Recipe Linky Parties

Today I was stalking some other blogs, and I came upon two recipe linky parties.  I am super excited because I LOVE to bake and cook, but I hardly ever have time to do either.                                                    
had a holiday recipe linky party.  I have decided to share a deliciously, wonderful, amazing soup that I love during this time of year.

Loaded Potato Soup
8 potatoes
4 cans chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. fresh coarse ground black pepper
3/4 c. all purpose flour
2 c. cold water
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 c. colby-monterey jack cheese
1/4 c. bacon bits
1/4 c. green onions

Directions:
Peel potatoes, dice, then boil them.  While they are cooking, add broth, onions, salt, pepper, and water to another pot and simmer 20 minutes.  In another small pot, melt 2 sticks of butter and 3/4 c. flour together and then add to broth slowly.  Add 1 1/2 c. heavy cream slowly to thicken.  Simmer 20 minutes then add potatoes.  Garnish with cheese, bacon bits and green onions.

 
Klinger Cafe' is hosting a cookie recipe linky party.  My favorite cookies are almond sugar cookies.  They are delicious!

Almond Sugar Cookies
1 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. almond extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Glaze ingredients:
1 c. confectioners sugar
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
2-3 tsp. water
sliced almonds, toasted

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Beat in almond extract.  Combine flour, baking powder, salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Roll into 1-in. balls.  Place on a baking sheet.  Coat the bottom of a glass with cooking spray, dip in sugar, and flatten the cookies with the prepared class.  Bake at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, almond extract and enough water to achieve glaze consistency.  Tint with food coloring if desired, drizzle over cookies, then sprinkle almonds on top.

Whew...that's a blog and a half.  I hope you find these recipes inspirational and delicious!  After reading all those recipes and typing all this, it puts me in the mood to cook and bake!  You all have a very, Merry Christmas and a super duper New Year!