cookies and bars Archives - Page 4 of 6

2015/02/092018/04/07

Candy Bar Cookies

An Irresistible Adventure – Baked Elements

“How are you? Charles asked. Fine. Did you get the book? No. I wonder what happened to it? It had pictures.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

dipI’ve been haphazardly baking my way through Baked Elements by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito and every recipe I try has been wonderful. It all started with their famous Brooksters. The combination Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie is quite amazing. I added the Pumpkin Almond Cake with Almond Butter Frosting to my fall must-bake list. (There are only two other items on my fall baking list, this Brown Sugar Pear Cake and a Cranberry Bundt with lots of orange.) The Sunrise Key Lime Tarts are coveted by all the citrus lover’s I know. It’s almost impossible to eat only one of the Bale Bars. If you like cinnamon, the Cinnamon Spritz Sandwich Cookies are spectacular. The soft meringue filling is just fabulous. The Poppy Seed Cake with Brown Butter Glaze is phenomenal. Speaking of brown butter, don’t miss the Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. And then I made the Candy Bar Cookies. READ MORE . . .

2014/12/312017/12/31

Almond Joy Energy Bars

A Craving

“Let’s get it over and the door closed shut on it! Let’s close it like a book and go on reading! New chapter, new life.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m floating into the New Year. Just going to let it happen. Not swimming against the tide, not pushing against the closed doors, not going to deny the passage of time. Making a commitment to move on—no loads of heavy thoughts or remorse over unmet goals. It’s new territory and I’m happy to have an invitation to attend the opening ceremony. This year was consumed with loss and I am ready for change. I crave a new beginning. READ MORE . . .

2014/12/222015/12/07

Rosemary Shortbread Trees

The Best Gift

“Adam was pleased. Not even Christmas and we have presents. I wonder what it can be!”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I dream of the gift of world peace and the end of hunger. I wish for more kindness. An end to the relentless scramble to be better than, to have more. A time to be happy. If just for a moment, to pause, and be pleased with our lives. It is possible, especially if you give the best gift of all. The gift can be expensive and it takes time too. It was for me. READ MORE . . .

2014/02/112014/03/30

Cherry Cream Cheese Cookies

A Perfect Valentine

“Come here, Kate said, and while the girl waited beside the desk Kate slowly addressed the envelope and stamped it. I want you to run a little errand for me, she said. Go to Bell’s candy store and get a five-pound box of mixed chocolates and a one-pound box. The big one is for you girls.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

For a little sweetness on Valentine’s Day I have the perfect cookie. Sour cherries, almond and lemon are nestled in an ethereal cream cheese cookie. Flaunting an alluring Bing cherry this cookie surpasses the swagger of the overly sweet candy of Valentine’s Day. READ MORE . . .

2013/12/192018/12/11

Russian Tea Cakes

A Favorite Christmas Cookie

“It’s not Christmas. No, said Cal, it’s better than Christmas.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This Christmas cookie has been splashed across the internet and a version of the recipe can be found in every cookbook that has cookies as its theme. Of all the Christmas cookies I make this is the most requested. Russian Tea Cakes are the first holiday cookie of the season. A nutty shortbread cookie rolled in powdered sugar, simple to make and even easier to devour. There are many names and variations for this cookie, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Polvorones, made with cinnamon, pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts. I use the recipe my mom used. Changing a family favorite can be treacherous, especially at the holidays. I wouldn’t dream of adding cinnamon, although I imagine it would be fabulous. Over the years I have made a few tweaks. We grew up with cookies made with margarine and walnuts as butter and pecans were too expensive. I migrated to butter, added another handful of walnuts and toasted them before adding to the dough. With my changes the Russian Tea Cakes must taste better. But childhood memories can’t be argued with. Even though I know butter tastes better than margarine the best cookies I’ve ever had at Christmas were the ones my mom and I made together. That’s an ingredient you can’t buy at the store or include in a recipe, even though that’s what we’re all looking for at Christmas. READ MORE . . .