A Disasterpiece

This is a short post because I don't like writing about disasters when I can't pull them off graciously or casually act like I meant to do it. Sometimes you can get away with it, like how if I burn the edge of a batch of brownies I'll just cut all the edges off, throw them away, and make really tiny brownie bites and nobody has any idea that I stood in front of the stove saying the f word repeatedly. That's not gracious.

I Don't Know How I Made it Through High School Or Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

For those of you who might not be avid readers of my high school transcripts, I have always been pretty poor at math. In fact, in my sophomore (?) year of high school school I repeated geometry. I can't remember if I had failed miserably the year before, or if it was just close enough to failing to warrant giving it another shot, but there was something about that class that just made my brain shut down. So I took it again.

I don't want to say I'm more of a creative type because I know people a lot more creative than me. I'm easy with ideas, I can picture what the thing should look like, but when it comes to engineering it I'm basically useless. To support a bunch of half marathon runners a few weeks ago I had an idea for a sign that had a back part that would spin around to reveal 8 different names - keeping me from having to make 8 different signs. In my head, the sign would spin around a gold fastener which I figured would be easy to find (they weren't), and it would be no big deal to sit down and measure it all out to make sure each name fit in the space I provided. This would be my greatest running achievement.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Recently I've noticed (and have partaken in) a lot of posts and Pinterest links comparing food to crack. My last post was about how peanut butter is my crack. The dip I'm making for this weekend is called "apple crack dip". Now I'm no Walter White, my understanding of crack is mostly that it's whack, but I can understand and appreciate how people are finally talking about food addiction like it's no joke! I'm not a drug addict, but I can secretly eat Wheat Thins like it's an obsession. One of my best buds has had a Cheez-It overdose, literally throwing up Cheez-Its. Is it pretty? No. Is it like being addicted to crack? Yeah, probably not. But for us white bread folks who get spooked by needles and pass out when we see blood, it's close enough.

Chocolate Creme Brulee

There are many occasions in life where we just have to sit back and say, "you know what, it's okay to put chocolate in that". Someone has to do it. The friends of the person who invented chocolate milk probably said that it was ridiculous, but that person (who I'm going to affectionately name, Mr. Chocolateberg) did it anyway and now more people want the brown stuff than the white.

That figure is from my own data sampling.

From a sample of me.

This is something I was thinking about when I was hunting around for a chocolate creme brulee recipe. It had to exist, it was just taking me a few days to find the right one. I really liked Paula Deen's recipe at first, but then I saw you needed 50708 eggs and a glass of chocolate liquor. I liked the one from the reliable recipes.com until I noticed you needed to practically grow your own cocoa beans (thanks Hershey tour) to make the creme brulee - not to mention the baking time was an average of 16+ hours and a promise to never leave the kitchen. I had pretty much given up on the whole search, the creme brulee, my baking future, my education, my future children...everything. I was pretty frustrated. 

But then I found Celiac Family.com, and I can officially say that not only did I find an amazing chocolate creme brulee recipe but it's gluten free. Did you hear that Kelly Clayton?! Gluten free! I did it!

Easter, Chocolate Bunnies & Cake

There are a lot of things happening in the next few weeks make life on this blog difficult. Starting school again today, finishing our taxes, moving to an entirely different part of PA (not like our 3 minute move from Manayunk to East Falls) and Easter. Easter's been at the bottom of my list these past few days, but I can't deny how much I actually enjoy the holiday. Besides the fact that it's always fallen right around my birthday, it's got some of the best looking candy filling up two aisles at Rite Aid. Two aisles!

Every year I just slink through the aisles looking at it. Marshmellow covered everything. This year I saw orange bunny peeps (I was shocked too). Chocolate in the shape of eggs, eggs made of creme, and carrots filled with reeses pieces. You could get a cavity just looking at all of the sugar, it's amazing. 

