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McCormick Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 18, 2012 By 2 Comments

vanilla chocolate chip cookiesMy daughter received an Easter basket from each set of grandparents, in addition to the one the Easter bunny brought.  Today I decided to transform the remaining chocolate into cookies, by using the Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe on the McCormick website.  I used the same quantity of chocolate as required in the recipe, but about a 3rd of it was cookies & creme white chocolate.  I also added 1/2 tsp of cinnamon & 1/4 tsp. of ginger, since I like both flavors with chocolate.

chopping chocolate

Look away people, the bunny is about to buy it.

I only had a few nibbles of cookie, since I am dropping a few pounds in preparation for summer, but they were delicious.  The extra vanilla used in this McCormick recipe was a nice touch, and seemed to sweeten them up a bit.  The recipe makes a lot of cookie dough, and it is just my daughter and I here, so I wrapped up several logs of the dough in plastic wrap and popped them in the freezer.  Now, I can easily whip up a batch of these yummy homemade cookies, with minimal clean-up whenever I like.

Easter chocolate cookies

McCormick Spring Baking Gift Basket Pinterest Contest

Contest is now over.

There are a wide array of great recipes on the McCormick website, why not stop over and try one out, and enter the McCormick Pin-spiration contest.  To enter to win a McCormick spring baking gift basket, set up a  “McCormick Pin-spiration” Pinterest board and try out one of the recipes (see contest rules here).  Their Pinterest page may give you a few extra ideas too.

Here is the board I created: http://pinterest.com/MomFoodie/mccormick-pin-spiration/

pin-spiration contestI participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for McCormick. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts & Sweet Baked Goods, Food Tagged With: , ,

Rockin’ Elvis Biscotti

February 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

peanut butter banana biscotti Everybody knows Elvis’ favorite food was peanut butter & banana sandwiches, well this is my Italian cookie version of his favorite treat.  Why not rock your own Peanut Butter and Banana Biscotti this weekend, and shake things up.  If your kids love them as much as my daughter did, you will quickly escalate to in-home-rock-star status… well, at least for a few fleeting minute ;

Print
Peanut Butter Banana Biscotti (Rockin’ Elvis Biscotti)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Yield: 18-24

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large mashed banana
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1⁄2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 ¾ cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • Peanut Butter Glaze
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup confectionery sugar
  • 2-3 tbs. water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Beat the eggs, in large mixing bowl.
  3. Add banana, vanilla & peanut butter, and beat on high, until well mixed.
  4. In a separate bowl mix the remaining (dry) ingredients.
  5. Add the dry mix slowly to the wet mix, while beating.
  6. Dough will be sticky, dump onto well floured surface, and form into log approx. a foot long.
  7. Transfer to baking sheet, and form the log to about 3 inch wide, and an inch or two from pan ends.
  8. Bake for 30-35 mins., until golden brown around edges and semi-firm in middle.
  9. Place the log on rack to cool, for about 10 mins, and reduce oven temp to 300°.
  10. Once cool enough to comfortably handle, cut 3/4 inch slices.
  11. Place slices on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for approx 25 mins.
    12. Glazing
  12. After the slices are cool, whisk together creamy peanut butter, confectionery sugar and water, to make glaze.
  13. Drizzle over the biscotti ( I used a squeeze bottle for this). Let set a few hours until the glaze is firm, before serving.
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peanut butter banana biscotti cookies

Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts & Sweet Baked Goods, Food Tagged With: ,

Lemon Walnut Biscotti Recipe

December 13, 2011 By 4 Comments

lemon walnut biscotti recipeI have been making Lemon Walnut Biscotti, as one of my holiday cookies for several years now.  It is a bright note in a cookie platter, and goes wonderfully with tea.  This is the latest version of my recipe, which has evolved over the years.

