A cookie a day ~White Chocolate Orange Cookies

Well, I am so glad I stumbled across this cookie recipe, it includes two of my favorite flavors, white chocolate and orange.  Where I live we are slated to get walloped with snow starting this evening.  The weird thing is it hasn't started snowing yet but many local schools have let out early.  I am hoping it doesn't end up to be as bad as they are predicting, because, even though we have hardly had snow this winter, I really don't want to get it now with March on the horizon.  Good time to stay home and bake I guess, which means I need to run out and get more flour and brown sugar, just in case!   :)

White Chocolate Orange Cookies
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
grated zest of 1 orange
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 pkg. white chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 375.  Beat the butter and sugar.  Add the egg, orange zest and vanilla.  Stir in the dry ingredients and the chips.  Using a spoon drop onto a cookie sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes.

A cookie A day ~ Vanilla Crescents

Well winter is hitting Minnesota this week.  Had snow yesterday, and now a bigger storm is predicted starting tomorrow night.  I don't really mind this except for the fact that it's almost March and I would prefer getting this crap in December so we could be done with it by now.  Of course, Mother nature has never worried about my wishes - ha!  If you are staying home in the next few days, you may as well bake to warm up the house and make it smell good too - here is a yummy cookie you can try!

Vanilla Crescents
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. ground almonds (or pistachios!)
2 tbsp. sugar
1 c. powdered sugar

Preheat your oven to 350.  Cutt the butter into the flour and mix until you have something that resembles fine breadcrumbs.  Add vanilla, stir in the ground nuts and sugar.    Work the dough together until you have a soft dough. 
Roll small pieces of doung into about 1/2" wide and 2" long, shape into crescents.  Bake for 20 minutes or until light golden brown.  Remove from baking sheets.  Cool.  Roll into powdered sugar.

A Cookie A Day ~ Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

I have had a busy day, but what I accomplished, I could not tell you.  I did make a run to the grocery store and I picked up coconut, which I was out of.  That allowed me to whip up these cookies, which I do love.  I am making a lemon/chicken/pasta dish for supper, I feel like between the schedules in this house, I haven't made supper all week.  Without further ado - here is the recipe - so I can get going on supper!

Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 c. flour
2 c. quick cooking oatmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. flaked coconut

In a mixing bowl cream butter, sugar and vanilla,  Add eggs.  Stir in dry ingredients and coconut.  Drop by spoonful or scoopful onto baking sheet.  Bake @ 325 for 14-16 minutes!

Red Velvet S'more Cupcakes - you are welcome!

Okay - I was just in the exercise room, walking very quickly on the treadmilll.  While I was doing this I was reading my February issue of REDBOOK magazine.  In the magazine, towards the back this recipe is what I found - YUM.  Good thing I worked out if I have to make and sample these!

Red Velvet S'more Cupcakes
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. sugar
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch of salt
3/4 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. canola oil
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 tbsp. red food coloring
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350.  Line a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners.  Whisk dry ingredients together.  In another bowl, add buttermilk, oil, egg and egg yolk, food coloring vinegar and vanilla and beat about 2 minutes.  Slowly beat in your flour mixture.  Stir in 1/2 c. of the chocolate chips.  Fill cups 2/3 full and sprinkle tops of cupcake batter with rest of chocolate chips.  Bake 20 minutes or until done.  Let cool. 
MERINGUE FROSTING
4 egg whites, at room temp
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. sugar
Beat your egg whites and cream of tartar on high until frothy.  Add in vanilla and 1 tbsp. sugar, keep beating and adding 1 tbsp. of sugar at a time until stiff peaks form.  Spoon onto tops of cupcakes.  Let brown in oven.  carefully watching so the meringue doesn't burn!

A cookie A day ~ (bar style) White Chocolate Fudge Bars :)

The name of these bars says it all - YUM....I love white chocolate and when its paired with other chocolate it's even better.  I need to get in the kitchen (and off the computer) and get my bake on - as my daughter in San Diego is needing some home made treats sent her way!  Don't worry Jess, mom's on it!

White Chocolate Fudge Bars
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 oz. white chocolate
2 eggs
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped toasted hazelnuts, or almonds (or no nuts)
1/2 c. white chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350.  Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.  Sift the flour & baking soda together in a bowl.  Melt the butter and white chocolate together.  Let cool.  In a seperate bowl beat the eggs until foamy then beat in the sugar.  Stir in the melted chocolate, butter and vanilla.  Add the dry ingredients.   Stir in the nuts, if desired. Spoon into the pan.  Level the top and sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and cool. 

A cookie A day ~ Chocolate Crunchies

Hello!  I know I have been absent for more than a few days.  My hubby and I left town for the weekend and with the holiday being on Monday things always get out of whack - it sure doesn't feel like a Wednesday today.  Anyhow, hoping you didn't give up chocolate for lent.......

Chocolate Crunchies
7 oz. milk or semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 c. butter
5 tbsp. corn syrup
3 c. Rice Krispies cereal

Melt the chocolate and butter together.  Stir in the corn syrup and then the cereal.  Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper, regrigerate about 45 minutes!