I think I love Easter because when I was little I used to occasionally bring home chocolate easter bunnies from winning drawing contests or guessing the right amount of jellybeans or something. I remember that they were always deceivingly hollow. When I'd bring them home, Allyson and I would size them up to see if we could open the box and eat a part of it before my parents got home. It never really worked, but when we were allowed to open it up I remember you could almost see a puff of smoke come out of the rabbit's head when you yanked an ear off. Like in Christmas Vacation when the turkey is too cooked and just explodes completely hollow, these rabbits looked like they were five solid pounds of chocolate but they were just a thin shell of a bunny. So disappointing. 

Make Crepes at Home!

For four years I lived in North Philadelphia, dredging up and down Broad Street pretending like I was totally comfortable living in the city. We all know (or I think we can all assume) that I am not the most subtle person you've ever met, so trying to act cool and urbany was just not my style. I always came up out of the subway stairs ready to roundhouse somebody. I paid for that Vera Bradley bag myself mister, keep your hands off.

When you move from rural to urban everyone wants to sit you down and tell you about the dangers of society. This is fairly warranted, but the drama that people pump into it is far more scary than anything you'll probably see on campus. When I went to orientation at Temple they told us not to wear lanyards with our keys around our necks because people would come up from behind and choke us. The more they talked, the more I couldn't help but wonder why I had chosen a school that had so many stranglers on campus. 

Keys were better left in your pocket, or better yet - your largest key was better left in ready position in your right hand so you could stab someone quick if you had to. 

Potato Chip Cookies

I was reading a blog on the Philly Post today about Whole Foods, and how the author was never particularly excited to walk into the store and shell out large amounts of money for organic cheese and soy milk. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, mostly because I have the same aversion towards the chain and whenever I can meet another person like me it gives me a false sense of security. It's not me. It's the aisles of wheat grass and ground chia seeds. Okay, I know I'm irrational. I don't go to Shop Rite because I think the parking lot is too small, but I know that walking through Whole Foods makes me hate myself.

Happy Belated Valentines Day Rice Krispie Pops!

It's been quite some time since my Super Bowl post, I do apologize. I'd like to think that I was in some sort of food coma due to the loaded baked potato dip, or that I was just too distraught over the Giants win to carry on, but unfortunately the real reason is not that glamorous. Well it's a little glamorous - we did watch almost the full 5th season of The Wire in one week. I also caught whatever sinus or face infection that the whole world seems to have, so I've been a little out of it lately.

Before I came down with consumption I made these excellent rice krispie treat pops that were dipped in chocolate. Unlike my last foray into rice krispie pops, these were actually a success. I mean, a real success. I only got about 16 out of the batch, but they actually stayed on the stick, tasted delicious in the chocolate and were enjoyed by strangers! This photo to my left is proof, real proof. I didn't pay these people anything!

I found the initial idea for these pops on Pinterest, but the real recipe was a few layers in. Like rice krispie inception I finally found these on a blog called Korean American Mommy. If you know me, you know I fall squarely in this blog's demographic.

I mean hell, I am American.

Super Bowl Breakdown

As I mentioned in last week's post, this post is going to veer off in another weird direction. Nothing too weird and uncomfortable, just another post that doesn't necessarily only involve desserts. I know, I'm going to give you a minute to get it out of your system. Don't worry, it took me a minute.

The reason for all the veering is the big game. The big dance. The superest of bowls, and the best excuse you'll have until next Christmas to eat with reckless abandon. My family was never huge fans of football, but we always got together to watch the super bowl. Most of the time it started off with some kind of civilized meal; some angel hair pasta if we were at my aunt and uncle's. But as soon as the plates hit the dishwasher it was junk food o'clock. I'm talking foods that are best left to fingers, desserts that had the words "muddy" and "addicting" right in the title. My aunt (who I've mentioned before here) has always been a whiz at producing desserts that everyone wants to inhale, so this was her super bowl. I also remember a time when my Gramma let my sister and I run wild in her kitchen, which resulted in a cake that sort of resembled a football field but looked more like a green monster with the words bronco written in M&M's melting off one end. I know there's a picture of it somewhere..

