November Expenses

Life in Taipei has been a lot of fun but it can get expensive very fast if we're not careful...

Review of Christmasland in New Taipei City 2018

If you're a foreigner living in Asia, then Christmas can be a bit different. But there are festivities here...

The Cost of Moving to Taiwan: The First Month

How much does it cost to move a family overseas? One important question to consider when moving abroad is: How much will this international move cost?

How to compare cost of living between countries

Will I spend more money in Taiwan compared to my home country? Less money?

Toy bank - aka the Taipei City Parenting Resource Center

Those of you who are parents probably know that kids tire of toys very quickly. So the Taipei city government has this great resource for parents with kids ages 0-6 years old, the toy rental bank!

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The Best Recipe for Cut-out Cookies for various Holidays

 So after numerous batches of different recipes for cut-out cookies with my kids, I've discovered the best cut-out cookies.

I discovered it here: Heart Tree Cut Out Cookie Recipe - A Spicy Perspective

She explains the best sugar cookie recipe here that I took to heart: Best Sugar Cookie Recipe (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspecve (aspicyperspective.com)

But in case she ever takes the recipe down, here is what I made with variations to local ingredients:

Cookies:

1 1/2 cups butter (I used coconut oil as it has the butter-like consistency in the winter)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 

1 teaspoon sea salt (I used 1/2 teaspoon regular salt) 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour + extra for rolling

I'm trying to figure out if I added 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. I think I will have to test this next time. 

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—5 minutes. Then add the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat to combine. With the mixer running, slowly add the flour until the dough is smooth. Then separate the dough and wrap it in 4 separate pieces. Place in the fridge and chill for at least one hour. (This dough could be made weeks in advance.)