Lemon Walnut Biscotti Recipe
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Recipe type: Cookies
Author: Robin Gagnon
Ingredients
  • zest of one lemon
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 1/2 c sugar
  • 1/3 c. confectionery sugar
  • 1 lg. egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 c. chopped walnuts
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Cream together the butter and sugar. (with whisk)
  3. Add egg, baking powder, salt and lemon juice. Mix well.
  4. Switch to beater attachment- Add the zest, mix, then add flour slowly while mixing.
  5. When well mixed, add the walnuts and mix until evenly distributed.
  6. Split the dough in half, and roll each into a log. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Press and mold with your hands, until approx. 3″ wide and 1″ thick.
  7. Bake logs for 30 min. Remove and reduce oven temp. to 325°.
  8. Allow the logs to cool, then slice into 1/2″ thick cookies.
  9. Place the cookies back on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  10. Store the Lemon-Walnut Biscotti in an airtight container.
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lemon walnut biscotti cookie recipe

Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts & Sweet Baked Goods, Food, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Chocolate-Walnut Trinity Cookies

December 10, 2011 By 3 Comments

chocolate walnut trinity cookiesThese triangular shaped cookies are a nice contrast among an assortment of holiday cookies.  They are quick to make, since the filling does not require any cooking before use.  For me they are just a nice shape, but could easily represent the Holy Trinity if that is part of your religious tradition.

Chocolate-Walnut Trinity Cookies Recipe

walnut filling

1 c. walnuts

1/2 c semi-sweet choc. chips

2 tbs brown sugar

2 tbs butter

food processor- approx 1/2 tbs per cookie

 

Semi-Sweet cookie dough (same dough as used for Shining Stars Cookies) A shortbread dough would be a good substitution, as well.

2 1/2 c flour

1 stick butter

1/2 c sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Place filling ingredients in food processor, and pulse a few times.  Texture will be crumbly but moist.
  3. Cream together the butter & sugar for the dough.  Then add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  4. Roll out dough on floured surface.  Cut out 3″ rounds.  I use a scalloped edge biscuit cutter, but a jar lid will do in a pinch.
  5. Place 1/3 – 1/2 tbs. of filling in center of each round.Pinch together into a triangle.  Gently press filling to compress, and make sure the corners are well attached (moisten if needed), so they won’t open up while baking.
  6. Place the cookies on parchment lined baking sheet, and bake until lightly golden, about 12-15 minutes.
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Shining Star Cookies

December 7, 2011 By 2 Comments

shining star cookiesThese semi-sweet Shining Star cookies are similar in taste to animal crackers, but just a little softer.  The turbinado sugar on the top rounds out the sweetness.  Tiny cookie cutters make these just the right size for young children, or to snack on while you sip your coffee or tea.

Semi-Sweet Cookie Dough

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

1/2 c sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 c flour

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

Turbinado sugar ( raw cane sugar)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Cream together the butter and sugar.
  3. Add remaining ingredients.  Mix well.
  4. Place dough on floured rolling surface, form a uniform ball & roll out dough.
  5. Cut stars or shape of choice, preferably with small cookie cutters an inch or less.
  6. Place cut cookies on parchment lined baking sheet.
  7. Sprinkle tops with Turbinado sugar.
  8. Bake for approx. 9-10 minutes.
  9. Serve in small containers for children, or right on the saucer when served with tea/coffee.
Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts & Sweet Baked Goods, Food, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Parmesan and Cracked Black Pepper Butter Crackers Recipe

December 4, 2011 By 3 Comments

parmesan cracked black pepper crackers recipeThis simple Parmesan and Cracked Black Pepper cracker recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites. Great when you want to whip together a fresh snack, without going to the store, since these ingredients are often on hand.  Quick option to make for guests as well.

Parmesan and Cracked Black Pepper Butter Crackers Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus enough to sprinkle on top
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp Mrs. Dash Table Blend
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 stick butter
1 tbs. olive oil
2 tbs water

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325º.
  2. Combine ingredients in mixer, on low-med speed.
  3. Dough will be crumbly, knead on counter, just until it holds together well.
  4. Put on baking sheet, and roll out.  (If the sheet is non-stick line with parchment paper first)
  5. Cut the dough into small crackers with pastry cutter (use a pizza cutter if you don’t have one).
  6. Prick each cracker 1-2 times with the tongs of a fork.
  7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (and a little black pepper if you like).
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the outer edge crackers.  Bake the rest until they look lightly toasted.
  9. Remove onto kitchen towel to cool.