Attack of the Girl Scouts: Knock off Caramel De-Lites

I’ve been slowly writing this blog entry in my head all week. It’s one of those occasions where you know exactly what you want to say, like when you’re rehearsing an upcoming argument you’re about to have in your head. In that situation, you are going to sound like the smartest person who ever lived. Really, you’re going to say that? Because I’ll say THAT and make it seem so off the cuff that you will literally be blown back in surprise.

That never happens.

Every time I rehearse some kind of conversation I’m about to have, all the words I’ve been storing in my head just come tumbling out of my mouth all at once. Oh you said that?? How about…about..this! That’s not a good comeback. That’s not even a good response. What happened to all that training? What a waste of preparation.

Anyway, I’ve been writing this in my head all week because I’m about to take a pretty bold stance against the Girl Scouts.

That’s right. I think you all know exactly where this is going.

Day 12: Peanut Butter Toffee Turtle Cookies

Just like all great things in life, our 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Rockette Winter Spectacular is coming to an end.

Right now I'm imagining us all sitting around the table as the man from the Chinese restaurant chops the head off the duck in A Christmas Story. "He's smiling at me". It certainly was a festive countdown, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as me.

Tonight's final recipe is a cookie I've been saving for last, because like all great Christmas movies, this cookie has a little something for everyone. [insert Jingle All the Way quote here].

Peanut Butter Toffee Turtle Cookies.
I'll give you a minute to think that over.

Day 10: Chocolate Caramel Chews

It's not something that I've ever done, but I've always wanted to learn how to make candy for Christmas time. I've messed around looking for recipes online, and every time I find one I never do it because the recipe calls for roughly half a day. Sadly, I just don't the patience.

What I do have is a quick google finger, so I'm on to the next recipe before I get too depressed thinking about my lack of candy making abilities.

Day 9: Chocolate Rice Cereal Rocking Horses

Today's thoughts on Christmas and cookie recipes are brought to you by Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman's Open Heart necklace. Because if you keep your heart open and wear a necklace shaped like a butt around your neck, love will always find a way in. 

Anyway, today's recipe is described in my recipe book as an old-fashioned favorite among "youngsters". I'm not sure how old fashion it is, but I know rice has been around for awhile so maybe they're right.

A different twist on the regular rice krispie treat, this recipe can definitely add a little chocolate color to your cookie tray.

Day 7: Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Day 7 -- we've more than half way through the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies! Hang in there, the back nine of this countdown is all good recipes all the time. It's like the Lifetime Channel. 24 hours a day of Golden Girls. Perfection.

These cookies look like they're made of candy cane clouds.
I should write Hallmark cards.

Today's recipe is for Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies. Candy canes are popular around Christmas time, sure. Every year I try to make a cookie that involves candy canes. Last year I tasked my spouse with chopping all the candy down to a dust like substance so that I could dip my chocolate covered sugar cookies in the candy canes. By the way, I promised in the beginning that I would never share spouse stories, but I'm breaking that promise when I tell you now that he came back into the kitchen with HUGE chunks of broken candy canes. Like a every candy cane was just in 8 pieces. You can't attach a chunk of candy canes to a cookie like that. Come on now.

Day 6: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

I've been baking since 6:30. At least I think it was 6:30? I feel like I'm high from all of the cookie fumes, it could actually be midnight, who knows.

Wow. A picture of a picture. Classy.

One thing I do know is that it's National Cupcake Day! So let's celebrate by baking some chocolate peanut butter cup cookies! Today doesn't have to be all about cupcakes. You don't wear a diaper and shoot arrows at kids on Valentine's Day do you?

Don't answer that.

Day 5: Chocolate Chunk Brownie Cookies

Day 5 Chocolate Chunk Brownie Cookies are brought to you courtesy of my Aunt Karen (the muddy buddy master) whose a veritable wiz in the kitchen. I mean, this lady can make cookies with the best of them, and is always there with a package of Andy's mints when you need it.

Obviously I took this photo. I don't go anywhere without
my camera, orange spirals and carefree raisins.

