More Christmas Lights at Zoolights and Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe!

Yesterday evening Jim (my ex....but still not wanting to be my ex...gotta admit he has been a sweetheart lately) and I went to the zoo to see Zoolights! Every year they deck the zoo out in tons of Christmas lights and they extended the dates because of the winter storm that recently came through Portland. This is my first visit to Zoolights. Everyone has been telling me I need to go. It was a mild evening (42 degrees...if you can call that mild) so it was nice. Still, the first thing Jim did was get us both hot cocoas topped with whipped cream. I mean you know, he knew I didn't have enough sweets this holiday season. ;)

Double the whip cream and I'm in a dream!

Entrance to the zoo....

Beautiful archway....

Starfish!
Stacked animals, too cute....

Conservation sign....

Rest assured these are fake and not stuffed. :)


We felt like kids again and rode the train....

Inside the train looking out at the lights shaped like animals, okay I really feel like a kid now....

I love this snake wrapped around a tree....

I was explaining to this wolf that I had no idea where the three little pigs were then he started smelling me like I was raw meat or something! Okay, that was kinda weak. I never said I was a comedian.

I swear this guy had this goat trained using one of those clicker things. Every time he clicked it the goat would turn in a circle to get his treat. I want one!! Goat, not treat.


I shoved all the kids out of the way so I could get a good shot of these animals at the petting zoo....and I am NOT a bully!

Okay all, here is the Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Recipe! You will love it! I've always liked it better than the regular sugar cookie recipe.

CREAM CHEESE SUGAR COOKIES

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. butter

1 (3 oz. ) pkg. cream cheese

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg yolk

2 1/4 c. flour

Combine and blend all ingredients except flour. When well mixed add flour. Chill for a couple of hours. Roll 1/3 of the dough at a time 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes or until just edges are light brown. Makes 5-6 dozen.

Simple, easy and delicious!

Enjoy!