Try out my Buffalo Hot Wing n’ Blue Cheese Crackers Recipe too!

Filed Under: crackers, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Pomegranate and Dark Chocolate Biscotti Cookies Recipe

December 2, 2011 By 8 Comments
pomegranate seed and dark chocolate biscottiFor me, pomegranates are one of those foods that I strongly associate with Christmas, probably more so because of their popular use in decorative arrangements this time of year, rather than from their use in recipes, but it still seemed the perfect ingredient to add to holiday cookies.  The juicy seeds with crunch inside pair well with chocolate and  are perfect for use in crispy biscotti.

Pomegranate and Dark Chocolate Biscotti Cookies Recipe
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Recipe type: Dessert – Cookies
Author: Robin Gagnon
Ingredients
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. confectionery sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 c. flour
  • 1 tbs pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 c. pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 c. dark chocolate chunks (semi-sweet chips are fine)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Cream together butter, sugar (both types), salt & vanilla. Add flour and pomegranate juice. Mix well.
  3. Add the pomegranate seeds and chocolate, stir to blend until evenly distributed.
  4. Place dough on parchment lined baking sheet, and form the dough into a long semi-flat log, about 3″ wide and 1″ high.
  5. Bake until the center is set, about 30 minutes.
  6. Take out and set aside until cool enough to easily handle. Reduce oven temp. to 325.
  7. Cut into 1/2 inch slices, and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake for approx 15 minutes, remove and allow to cool before serving.
  9. Store in air tight container.
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pomegranate seed and dark chocolate biscotti cookies recipe

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Pumpkin and White Chocolate Muffins

October 25, 2011 By 16 Comments

Pumpkin and white chocolate muffinsThis Pumpkin White Chocolate Muffins recipe, makes a delicious dessert style muffin. They are sure to fully satisfy your sweet tooth.  The sweetness of the white chocolate sort of mimics the flavor of frosting, but all mixed in and the squash ads moist richness.  My daughter devoured her pumpkin chocolate muffin in short order, and the rest went quickly, as well.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Muffins Recipe
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Recipe type: Dessert
Author: Robin Gagnon
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 35 mins
Serves: 12 muffins
This Pumpkin and White Chocolate Muffins Recipe, makes a sweet dessert style muffin.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup pumpkin (pureed) canned is fine
  • 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbs maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. cardamom
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Mix thoroughly: pumpkin, sugars, oil, syrup, egg & extract.
  3. In another bowl, mix: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and spices.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the bowl with the pumpkin one and mix well.
  5. Add the white chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed
  6. Pour batter into muffin tin, lined with paper baking cups.
  7. Bake for approx. 24-27 minutes, until toothpick pulls clean from center.
  8. Cool & serve.
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Nutella Oat-Nut Bars Recipe

October 9, 2011 By 12 Comments
nutella oat nut bars recipeThis Nutella Oat-Nut Bars Recipe was developed because my daughter and I are big fans of Nutella.  Making a snack bar featuring not just Nutella itself, but also included bits of chocolate and hazelnuts seemed a great idea.  Since Nutella itself is quite sweet, I kept the cookie portion mildly sweet.  Due to the nuts and oats these are fortifying enough to grab as a breakfast snack.

Nutella Oat-Nut Bars Recipe
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Recipe type: dessert
Author: Robin Gagnon
Prep time: 6 mins
Cook time: 23 mins
Total time: 29 mins
Ingredients
  • 2 2/3 cups oats
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter (room temp.)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped hazel nuts
  • roughly 1/2 of a 13 oz. jar of Nutella
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degree.
  2. Cream together butter, brown sugar and vanilla.
  3. Add milk, mix. Then add oats, flour & salt.
  4. Once thoroughly mixed fold in the chocolate and nut, until evenly distributed.
  5. Place mixture in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
  6. Spread out with a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon until the surface is flat.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes.
  8. While still warm frost the top with Nutella.
  9. Serve in small bars. Size similar to fudge.
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