The last few Christmas cookie posts have been a little time consuming, and involved in the ingredients department. This recipe, however, is built around a brownie mix and could not be more easy or freakin delicious.

If you're a fan of brownies and cookies, and are looking for something to shake up your Christmas cookie tray this year -- this recipe may be for you.

Day 3: Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

I just borrowed this. You know the drill.

I'm a big fan of shortbread cookies, but I don't think I've ever actually made them around the holidays. If it's not covered in sprinkles or green icing, is it really even a Christmas cookie? These are tough questions. If a sugar cookie tree fell in the woods would it make a sound? I don't know, but my dog grabbed a sugar cookie tree from the table the other day and I didn't hear it, so maybe.

Whether or not they're Christmas staples, this recipe is a keeper and today is officially the third day of the 12 days of Christmas Cookies. So without any further ado, here is the recipe for Chocolate Dipped Shortbread cookies! 

Day 1: Peanut Butter Blossoms

..And you thought I forgot.

Welcome to Day 1 of the 12 Days of Cookiesssss!

^ That logo is just so good, I have to keep using it.

Today is the first day of my personal Christmas cookie challenge, posting one recipe a day for 12 whole days. Since the completion of my grad school finals I've been going over recipes in my head, and today is the day that it all begins.

A Special Announcement

Somehow in the past few days it became December, and the hunt for new kinds of Christmas cookies has officially eclipsed the final I need to finish by Wednesday night. Oops.

I started thinking about what I was going to make and what I would post and immediately I thought of at least 4984 kinds of cookies I wanted to write about. That's a ballpark, but it's pretty spot on. I convinced myself that I would need to post a lot, and often, to get them all out and to the masses so you can make them for Christmas too. That's why I decided to post 12 cookie recipes in 12 days. It's like the Amazing Race, only with less forms of transportation and no tears! (Actually, no promises on the tears).

Leftover Halloween Cookies Part 2: Lost in New York

Ahh, it’s almost that time again. Turkey, turkey sandwiches, apple pie, stuffing... Halloween candy. The anticipated follow-up to the leftover Halloween candy blog is here, and it’s intense so get ready.

I mean, it’s no turkey sandwich, but it’ll do.

Last night I finally had the opportunity to make these bad boys. They are an excellent alternative to throwing your leftover candy away and/or peddling it to people in your office who live in high rise buildings or out in areas where no one dares to walk from door to door.

I threw around some language in my last post, I think I called them “bars” once, “cookies” a few times. These baked goods are definitely bars, and they won’t yield a lot of return. HOWEVER, they are delicious and the EIGHT people you get to share them with will love you forever. Trust me, I’m beloved by some just because I know my way around a spatula. I’m not proud of it, but whatever.

Below are some shots from my before and after. For the candy I used chopped up leftover plain Hershey bars tossed with pecans. There’s also chocolate chunks and other pecans in the cookie dough. If I had the chance I’d definitely use snickers, kitkats, whatever I could get my hands on because these bars are awesome. The recipe, posted again below, warns you that you’ll just get 12 very large bars and they weren’t kidding. I actually only came away with 8.

For the inside of the cookies, the finer the the chocolate the better.
For the TOPS, keep the pieces big! 

Be sure to space the cookies far apart, because they'll spread. 

The final products up close and personal.

And because you’re all such beautiful people and you left comments on the last blog, I’m giving away Yeah, I’d Bake That Magnets! They look great on refrigerators, filing cabinets, cars…and they’re free! Seriously, I’ve been thinking about it and I just can’t think of a better present for your loved one than a Yeah, I’d Bake That Magnet. Don’t wuss out and get them a bathrobe like last year Brad, step your game up! [I apologize to all Brads whose wives love bathrobes]

If you too want a magnet, leave a comment on this blog and I’ll hook you up!



Source: Best Ways to Use Halloween Candy 79
Author: Lela Davidson
Link: http://leladavidson.hubpages.com/hub/Best-Ways-to-Use-Leftover-Halloween-Candy