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Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Allie — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:35:23 +0000

The process of grieving is painfully long and the journey for many is still just beginning.

Although words continue to fail me after this horrific event, I did want to share with you the wise words that my Pastor wrote last Friday…

Pastor Ray Johnston’s response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School:

Today is a heartbreaking day. Our nation experienced the second-worst school shooting in American history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. I, like all Americans, am devastated.

During tragic times like this, there is inevitably a mad scramble for clarity. How could this happen? Why would a good and loving God let this happen? Who’s to blame for this senseless violence?

The problem – shallow Christian clichès fall short and ultimately Clarity never comes…because at best, we see ‘through a glass dimly…’ During times like this we think we need Clarity when what we really need is Certainty.

I am certain that this senseless act breaks the heart of God because…

• I am certain that God understands what it means to lose a son

• I am certain that every one of today’s victims was precious to God

• I am certain that God is near to the brokenhearted

• I am certain that no life is ever devoid of meaning no matter how short

• I am certain that Jesus meant it when He said, “Let the little children come to me”

• I am certain that life is precious and that every day with your kids is a gift

• I am certain that America needs to rediscover a reverence for life

• I am certain that a day is coming when suffering will cease and God will reign

• I am certain that when anyone closes their eyes here for the last time and wakes up in the arms of Jesus – they will be more alive than they have ever been.

Of all the words I have read this past week, these are the ones I go back to again and again.

In the midst of all the horror, there truly is no clarity but I strongly believe and echo each of the certainties that my pastor proclaimed.

Today I am remembering the lives that were lost by participating in “Cookies & Crafts for Sandy Hook”

A small gesture to show my love and support to the Newtown community.

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bag White Chocolate Peppermint M&Ms
Powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, oil and cocoa powder until well blended.

Beat in eggs one at at time. Then stir in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the cocoa mixture, until just blended.

Add the Peppermint M&Ms.

Stir until evenly mixed.
Cover the dough and refrigerate until firm, about 6 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar to coat.

Place on cookie sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 10 minutes.
Cool completely before serving.

Enjoy!

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Cookie Mix in a Jar

Allie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:27:00 +0000

Today was Caleb’s last day of kindergarten. He had a great year and loved every minute of it. Throughout the year Caleb enjoyed bringing his teacher goodies from our kitchen to so we thought we would bring Mrs. Jones one more treat to enjoy as she soaks up the sun this summer.

Sunshine Cookies

(Cookie Mix in a Jar)

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup cooking oats

1/2 cup m&ms

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

In a one quart jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed above.

Make sure to pack each layer down or it won’t all fit!

Pretty up your jar with a ribbon and a tag that includes the following directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Stir dry ingredients in a large bowl and add:

1/2 cup butter, almost melted

1 slightly beaten egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix to combine.

Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

The perfect gift to brighten someones day!

source: adapted from Bakerella

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Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Allie — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:44:00 +0000

I have a very normal life: husband, kids, school, church, homework, sports, cooking, cleaning, laundry. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing unique and yet sometimes I can barely keep up. It seems that I have been in somewhat of a survival mode this past month, trying to catch up on the house and the laundry, trying to adjust back to the routine of school and now homework, trying to deal with sibling rivalry and sassiness, and yet still trying to find the joy in the normalness of my everyday life. I don’t want to be so busy, so focused with the routine of life that I fail to see the joy in our ordinary everyday moments. Some days I need to turn a blind eye to my messy house, to the laundry that needs folded, to all that needs done and just enjoy my husband, my kids, my life, my normal. Today I am celebrating my everyday normal life with these deliciously ordinary chocolate chip cookies!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks unsalted butter

2 1/4 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat.

Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.

Pour the melted butter in the mixer’s work bowl.

Add the sugar and brown sugar.

Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed.

Add the egg, yolk, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract

and mix until well combined.

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet.

Bake for 11 minutes or until golden brown.

~~Cool completely and store in an airtight container.~~

Serve warm with a glass of milk after an afternoon nap :)

Enjoy!

source: adapted form Alton Brown

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World’s Best Sugar Cookies

Allie — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:54:00 +0000

These are the sugar cookies that I grew up on. My mom would make them every year along with Christmas Fudge to pass out to our friends and neighbors at Christmas time. They are the perfect Christmas cookie.

World’s Best Sugar Cookies

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup butter

1 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups flour

Cream together sugars and butter.

Add oil and remaining ingredients.
Mix to combine.

Firm into small balls and place on parchment lined cookie sheet.

Press cookies with a fork.

Sprinkle generously with sugar.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Cool completely.

Enjoy!

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Peanut Blossoms

Allie — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:36:00 +0000

I love Christmas! I love the Christmas season! and yet sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed by it all… There is so much to do and only a month to do it all.
My mom always taught me when I had a lot to do to write a list. My mom is a “list maker”, my sister is a “list maker”, but me not so much. I am the kind of girl who writes a list and then loses it and can’t remember what was written on the list.
However, times are changing and this Christmas season I am going to be an organized list making kind of girl! The kind of girl who is able accomplish all of my holiday tasks and remain focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I will not get stressed out. I will be organized. I will relish in the season. I will enjoy each and every moment. I will start by making some cookies and writing my list of course :)

My Christmas to do list:

Buy Christmas tree
Hang lights
Buy 3 chocolate filled advent calendars
Trim the tree
Hang the wreath
Decorate the house
Write my gift list
Shop, shop, shop
Wrap presents
Bake cookies
Make fudge
Attend Play Group Christmas Party
Host a wrapping party
Make Christmas cards
Mail Christmas cards
Buy an ornament for the MOPS ornament exchange
Make something yummy for the MOPS celebration
Buy or make teacher appreciation gifts
Go to Bella’s Christmas performance
Go to Caleb’s kindergarten caroling
Volunteer at Caleb’s class party
Attend Bella’s preschool party
Take the kids on a holiday lights tour
Read books under the tree
Snuggle by the fire
Read the Christmas Story
Watch Christmas movies
Go see Santa and get pictures
Attend the Christmas Eve Service
Enjoy every moment of the season
Thank God for the miracle of Christmas

Peanut Blossoms

1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 bag of chocolate candy kisses

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars.

Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.

Gradually blend in flour.

Shape dough into balls

and roll balls in sugar.

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 for 8 minutes.

Place kisses firmly on each cookie til the cookie cracks.

Return to the oven for 2 minutes longer.

Enjoy!

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Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

Allie — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:29:00 +0000

On Caleb’s first day of preschool, I wanted to make him feel special. I wanted him to love school and even more I wanted him to love coming back home. Caleb has a good nose. He knows when his mama is baking. He notices when the house smells good. So when he walked in the door after that first day of preschool, nothing pleased me more than to have our house filled with the smell of fresh baked cookies and the smile on my sweet boy’s face. Together we sat over lunch and cookies, Caleb sharing all the details of his day and me relishing in every one. And so the tradition began…

This marks the third year of fresh baked cookies on the first day of school. The cookies are always a surprise and always fresh baked while he is at school so the house smells delicious when he walks back in the door. We sit together eating our lunch and cookies and he shares his day with me. I love this time celebrating him, making him feel special, and getting a glimpse into his day and the moments we spent apart. Yesterday when Caleb arrived home from kindergarten, these Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies and his very proud mommy were waiting for him :)

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups quick oats

1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl for 3 minutes until fluffy.

Add eggs and beat to combine.

Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in oats and morsels.

Drop by large scoops (I used an ice cream scooper) onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Allow to cool completely on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.

Serve

Enjoy!

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Allie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:08:00 +0000

It seems like forever since I last posted. I know that you all have been waiting on pins and needles for the cookies I promised :) Well after a plague of sicknesses struck our house (strep throat, ear infections, snotty noses, fevers, roseola, pink eye), it took a little longer than expected to get this post up but here it is and definitely worth the wait!

Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

~printer friendly version~

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 ½ cup creamy peanut butter

1 ½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

3 eggs

1 ½ cup rolled oats

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

On medium speed, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract, about 3 minutes.

Add the eggs and beat to combine.

On low speed, gradually add the flour until just combined.

Stir in the oats

and then the chocolate chips.

Use a large cookie scoop (2 tablespoons) and drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.

Cool completely on the baking sheet.

Enjoy!

source: adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

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Peanut Butter Coconut Chipsters

Allie — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Do you ever have a day when you just really NEED a cookie? Cookies somehow just have a way of making everything better. A cookie and a glass of milk is what I need right now. How about you?

Peanut Butter Coconut Chipsters

~printer friendly version~

2 cups plus 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

10 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup shredded sweetened coconut

Preheat oven 325°. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl; set aside.

Place butter, sugars and peanut butter in a bowl.

Mix until thoroughly combined.

Add in egg and yolk

then add vanilla. Mix until combined.

Add dry ingredients and beat at low-speed

just until combined.

Stir in chocolate chips and coconut.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball, making sure the dough is fairly well packed.

Then flatten slightly before placing on the parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft and puffy (approximately 11 minutes). Do not overbake.

Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.

Okay okay, forget the cookies cooling on the rack. We all know that cookies taste better warm (just as long as you don’t mind a little mess).

Warm or cooled, these cookies are good

and even better with a glass of milk.

Enjoy!

source: adapted from Smells Like Home originally from America’s Test Kitchen

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Montana Whoppers

Allie — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:47:00 +0000

I am going on a women’s retreat with my church today. I leave this afternoon. I should be cleaning. I should be doing laundry. I should be packing. I should be doing lots of things but what am I doing? I am baking. You may not realize that baking is just as important as all the other preparatory stuff if not more. You see what a women’s retreat really is, is a big slumber party for grown up girls. Though our days are filled with learning and growth, our nights are filled with talking, sharing, laughing, and eating. Eating good food is an important part of our time together. In my humble baking opinion, I believe good food promotes good conversation and good conversation promotes good friendship and good friendship promotes growth and well, isn’t that what a women’s retreat is all about? Growth. So these cookies that I am baking right now, they are very important cookies and must be made right now! After I finish baking them, I will get to all the other stuff…

Montana Whoppers

~printer friendly version~

2/3 cup butter, melted

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups peanut butter

3 eggs, beaten

5 1/2 cups old fashioned oatmeal

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

6 ounces M&M Minis (about 3/4 cup)

Mix the melted butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter.

Add the eggs

and stir until the batter is just mixed.

Then stir in the baking soda,

the white chocolate chips,

the milk chocolate chips,

and the M&Ms.

Mix until well combined.

Add the oatmeal, one cup at a time,

stirring after each addition.

Once it is well mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours.

Remove the dough from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Scoop dough with an ice cream scoop, making sure the dough is fairly well packed.

Flatten slightly.

Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Allow to cool completely on cookie sheet

before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy!

Source: adapted from Taste As You Go

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