Our Four Left Feet

Mr. E & I got a little adventurous this summer.  We took country-western dance classes.  Oh yes, we did.

{These cookies were for our instructor, who was a riot, and who was very patient with slow learners.}

We decided that we have spent too much of our lives in Texas and Oklahoma to NOT be able to 2-step.

And speaking of which, Mr. E went to elementary school in California where he did not have the horror of square-dancing in PE.  In Texas, I guess it's required learning.  The 2-step really would have been more helpful. 


{pictures from our first class...some of the 168 or so taken by kiddo.}

Anyway, here's what we learned in dance class...

• there is a two-step and a TEXAS 2-step...and that other dance, the one with the shuffling, that's not a 2-step at all.  That's the polka.  (The polka!)
• we learned the regular 2-step and two TURNS!  (That made me feel very glamorous.)
• we need practice.
• the two most fear-inducing words in the English language, "change partners."

The cookies: I've made boot cookies before, here and here, but I changed them up just a bit this time.

You will need:

• cowboy boot cookies
• royal icing tinted with AmeriColor warm brown, chocolate brown and grey
• disposable icing bags
• couplers
• icing tips: #2, #1
• squeeze bottles (2)
• silver luster dust
• vodka 
• small paintbrush
• small ramekin

 
Using a #2 tip, outline the cookie with chocolate brown icing.  Reserve some of this piping consistency icing.

Thin the chocolate and warm brown icing to the consistency of a thick syrup. Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit for several minutes. Stir gently with a silicone spatula before transferring to a squeeze bottle.


Fill in the heel and top section of the boot with chocolate brown icing.


Fill in the main part of the boot with warm brown icing.

Wait 1 hour before adding the details.


Using a #2 tip, pipe a spur and star detail with grey icing.


Using a #2 tip, add the details in chocolate brown.

Let the cookies dry overnight.


Mix 1/4 teaspoon silver luster dust with several drops of vodka.  Brush on the spur and star.  The alcohol will quickly evaporate, so add more vodka to the mixture as needed.


I'm thinking that if we sign up for the intermediate class, I should bring these along every week as peace offerings for all those toes I step on during the whole "change partners" ordeal.  Cookies make up for squished toes, right?

Have you ever taken a dance class as an adult?