Brownies :)

I was watching WCCO this morning and Frank V's mom did a spot with him and they made brownies together.  I went to the website, printed off the recipe and here they are! 

Mama V's Brownies (minus the walnuts)
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour
2 eggs
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 c. walnuts (optional)

Mix together your butter and sugar.  Stir in your flour, cocoa, salt.  Add in the 2 eggs, milk and vanilla.  Stir well.  Add nuts (if desired).  Bake @ 350 for 20-25 minutes.  In a greased 9 x 12 pan. 
While they are baking, mix up the frosting:
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. butter
1 square semi-sweet chocolate
4 tbsp. milk

Melt the butter together with the chocolate.  Remove from heat.  Stir in the powdered sugar and milk.  May use extra of either to get the consistency you want.  Frost brownies while still warm!

A cookie A day - Cookie Bar Style :)

Hey, some days we all need to make bars instead of cookies.  My hubby's school is having a fundraiser tonight - I get to serve BBQ's and bring a pan of bars!  So I decided to whip up these, because I have been craving them and this way I will eat one (that I will pay for first) and the rest of the ban won't be here haunting me, smart move, if I do say so myself.

EZ Layer Bars
1 stick margarine, melted
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
2 c. coconut
1 c. chocolate chips (I used the mini ones)
1 1/2 c. butterscotch chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)

Pour melted margarine in the bottom of  a 9 x 13 pan.  Sprinkle cracker crumbs over the butter.  Add the coconut, then chocolate chips, then butterscotch chips.  Pour the can of condensed milk over everything.  Bake @ 350 about 30 minutes, until it just starts getting golden brown!  They are still in the pan (as you can see)  still warm!

A cookie A Day ~ Peanut Butter Cookies :)

Ok, here is today's cookie-of-the-day recipe.  I have to admit I have an absolute weakness for peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cookie dough, Reeses Peanut butter cups, Peanut butter fudge - I think you are getting my drift.  So I only made these cookies because I had someone to send most of them to.

Peanut Butter Cookies
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. peanut butter, I use JIF
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients together.  Roll into balls.  Place on baking sheet and dip a fork in granulated sugar (first dip your fork into your cookie dough) then the sugar sticks to it.  Flatten your cookie making a crossing pattern.  Bake 10-12 minutes @ 350!
This makes a large batch! 

Banana Bread :)

Some days, like when it's gray and snowy, and your house is chilly, it's just a great day to crank on the oven and bake.  Yesterday I made donuts and then banana bread, and sent it all to work with my hubby today!  Now I have nothing baked here  :(  Hmmmm????????  I guess it means I need to crank it up again.  Anyhow, I never realized I hadn't posted my banana bread recipe on here yet - so here goes!  It does get rave reviews, and it's the recipe my mom taught me to use!

BANANA BREAD
2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. canola oil
2eggs
3 tbsp. sour milk (or buttermilk)
1 c. mashed bananas
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
a pinch of salt
mix all ingredients together and bake @ 350 for 1 hour!

A cookie a day - Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Well, if you have any energy left from all that Valentine's day candy and treats you have been making, there is still time to whip these up.  Or if you haven't head a treat yet and are looking for one that is quick, easy and yummy, well, then here you go!

Chocolate Caramel Cookies
1 pkg. Devil's food cake mix
1/4 c. water
1 egg
3 tbsp. canola oil
38 rolo candies
Chopped hazelnuts or almonds

Prehat your oven to 350.  In a large bowl combine the cake mix, water, egg and oil.  Roll rounded spoonfuls of dough into balls.  Press a candy into each.  Reshape into a ball.  Dip the top in your chopped nuts.  Place on your baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until tops are cracked.  Cool and eat - or be like me and burn your tongue because I didn't wait .....

A new week & a new Cookie A Day ~ Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate and Valentine's Day go hand in hand.  My husband informed me yesterday that he has never bought me chocolates because he wants me to stick around as long as possilbe, I GUESS it's a good excuse for never having bought me chocolates.  Still I do love them and it~! And I happen to find my way to it without him.....

Chewy Chocolate Cookies
6 oz. bitter sweet or semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 c. butter
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 oz. chocolate chips

Preheat your oven.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment (if you desire).  Melt the chocolate and butter, allow to cool slightly.  In an different bowl beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla until tick and pale.  Stir in the chocolate mixture.  Stir in the dry ingredients.  Stir in the chocolate chips.  Drop by tbsp. onto baking sheets and bake 8-10 minutes. 

A cookie A day ~Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

I have decided I can be a baby about being sick.  I simply don't like it, not that anyone does, I realize this.  However, I so seldom get colds and am often bragging about how I don't get them when others around me do.  Then I got one.  My nose is slowly recovering from all the sneezing and blowing.  I have discovered the Kleenex with lotion is awesome. 

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
1 c. Crisco shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. sour cream ( I used the light sour cream)
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all together and refrigerate 1 hour.  Remove from fridge and roll out to a 1/4" thickness.  Cut with whatever cookie cutters you desire.  Use a simple powdered sugar frosting, tinted the color you choose to frost them.  (I leave some with no frosting) I love them this way!

