Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Another Chocolate Chip Cookie

Here is the cookie recipe I promised I would post last week. These were really tasty and had a different set of ingredients. I really liked the fact that you used cold butter. I never remember to set my butter out ahead of time, mostly because I don't think ahead about making cookies. I still think I like this recipe better.



Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yields about 15 cookies (recipe could easily be doubled)


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chilled butter, diced into cubes
1 cup minus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 Tbsp molasses
2 1/2 Tbsp original or french vanilla coffee creamer powder*
1 large egg
1/2 Tbsp vanilla bean paste or substitute 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Directions:


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together chilled butter, sugar, molasses and coffee creamer powder until well blended and slightly fluffy, about 4 minutes.  Stir in egg and vanilla bean paste.  Slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated (mixture will be very thick).  Mix in milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Form dough into about 2 1/2 tablespoon balls (a bit larger than a golf ball), then drop 8 per sheet onto buttered cookie sheets.  Bake 10-11 minutes, until edges are very lightly golden.  Cool on cookie sheet several minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool.  Store in an airtight container.  To enjoy warm cookies later on, pop cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds if desired.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Meal Planning Monday

I know I forgot to post that new cookie recipe we tried. It is still on my list. We have been busy with a lot of projects here... finishing the basement, redoing Gabby's room, and getting ready for a garage sale. I am not sure why we can't just stick to one project, that would be too simple. I will be sure to post pictures of the finished projects when they are done!

This weeks Menu...
Monday- Meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, and corn casserole
Tuesday- Grilling- perhaps steak kabobs, asparagus and salad
Wednesday- French Toast
Thursday- Taco Casserole
Friday- Fish and Fries
Saturday- Pierogi Casserole
Sunday- Cheese and Cracker party!


Preview of what the tv in our basement "theater room" will look like.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

MPM- a day late

Meal planning a day late and kind of uneventful, sorry. On a good note we tried a new chocolate chip cookie recipe that is another fave! So, I will be sharing that this week.


Monday- My parents took us out to eat to Hickory Park in Ames. We all love that place, and it is the only restaurant we can't leave without having desert!
Tuesday- Tacos with homemade refried beans
Wednesday- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Thursday- Spaghetti
Friday- BBQ Chicken salads

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Happy Pi Day!!!!

In honor of Pi day, I of course had to make a pie. I realized I have never in my life made pie. I usually stick to bars, cakes, and cookies. I suppose apple crisp is the closest I have come to making pie. So, I decided to take our favorite apple crisp recipe and put it into a pie. It received big raves from the family. It was a perfect combination in my opinion.


Apple Crisp Pie

Single Crust- from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

1. in bowl stir together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender (or fork), cut in shortening until pieces are pea-sized.

2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water over the flour mixture, gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl. Repeat moistening flour mixture until dough forms a ball. 

3. On lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12 inch circle. Transfer to dish by wrapping it onto your rolling pin.

Filling and topping
4-6 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/8 cup flour
3/8 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. peel and slice apples. then place them in pie dish on top of crust. Sprinkle with cinnamon. 

2. In bowl combine sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.  Then place on top of apples.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.




Monday, March 12, 2012

Meal Planning Monday

Monday- Burgers and Grilled Veggies

Tuesday- Manicotti

Wednesday- Cheeseburger Salad

Thursday- French Dip sandwiches

Friday- Brats and Hot Dogs

What's for dinner at your house this week?

Monday, March 5, 2012

MPM- Meal Planning Monday

MondayTex-Mex Rice Casserole - yes, we finally made it!

Tuesday- Pizza Ranch - its kids night and J is craving chicken on a bone

WednesdayHoney Pecan Pork Chops - the last time I made these they were like heaven! They reminded me of sticky buns, and who doesn't like those.

Thursday- Turkey Stroganoff

Friday- Beef Stew

SaturdayCrock-pot Sesame Chicken