special Equipment

• 8½ ounce swing-top glass bottle
• Funnel

Split each bean lengthwise to expose the seeds (do not scrape) and place the beans into the bottle. Add enough vodka to cover the beans completely by at least half an inch, leaving a little headspace in bottle. Secure the top on the bottle and give it a shake, and then store in a cool, dark cabinet. Shake the bottle every week or so (or when you remember). It can be used in six months, but for optimum flavor, aging twelve months is best. Once it’s ready, you can remove the beans, or if you’d like to get more flavor, you can leave them in, as the extract will continue to strengthen.

NOTE: While the odorless and tasteless vodka allows the full flavor of vanilla to shine, you may also use white rum (yields a sweeter vanilla flavor) or bourbon (yields a slightly sweet and smoky vanilla flavor). I say make one of each!

Don’t miss Sheryl Lister’s next delectable book,

A Perfect Pairing

COMING SUMMER 2023

Acknowledgments

My Heavenly Father, thank You for my life and for loving me better than I can love myself.

To my husband, Lance, you will always be my #1 hero!

To my children, family, and friends, thank you for your continued support. I appreciate and love you!

They always say to find your tribe and I’ve found mine. They know who they are. I love y’all and can’t imagine being on this journey without you. Thank you for keeping me sane!

Tracy Hale, thank you, thank you for your encouragement. Love you, girl!

A very special thank you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger, my editor, Junessa Viloria, and the entire Forever team. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having you in my corner.

To all my readers, thank you for your support and encouragement. I couldn’t do this without you!

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