A cookie a day ~ Chocolate Heart Sandwiches

Still feeling under the weather, and the hubby is taking no responsibility for bringing germs home from the school he works at.  I do have to go in to my part-time job for about 4 hours tonight so planning to take some tylenol right before I leave, hoping that will get me through.  Here are some cookies that may get you thinking about Valentines Day which is coming up in 1 week!

Chocolate Heart Sandwiches
1 1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
8 oz. white chocolate, melted
4 oz. semisweet & 4 oz. milk chocolate, melted

In a bowl cream butter and both sugars.  Add vanilla.  Fold in flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon.  Belnd wekk enought to make a soft dough.  Chill 30-45 minutes.  Preheat your oven to 350.  Roll out your dough and cut into heart shapes.  Bake about 15 minutes and let cool.  To assemble smear melted white chocolate on the bottom of a cookie and sandwich with another cookie.  Dip half of of your heart sandwich into the melted chocolates.  Let set.

A cookie a day ~ Almond Chocolate Biscotti

A good recipe for a day like today.  My hubby has been down for about 8 days with a bad sinus infection, he decided to share the joy and now my daughter and I have both not felt well since Friday night.  UGH!  I had been cloroxing everything in sight to hopefully avoid sickness but I guess it didn't work this time.  I needed to get a cookie of the day recipe posted, however, so here you go!

Almond Chocolate Biscotti
1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 eggs
1/4 c. chocolate syrup (such as Hershey's)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1 pkg. vanilla or white chips
2 tbsp. shortening

IN a large bowl, beat the cake mix, flour, butter, eggs, chocolate syrup and extract until well combined.  Stir in almonds and chocolate chips.  Divide dough into halves.  Make a 12 x 2" log on two seperate baking sheets.  Bake @ 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until firm to the touch.  Remove and cool for 20 minutes.  Carefully cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1/2" slices.  Stand up on baking sheet and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Cool.  Melt vanilla chips and shortening together, and drizzle over cooled biscotti!  YUM!

A Cookie-A-Day, Cinnamon Stars

Super Simple Super Bowl Stars, you can whip these cookies up to bring along to the Super Bowl party you are going to.  Or if you are hosting you can still whip them up and impress the crowds. 

Cinnamon Stars
2 tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 c. butter, softened
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla
1 box French Vanilla Cake mix

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
Combine butter, egg yolks and vanilla.  Blend in cake mix.  Roll dough onto a floured surface and cut with star cookie cutter. Sprinkle the cutouts with cinnamon sugar.  Bake for 6-8 minutes or until light golden brown.


Check out more recipes for Cinnamon Stars here:  http://www.mycitycuisine.org/wiki/Zimsterne

Touchdown Taco Dip

Superbowl weekend is upon us - not that we need more excuses to snack but what the heck - I love this dip and only usually make it once or twice a year - and I will be making in on Sunday. It's easy and tasty too.  Eat with tortilla chips and veggies if you like!

Touchdown Taco Dip
1 16 oz. can refried beans
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sour cream
2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
Shredded cheddar cheese
optional toppers:  diced grean onion, black olives, cilantro, diced tomato

In a baking dish ( I use a cute small oval one).  Spread the refried beans on the bottom of the dish.  Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together.  Spread over the beans.  Grate your cheese over the top and bake for about 25 minutes @ 350, or at least until the cheese is melted.  Put desired toppings on top!  Eat!

A cookie A day ~ Lacy Almond Orange Cookies

This recipe comes to us from the Everyday Food Magazine, a cute little magazine that I gave as a gift (subscription) to my daughter for a year, she liked it so she renewed her subscription and sent one to me too!  Love that girl~!

Lacy Almond Orange Cookies
1/2 c. blanched slivered almonds
3/4 tsp. anise or fennel seed
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. finely grated orange zest

Preaheat oven to 375.  In a food processor (or blender) pulse your almonds and anise seed until coarsely ground.  Transfer to a small saucepan.  Add butter, sugar, honey and salt.  Bring to a boil over medium-high stirring once to combine until butter melts.  Boil 1 minute.  Remove from heat.  Stir in flour and zest.  Drop batter by teaspoonfuls  2 1/2" apart on your greased baking sheet.  Bake 6-8 minutes, until golden brown. 

Soup is on for supper!

Hubby has been sick all week, he NEVER goes to the doctor but this time he went on the 2nd day he felt sick - usually he waits for at least 10 days....we heard on the news last night there is an upper respiratory viral thing spreading around that leaves you feeling crummy for weeks - great (NOT).....
So I am being the nice wife tonight and making him soup, this soup to be exact!

Pasta Fagioli
1 # lean ground beef
1 stalk celery chopped fine
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 can chicken broth and 1 can of water
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 cans white cannellini or northern beans
1 c. uncooked pasta ( I am using Barilla Ditalini)

In a large pot over medium heat brown your hamburger with onion, garlic, celery, parsley.  Stir in broth, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.  Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Add in beans (with liquid) Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes.    Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top!  (with a side of nice crusty bread)