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What inspired you to write your cookbook, One Dough Fifty Cookies?

I wrote an article for Gourmet Magazine in 1995 on making 10 Christmas cookies from one dough. The idea was so well received, I decided to expand it into a book. The master dough is my great Aunt's recipe and still everyone's favorite butter cookie recipe, and as I discovered, it is the beginning of many other fabulous cookies.

Do you think people are baking as much as they used to? Why or why not?

I get asked this question a lot, and my answer is yes and no. Today's sped up life styles make extensive baking and cooking from scratch difficult. But at the same time there is also a new appreciation in our culture, of good, quality food, and cooking has never been so popular. As far as baking, perhaps time consuming cakes and breads are made less often, but I think people still enjoy baking batches of cookies that are simple and instantly rewarding.

You teach a lot of cooking classes. What tips do people need to know for baking great cookies?

• Use good ingredients. It's better to eat 2 cookies made with butter than a dozen without.
• Measure carefully and correctly. Dry ingredients are spooned into dry measuring cups and the excess is swept away with a straight edge. Save your Pyrex measuring cup for liquids.
• If your baking powder is old, replace it. It's the cheapest ingredient in your pantry. Same with your spices. Do they still have flavor?
• Bake on sturdy, uncoated aluminum pans like Doughmakers Bakeware. Dark non-stick coated steel will burn the bottoms of your cookies, and air-insulated pans will not allow them to cook through properly.

What are the advantages of using a cookie press?

Cookie presses, or "spritzers" as my family calls them, produce perfect, identical professional looking cookies. This is also a fast way to turn out dozens of cookies.

What kinds of things do you look for in selecting a cookie press?

A cookie press should be sturdy, simple to use, and hand-operated. Battery operated presses break easily and don't allow the cook to get the feel and rhythm necessary to turn out cookies fast.

Can children use a cookie press?

A cookie press with a one-click squeeze handle, which extrudes the correct amount of dough, is easiest for children to use. They have a great time—it's better than play dough!

What are your favorite recipes for use with a cookie press?

The Master Dough from my book One Dough Fifty Cookies, is the only dough I use to "spritz". Different flavors such as cinnamon, lemon zest, cocoa, instant coffee, etc. can be added, and sugars, chopped nuts and dried fruits can be used to decorate. The following recipe is the first in my book. Each recipe thereafter uses half the dough to start.

1. Cream together the butter, sugar, and salt. Add the yolks and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add the flour, gradually, beating on low speed until incorporated and the dough comes together.
2. Gather the dough into a ball and divide evenly in half to make other cookies from the book.
3. When using a cookie press, fill the canister fitted with the desired disc with dough. Holding the bottom of the press firmly against a cool clean aluminum baking sheet, click the handle once and quickly remove the press. Immediately move to another spot on the sheet and repeat. Brush the cookies lightly with the egg white and sprinkle with desired decorations.
4. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until pale golden around the edges. Transfer cookies to racks to cool.

Where can we find more of your recipes?

My second cookbook is called Simply Shrimp, Salmon and Fish Steaks with great recipes for every day delicious fish. Both books can be purchased at books stores nation wide, on Amazon.com, or on my web site WhiskWise.com. Each month I create a new menu for Clabber Girl baking powder on their web site, BakewithLove.com and periodically there are new Original Doughmakers recipes at Doughmakers.com.