Breast. Cancer. Two words that no one ever wants to hear. But the truth is, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and of those diagnosed only 5-10% is inherited.

Over the years I have watched countless co-workers, friends and family members fight this brutal disease. Having watched so many go through this battle, breast cancer is something that has always concerned me and because of this, something that I try to educate myself about.

That is why I was grateful for the opportunity to attended the Mad Hatter Tea Party event hosted by  in Richardson, Texas. This beautiful, thoughtfully planned and elegant event was not only inspiring, but very educational as well. The Mad Hatter Tea Party, honored breast cancer warriors currently in their fight against breast cancer, survivors and their supportive friends and family. I was honored and humbled to walk among them, to listen to their courageous stories and to show my support.

In addition to adorable decorations, tasty food and drinks, fun crafts and sisterly bonding, the tea party gave guest the opportunity to tour the new 3D Mammography, offered at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, and learn more about the future of breast cancer prevention from the keynote speaker, Dr. Jenevieve Hughes, a renowned breast cancer surgeon. This new 3-D technology, called tomosynthesis, takes multiple images of the breast, at different angles, giving doctors the most accurate view. Since this technology is more accurate, catching breast cancer in it’s earliest stages (being able to detect cancer that is smaller than a grain of sand), which requires fewer callbacks for additional imaging; patients are given more peace of mind and better treatment options.

As I sat around enjoying our spot of tea and a day of pampering, on a warm Texas afternoon, I felt more inspired than ever to encourage my friends, family and sisters to be vigilant in the fight against breast cancer and remind them of the importance of mammograms. I also want to take this time to encourage you all, as well, to be vigilant in fighting breast cancer and supporting those who’s lives have been affected by this disease.

Even if you could not attend the event, I hope you fell inspired to create your own Breast Cancer Awareness Tea Party to honor your friends and family and remind them that early detection is key to prevention! Since no tea party would be complete without a cup of tea and a sweet treat, these Lemon Berry Tea Cookies are a delightful way to get the conversation started about breast cancer prevention and 3D Mammography, as well as honor and brighten the day of those you love who have fought or are fighting this battle.

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Lemon Berry Tea Cookies

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Buttery lemon cookies with a berry jam filling and a drizzle of sweet lemon glaze. 

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Ingredients

• Cookies:
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup room temperature unsalted butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup mixed berry, raspberry or strawberry jam
• --
• Lemon Glaze:
• 1–1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1-2 large lemons)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in egg, lemon juice and zest, beating until well combined.
4. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, to butter and beat until well incorporated and dough comes together to form a ball.
5. Using a cookie scoop, form dough into one-inch balls and arrange several inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Flatten balls slightly with your thumb or the back of a small spoon, leaving a small indentation in the center of the dough.
6. Bake cookies at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. After baking, indentations look shallow, further define them with the back of a spoon and immediately fill each indentation with approximately ½ – 1 teaspoon jam. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Right before serving, prepare glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar and lemon juice. Add additional sugar, if needed, to reach desired consistency.

Notes

Note: Cookies can be stored in an air tight container for 3-5 days, however, should be glazed before serving (since the jam will cause the glaze to change colors if sitting too long).

Breast cancer and breast cancer prevention is a serious topic and should be taken seriously by every woman. If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I encourage you to check out the 3D Mammography, offered at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. For more information about 3D Mammography, visit Methodist Richardson online, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. It is important to note, that while you do not need a doctor’s order for a 3D screening mammogram, you will need to provide a doctor’s name who will then review the results.