I had so much fun decorating Easter sugar cookies a few weeks ago that I decided that it was time to bring out the spring cookie cutters and make a few dozen edible flowers and butterflies. What better way to bring Mother Nature’s exuberance inside than to bake cookies in shapes inspired by her and decorate them to pay homage to her designs.

Easter came even though we were hidden away. Easter came even though there were no hymns to celebrate its arrival. Easter came in spite of the mandate to keep our distance. And to bring joy to me and mine, I made cutout cookies by the dozens in shapes that remind me of life’s glory and abundance ... butterflies, eggs, bunnies, crosses, flowers, sheep, carrots (yes, carrots!). In spite of the craziness of our current situation, I sent out dozens of cheerful sugar cookies as sweet messengers of hope to those I love.

Feeling out of sorts these days? Know someone who could use a hug? Time for the ultimate comfort food: Trail Mix Cookies. They’re crispy on the edges, chewy on the inside and full of nuts and dried cranberries. They have a buttery, brown-sugar flavor that feels like a bear hug from your favorite person. My dad is that person for me. Who is your best hugger?