The Finer Cookie:
Sweet Sheep Sugar Cookies

Counting Sheep

By Kimberlie Robert

Since your return from Spain, days and weeks flew by, as the job of repairing the studio was underway. Business remained good, but it took on a new emphasis with the on-location work, as it opened up the creative limits in ways that was inspiring again. While you looked forward to getting your studio back, you found you were relishing the rush of spontaneous light.

Thinking of your oldest friend, the most sympatico of them all, you invite him for dinner to tell him about your new lover. You start by preparing dessert first, Sweet Sheep Sugar Cookies, cut out with your favourite cookie cutter, baked and painted in iridescent pink. Then you lined them up against the backsplash of your kitchen counter in memory of a trip to Greece. He convinced you to backpack across the island of Naxos, only to get lost looking for the Church of Fotodori. Hearing mountain bells jangling in a flock of sheep, you called over to the herder. He looked down at you from atop a ten foot Byzantine wall, and with no common language, you passed him a hand drawn map of your route. Snickering at the silly tourists, and pointing over the knoll, he said repeatedly: “Apo! Apo!” then turned to face his flock, and left you staring at the vast forest. Fifteen years later, you’re still trading sheep jokes.

So while making pasta, a simple tomato and chicken ragu and a bright green leafy salad, you tried to explain about the kindness, the sense of adventure, your lover’s sister, and your time in Galicia Spain. You also tried to describe the first date and the plate of Lemon Macarons, but frankly, you held back on those details.

Your friend uttered a liberal and boring list of platitudes: “Life is for the living. Tomorrow’s happiness will be determined by the choices you make today. Don’t be afraid to commit to a relationship that satisfies you and brings you joy.” And with that, he took a Sweet Sheep Sugar Cookie and nibbled the feet, then nibbled along the back, then ate the head and handed you the heart. You smiled at his cheesy answer and enjoyed the simple sweetness that only a sugar cookie can bring.

Preparing for sleep, you contemplated your future commitment for the first time. Your lover has given you every reason to open up and trust. There’s humility, and support and respect. You feel lost in the warmth of his heart, and feel it’s easy to move around freely. Maybe it’s time to take the leap. So with that you decide to let go, as you close your eyes and drift off to sleep.

Click here for the Sweet Sheep Sugar Cookies.

The Finer Cookie: A Delicious Affair sequel:

Lemon Macaron with a Tart Lemon Curd Center
Sour Cherry Amaretti
Sesame Coconut Shortbreads
Panellete de Pinyon
Hazelnut Lime Sticks
Espresso Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Coconut Alfajores
Cinnamon Wafers
Sweet Ricotta Peach Cookies
Currant Caraway Shortbreads
Chocolate Pretzels
Orange Truffles
Churros with Cinnamon
Pecan Polvorones with Muscovdo
Flourless Peanut Butter with Bourbon Soaked Peanuts and Smokey Bacon
Corn Meal and Olive Oil Biscotti
Browned Butter and Red Wine Brownies
Elsa’s Rye Cookies

Photographed by Kimberlie Robert