S'more Cookie Bars These were a huge hit! Keith, Andrew, and Kramer all ate at least two of these the other night. I brought some into work, too, and they quickly disappeared. They seriously tasted just like a s’more, and they should, considering that all of the same ingredients are used, just kicked up a notch! The crust is a graham cracker cookie, topped with marshmallow, a layer of chocolate, and a graham cracker crust to top it all off. What you’ll need. Pulse about 8 graham crackers in a blender or food processor to get your graham cracker crumbs. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs. Cream together the butter and sugars, until light and fluffy (at least 3-5 minutes), then beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Press half of the dough down into the greased and/or lined 8×8 pan (I doubled it and did a 9×13). Lay the chocolate bars over the dough. Then spread the Fluff over the chocolate. Enjoy! S’more Cookie Bars Prep time:
Strawberry-Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Update 05/31/2011 This recipe was featured on 100 ways to use Strawberries at Endless Simmer. Update 05/14/2011 Another reader successfully tried this recipe.See here.The blog is in a non-english language so I could not read it but the picture says it all.Thank you LILLA! Update: 03/05/2011 These cookies were tried by 3 people I know of who came back and told me about their experience.I m linking them here and here. What I need: [Makes 22 cookies of the size shown][updated] 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour4 tbsp unsalted butter [softened]7 tbsp granulated white sugar1 tsp vanilla extract1/4 tsp baking powder [use aluminium free]pinch of salt3 tbsp thick crushed fresh strawberry mix [homemade by crushing strawberries with 1 tsp of milk [if required]+2 drops of red food color] [the quantity of strawberry mix will vary depending upon the consistency,please be judgemental]Nutella [for filling] How I did it: Bake the cookies in the oven for about 8-12 minutes or untill the bottom starts turning brown.
Pincushion Thread Catcher & Merriment Design The pincushion thread catcher that my mom gave me years ago is my sewing table’s best friend. Yeah, I know it seems a little grandma-ish but it’s no surprise that I’m a big fan of things that are both clever and cute. A pincushion thread catcher is basically a weighted pincushion on top like this… …that anchors your own little trashcan for stray threads and empty thread spools that you throw in here like so… Convenient, yes? I made this red pincushion thread catcher thank you gift for my friend Susan who let me deeply dip into her fabric stash while getting ready for the 2008 Renegade Craft Fair. I reverse-engineered my mom’s pattern, doubled the pin cushion size, and voila! Step-by-step tutorial instructions and supplies for the pincushion thread catcher after the jump –> Supplies for how to make your own pincushion thread catcher: NOTE: All seams are 1/2″. Like it? Cut your pieces NOTE: All seams are 1/2″. Use your self-healing mat , rotary cutter and clear plastic ruler Lining (black)
Peach Pies It’s coming up to Valentine’s day, the most Hallmark of holidays, and while I don’t usually get too cutesy with my baking I thought I would whip up some heart shaped Mini Bourbon Peach Pies. Unfortunately, despite using my silicone heart shaped muffin pan, well, my poor little pies look more like blobs than hearts. If you squint really hard you might, just might, be able to see the heart shape….ok, maybe not. Distinct heart shapes aside, these little pies taste amazing, even if I do say so myself! Inspired by a recipe for Moroccan apple pies I came across in one of my delicious cookbooks, and recalling a recipe for Bourbon poached peaches I stumbled across on Martha Stewarts website one day I decided to combine the two. It also helps that my fiance adores Bourbon. The Bourbon (in this case I used Makers Mark) really adds an extra dimension to the pies. Finally, I’d like to congratulation Heather L. who was the lucky winner of the River Cottage Veg Everyday giveaway.
Spiced Sweet-Potato Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe at Epicurious Cake 4 8-ounce red-skinned sweet potatoes(yams) Icing 1 cup powdered sugar 3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar 1/2 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Preparation For cake: Pierce sweet potatoes with fork. Microwave on high until very tender, about 8 minutes per side. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 325°F. For icing: Sift powdered sugar into medium bowl.
Pear Clafoutis I remember that my mom would make this on special occasions when I was little. I would always get so excited when I saw it resting in the kitchen. I couldn’t wait to eat some! I was fascinated by the rows of pears, totally mystified by how she got them to look so pretty. Now I know that the trick is a very sharp knife - a “trick” that is useful in just about every activity that involves knives. I asked her for the recipe on an impluse; it was something I hadn’t thought about for years. The pear clafoutis tastes like a cross between a custard and a fruit-filled dutch baby pancake. You could also make this for a fancy-ish brunch if you don’t want to save the recipe just for dessert. Pear Clafoutis 4 barely-ripe pears, bartlett or d’anjou 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp sugar 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup milk (low fat is fine) 3 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 425F and lightly grease a 10-inch round baking/tart dish.
Do-it-Yourself DIY String Wedding Lanterns Yarn Chandeliers - StumbleUpon Jessica of Wednesday Inc shows us how to make those gorgeous twine chandeliers from the inspiration shoot she shared with us this morning. Using balloons, glue and twine, you can also make these lanterns for your wedding – and then bring it home and use it as your very own mid century lampshade. What you will need are: balloons, glue, yarn, tray for glue, corn starch 1/2 cup of Corn starch, 1/4 cup of Warm water, clear fast drying spray paint, hanging lamp cord or fishing line (depending on your desired final product), and a lighting kit if you’re looking for a fully functional lantern. Jessica recommends using a sharpie to mark on the inflated balloon how much room you need to leave for the lighting cord. She also recommends coating the balloon with vaseline prior to wrapping the yarn coated with glue so it doesn’t stick on the balloon once it’s dry. Are you getting excited to try to do this at home as much I am? Instructions: 1.
Blueberry Maple Oat Smoothie In addition to all her lovely recipes and her wonderful idea to host our new "No Croutons Required" food blogging event, there are many things that I have to thank my fellow vegetarian blogger Holler from Tinned Tomatoes for, not the least of which is that she is such a dear friend even though she's halfway across the world from me. One other thing that I'm grateful to her for is turning me on to the idea of oat smoothies blended with yogurt and fruit. What a terrific way to combine all the proteins, minerals and fiber of oats and yogurt with the vitamins of fruit into a quick, easy, wholesome and delicious pick-me-upper for any time of day! Holler's blueberry, maple syrup and oat smoothie already inspired me to dabble around with oats, yogurt and a blender to come with my own fermented oat smoothie base to which I added mango and blackberries.