Citrus always brightens up a dreary winter day. These Orange Drop Cookies with Orange Cream Icing are the perfect bits of edible sunshine for the winter!
I was lying in bed last night, my mind wandering to this and that, when I realized that Dine & Dish had an anniversary last month and I totally forgot about it! Yes – Dine & Dish turned NINE in November and like an old married couple, I totally let her special day go by without even a word to celebrate. How rude of me!
Obviously, turning 9 means a lot more to me than my lack of acknowledgement shows. Friends… NINE years of blogging is a big thing and I am so thankful to you all for sharing in this journey with me for so long! I had no idea when I started Dine & Dish 9 years ago that it would turn into what it has today. Who knew back then that blogs would grow in popularity, numbers, and be more common place than not? I certainly didn’t. In fact, nine years ago, when I would mention writing a blog, I’d often be met with blank stares… no one knew what blogging was. Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter were non-existent. It was an entirely different online world back then than it is now.
I’ll be honest, parts of me mourn those days – the good old days – but other parts of me are incredibly appreciative of the opportunities sent my way because blogging has become more mainstream. It’s one of those things where I fondly look back on the old days, but also lovingly look ahead to the future of blogging. A lot of exciting things are happening in this space for a lot of people.
As I reflect on the past 9 years one word comes to mind…gratitude. I’m so grateful to you all for sticking by my side, coming to this little space of mine, and sharing in my life with each post. There have been a lot of ups, downs and in betweens in my life in the past 9 years and Dine & Dish and your friendship and company has been one constant that motivates me to keep this space alive. As the “competition” for readers grows with each new blog on the map, I know you have a lot of people vying for your attention. Thank you for making the choice to let Dine & Dish be a part of your busy life. It truly means the world to me.
Things will be changing slightly after the dawn of the new year. One of my dearest blogging friends, Bree, has taken her blog into a realm I’ve admired for some time now, and I’ve felt the pull to get back to my roots more like she has. I can’t wait to take you along on my journey!
Thanks again, friends. You mean the world to me.
–Kristen
(And I hope you enjoy this Orange Drop Cookie recipe from an old church cookbook. These little nibbles are so, incredibly good… you’ll want to double or even triple the recipe because they’ll go fast! Enjoy!)
Orange Drop Cookies with Orange Cream Icing
Ingredients
- For the orange drop cookies:
- 2/3 cup shortening
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 Tablespoon grated orange rind
- 2 cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the icing:
- 2 cups confectioner sugar
- 2 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon grate orange rind
- Approximately 2 Tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- For the cookies:
- Mix shortening, sugar and egg. Stir in orange juice and rind.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool and ice with Orange Butter Icing.
- For the icing:
- Blend sugar and butter. Stir in orange rind and orange juice until smooth.
Nine is FINE, Kristen! What a milestone and an accomplishment — congratulations! I’m a couple o’ years behind you on that front… you set the bar high. Wishing you every good thing for your tenacious and forward-embracing spirit! (Plus, I’ve been looking for a new cookie to add to my hubby’s lunchbox — thank you for your recipe!)
Thank you so very much, Kim! I’m pretty proud of making it this long and hope to continue for a long time to come, if people will still have me 🙂
Kristen, there seems to be a core contingency of “been there, done that” bloggers (folks who’ve been around since the beginning — or at least “around the block a time or two”), and one of the joys o’ my life is connecting with them — and YOU, no matter how randomly. Everybody understands, knows the ropes, and deals with “real life” at this point. Blogging is a part of ’em, not the whole story! No doubt in my mind that people will still have you for years to come! 🙂
These look SO good, I love how fluffy and pillowy they are! Definitely a good way to brighten up a cold, dreary day!
Indeed, Roxana. I love fresh citrus in everything this time of year to ward off those winter blahs.
Happy 9 years my beautiful friend! Thank you for being a part of my life and such a huge role model for the entire blogging community! Love you! xo
Thanks, friend! I really appreciate it and your support!
i enjoy your blog very much. The cookies remind me of the orange cupcakes I used to love (still would but don’t buy them anymore:( I will have to try these..
Oh Joyce, thank you so much for being here and for your sweet comment!
Definitely give these cookies a try… they are so good!
9!! Congrats! I am so happy you started this blog and that you are my friend! I heart you so much!
Can you believe I’ve survived this long? It was touch and go there for a bit but thanks to friends like you, I made it! Here’s to 9 more!
Happy birthday to your beautiful site. I am so excited to see what this next year has in store. You have always done such an incredible job with it all and I know whatever you do, it will be magnificent. I love you, my friend! xo
Thank you for paving the way, sweet friend! Love you much!
CONGRATULATIONS! 9 years – that’s fantastic! I am so happy that you started blogging and that I found your blog – it’s one of my favorite! These cookies look like a perfect treat to go with a mug of coffee – so you! Love it!
You have always been such a huge supporter and for that I’m forever thankful! Hope we can meet for coffee someday 🙂
Congratulations on 9 years of inspiring me and so many others! You are a wonderful, sensitive, caring person. Oh, and a darn good cook! BUT…I take offense at your opening jab at an old married couple! We are there…but we still remember our anniversary and all the love between then and now. Just as you do with your hard work! ☺️
Hahahaha! OK you are right… like “most” old married couples (ok like I imagine Nick and I to be)… not the sweetest and most loving married couple I know 😉
and PS – you are far from the old I was referring to 😉
They say if you can get through 3 years, you’ve made it. So I’d say 9 is amazing> Here’s to a great new year – I’m sure whatever you do with your site, will be wonderful. Like you!
Congrats on 9 yrs….this looks great….I love anything orange and you rarely see an orange cookie recipes….thanks for posting this, I will be making it for sure….. love your blog……and Merry Christmas…..
9 years!! Wow, congrats! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for the future.
I LOVE Dine & Dish just the way it is, but you have my support to make all the changes you want. 🙂 I love your work. Happy 9 years!!!
Congratulations on 9 years of great recipes, great stories, and gorgeous photography!! Here’s wishing you many, many more.
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for letting us into your life. 🙂
wonderful blog! I will try your recipe soon