Does a body good

For those of you unfamiliar with biotechnology (what, you're NOT familiar with biotechnology?), the funny little "Y" symbol above represents an antibody. It's also my company's logo. And for those of you unfamiliar with township zoning laws, it is really, really, really hard to get approval to put something as simple as a little Y-shaped antibody on the side of a building. I should know, because I've been working for months to get approval for my company to put that little sucker up. Yesterday I managed to score a meeting with the township officials to review my application and decided that I would try to win their favor with cookies. Anybody who knows me knows that if they want to win me over (or apologize to me, cheer me up, express their love, etc.) they should give me some cookies - right Joe? So I figure that all people can be bought with cookies.

I didn't want to bring just any cookies to my meeting though - I wanted to be memorable! So I spent Sunday making antibody shaped sugar cookies to bring to my meeting. And I have to say, I'm quite proud of how they turned out:


I made an antibody-shaped template from an index card and cut the shape out of Pillsbury sugar cookie dough. For the frosting, I wanted something that would harden nicely so I could transport my cookies easily. I found this recipe on All Recipes and it was perfect. I halved it since I only had about 15 cookies to ice (the below is for the full recipe). I used M&Ms to complete the treats - teal ones that I had left over from my company holiday party and black ones that I picked from a bag of Halloween M&Ms. I like to think that the township people were impressed with my creativity and wit - I was! ;)

Sugar Cookie Frosting

4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup shortening
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring (I left it white)

In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.