Tea Time with Mazama

I recently became aware of the new Portland based company Mazama and instantly fell in love. Started by a talented group of designers and crafters, they make the most beautifully hand-crafted ceramic drinking vessels. So when they asked if I wanted to put together a little post on their blog sharing how I would use their mugs I immediately obliged. Because I'm pregnant I was a little limited in my drinking options but decided on a lovely tea time with cookies. So simple and special, recipe below.

Tea:
I bought a delicious loose leaf tea from a favorite fair trade brand of mine called Marble and Milkweed. But you can also easily buy and mix your own bulk loose leaf tea.

Cookies:
Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies
Adapted from Martha Stewart

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup unsalted butter, (2 sticks), softened
2 large eggs
Sanding sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl; set aside.

Put sugars and lemon zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed 30 seconds. Add butter; mix until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and then the lemon juice. Reduce speed; gradually add flour mixture, and mix until just combined.

Scoop dough using a 1-inch ice cream scoop; space cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten cookies slightly with a spatula. Sprinkle tops with sanding sugar.