I really wanted to find a small church to photograph for Christmas and thought I needed to go into downtown Atlanta—maybe along Peachtree Street. I was wrong. This community church provided a lovely setting for warmth and welcome. It is located near the Vinings area off Atlanta Road.

Cocoa keeps watch while patiently waiting on me to take photos. She is such a good dog!

And after we returned home there was time for Cocoa Paw cookies and a hot cup of decaf coffee—with Cocoa, of course.

Cocoa Paw Cookies

One thing I have discovered about this cookie is that it is best when served within a day or two after baking. It does not store well for several days. (Sort of like Cocoa Joy. The “wait” command does not work very well with this cookie.)

Cream together: 1/2 cup shortening and 1 2/3 cups sugar along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla

Add 2 beaten eggs

Melt 2 1 oz. unsweetened Chocolate squares

Sift together: 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder

Add to and alternate with dry ingredients: 1/3 cup milk

Mix well each time

Chill 2 to 3 hours

Form into 1 inch balls

Roll into : 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

Place on ungreased baking sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees (yields 3 dozen)