Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies

I have been missing my "Tried it Out Thursday Posts",

 so I figured today was a good day to get back on track with a great recipe!!

I have a HUGE weakness for soft and chewy sugar cookies! I have tried several recipes in the past but none have quite got the chewy texture that I like.  When I saw this recipe over at Healthy Eating for Ordinary People I had to try it out.  My findings were THESE COOKIES ARE NOW MY FAVORITE!!  They are soft, chewy and very delicious.  In fact I had to give most of them to the neighbors otherwise I would of eaten the whole batch. 

Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies
adapted from Healthy Eating for Ordinary People
1 1/2  cups sugar
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, melted and still warm
1/3 cup oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar - colored or white

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray sheeting with cooking oil.

Put the 1½ cups of sugar and the cream cheese into a large bowl of an electric mixer. Pour the butter in and combine. Add in the oil and mix for a minute or so. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix for another minute or so. Add the flour, soda, baking powder and salt and mix for another minute or two until a soft dough forms.

Spread the remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a separate shallow bowl.

Pinch off even pieces of dough, about 2 tablespoons each. (The original recipe suggests that you separate 24 pieces first to be sure they are all the same size.) Use your hands to roll the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat it. Space the balls evenly on the baking sheet, 12 per sheet. Use the bottom of a cup to flatten the dough balls slightly. Sprinkle the tops evenly with a bit more sugar. * I used my cookie scoop.

Bake until the edges are set and just beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. You want them light colored. Cool the cookies for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack and allowing to cool completely.

Usually when I make sugar cookies my family insist on having frosting on them. The frosting was not missed at all with these cookies!

YUM! 

Think I need to bake a batch today!!

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Tried it Out Thursday:PB&J Shortbread Bars

If you LOVE shortbread and PB&J like my family does this is one for you to try!! When I saw it over at Picky Palate(she had some incredibly delicious things.) I knew I had to try it out!! It was DELICIOUS and one of those that are even better the next day!!  The only issue I had was I made the sugar frosting a bit too thin, but it still tasted great!!

PB&J Shortbread Bars

adapted from Picky Palate
4 sticks softened butter
1 Cup granulated sugar
1/4 Cup packed brown sugar
3 3/4 Cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 Cup strawberry jam
1 Cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tablespoons milk
  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand or electric mixer beat butter and sugars until well combined. Slowly add in flour and salt until just combined.  Press the dough into a 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray.

 Melt peanut butter in microwave for 20-30 seconds or until smooth and pourable. Pour evenly over shortbread.

Melt the jam in microwave for 20-30 seconds as well then pour evenly over peanut butter. Take a knife and gently swirl peanut butter and jelly over top of shortbread, not really cutting into the dough itself. Just the peanut butter and jelly.

  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges start to brown and centers are cooked through.

  Remove and let cool completely. 

 Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, drizzle over bars.

Enjoy!!

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Tried it Out Thursday: German Chocolate Chip Cookies

We love German Chocolate cake!! The very best part of the cake is the frosting!! Can you imagine putting all that goodness in a cookie...well that is what is so brilliant about this recipe I found over at Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker.  She has some wonderfully delicious recipes!! These cookies were AMAZING!! They were even better the next day.  They are a bit flatter than the normal cookie, but are soft and chewy.  OH YUM!!

German Chocolate Chip Cookies
from Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (1 of those packages of crackers thrown in the food processor is usually the correct amount)
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (Due to allergies I used sliced almonds)
Mix graham cracker crumbs, flour and baking powder. In another bowl, beat condensed milk and butter until smooth. Mix all together, then add coconut, chips and nuts. Slightly grease cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes until light brown.
*You could leave out the nuts if needed and they would still be amazing!!

Thanks,

For a great recipe!!

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Tried It Out Thursday: Basil Foccacia

I have always wanted to make foccacia bread so when I found this recipe over at Alli n Son (she has some amazing recipes) it looked so delicious. I had to try it out.  It was great!! We got so excited to eat it that I forgot to take a picture once it was cut!! Sorry my bad!

Basil Foccacia

from Alli n Son
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1 teaspoon salt {sea salt is best}
1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons yeast

Topping
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, dried basil and salt. In the bowl of a large mixer with a dough hook combine the water, olive oil and yeast. Set speed to 2 and slowly add the flour mixture. Once the mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl and forms a ball, mix at speed 2-3 for 10 minutes.
   
While the dough is mixing preheat the oven to 200º for 10 minutes. Then turn it off. The oven does not have to reach this temperature, but it will help your dough rise.
After the dough has finished mixing, place it a bowl coated with non-stick spread and cover with plastic or a lid. Place in the warmed oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen punch it down by kneading it once.

Spread on a cookie sheet with non-stock spray. Using your hands gently stretch and press the dough to fit evenly into the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in the warmed oven for 30-40 minutes, until doubled again.
Remove pan from the oven and preheat to 375º.
Using two fingers poke holes (don’t actually poke all the way through) into the dough. In a small bowl combine the olive oil and garlic. Drizzle it over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with cheese and extra basil if desired..

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Alli says, " It is best served slightly warm with your favorite soup or salad, or as a side to pasta. It also makes a killer grilled cheese sandwich." 
*She uses 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of basil.

Thanks Alli!!

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Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

We love sugar cookies at my house!! I hate rolling and cutting them out.  So when I saw this recipe over at Its SEW for YOU, I had to try it out.  They were amazing! I took half the pan to a Valentine's Party at work and left the other half at home.  Needless to say I did not bring any home and at home they ate what was left.
Everyone thought they were AWESOME!  The perfect dessert, quick, easy and oh so delicious!  Just talking about them makes me want some right now!! YUM!!

Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

from Its SEW For YOU

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 t almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2  teaspoon baking powder

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg until nice and frothy, about 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for 1 minute more.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat for 2 minutes. Press the dough into a lghtly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the pan cool completely

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 - 4 1/2  cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
food coloring or icing paste
 Combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat for 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mix for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Frost your pan of cookies. If desired add sprinkles or other decorations.

Cut into pieces and enjoy!!

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Tried It Out Thursday: Evil Fudge Balls

A little while ago I came across this recipe over at Gracious Rain and I wanted to make them immediately!! My husband's favorite chocolate of all time is a Symphony bar. So when I saw this was the main ingredient, I knew it had to be a good one and it did not disappoint.  It was easy and oh so EVIL, because once you have one, you have to have another and another..... They are AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!

Evil Fudge Balls

recipe from Gracious Rain

3 large Symphony chocolate bars (about 16 oz.) I used the one with toffee and almond bits.
4 oz. frozen whipped topping
Vanilla Wafers–crushed
Melt chocolate in the microwave until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

Spoon the frozen cool whip into the chocolate and mix until well blended.

It will most likely be way too soft to roll, but if you have a small scoop you could still do it. If not, refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm enough to spoon and roll into balls.

Drop in crushed Vanilla Wafers and coat thoroughly.

I am really missing my food processor!! Crushing the cookies with out it was not as effective, but it worked!!

Refrigerate in an air tight container

Warning: THESE ARE ADDICTIVE!!
Thanks Launi for an amazing recipe!! Her pictures are much better than mine!!

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Tried It Out Thursday: Cinnamon Carmel Corn with White Chocolate

When I came across this recipe I immediately wanted to make it!!  It looked and sounded so delicious!  I actually held off a couple of days, but it so did not dissappoint me.  DELICIOUS!!  I found it over at An 'A' For Effort.  She has some really delicious recipes for real people.  It is an AMAZING blog. 

Cinnamon Carmel Corn with White Chocolate
adapted from An 'A' For Effort
12 C popped popcorn (I used 2 bags light butter microwave popcorn)
1 C brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 C corn syrup
1/2 C butter, cut into small chunks
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 squares of almond bark
1 C slivered almonds or other nuts (optional)
 Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a large baking sheet with tin foil.
 Place 12 C of popcorn and nuts (if using) in a very large bowl. Set aside.
 In a microwave safe bowl combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Add chunks of butter and corn syrup.
 Microwave mixture on high for 30 seconds. Stir to combine then microwave for 2 minutes. Remove and stir again before microwaving for an additional 2 minutes. Mixture should be hot and bubbly.
 Add vanilla and baking soda, stir to combine. The mixture will foam and rise. Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir VERY well until everything is evenly coated.  Spread popcorn mixture onto lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  At the end of the 30 minutes sample a piece of the popcorn. If it is not crunchy return the pan to the oven for 5 additional minutes. Repeat this step if necessary.
 Melt almond bark slowly in microwave and drizzle over popcorn.  Once the chocolate has hardened, break the caramel corn into pieces.

I couldn't stop eating it!! So I had to share with others.

Thanks Abby for a wonderful recipe!!



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Tried It Out Thursday: German Chocolate Bundt Cake

This "Tried it Out Thursday" post is a little bit different than the others, it is actually a recipe I shared that someone else tried.  I received a very sweet email about my sister's German Chocolate Bundt cake that I would like to share.  Candice (my sister) does not give herself enough credit for the great cook she is so here is the proof and the proof that this is a SERIOUSLY delicious recipe!!

I just had to write about the bundt cake recipe you got from a relative.  It it awesome!!!!
I got a call late yesterday to go to a small get together for a teacher I used to work with who moved to Virginia. She came back to NJ for a couple of days and another teacher wanted to have the small get together today from 3 to 5. I told the teacher who called me I would bring a dessert.
Got off the phone and remembered your recipe since I love German choc cake.  Had all the ingre. and made it so fast. It was so easy!!  Well, had to have a piece at the party and I was blown over!!! So light, yet so very moist and hearty.  The cake rose really high so I thought it would be light and dry. Not the case at all.  Little kids at the party even ate it.  I ususally prefer scratch cakes but this one is amazing.  Everyone loves a good bundt cake since they are easy to eat and dont have all that sweet frosting  Sorry I went on about this so long but I cant get over the great texture and taste and Moistness!!!.  It is really a keeper. Cant wait for my sister in laws to taste it. They are cake mix bakers.

After this email I asked if I could use her nice comment and this is the reply I got:

Of course, you can add my comment to the recipe. We have to get as many people as possible to try it. It's probably one of the best cake mix cakes I've ever eaten. It really has everything: fairly inexpensive to make if you get cake mix and frosting on sale, extremely easy to make and taste is phenominal. I think making it the day before serving made it even moister. I didnt even do the melted chocolate drizzle; just bought my pampered chef powdered sugar shaker with me to the party and when I took the plastic and foil off of the cake, I just sprinkled with the confectioners' sugar.  I'm just happy to know there's someone out there that does my kind of cooking. Cooking for families.  Thanks again for your great blog and recipes. I dont know where you get the time to do everything you do.
Warmly,
Carol Ann

WOW! That was so SWEET and so made my day!  Thanks Carol Ann and thanks for letting me share it with all of you.  You can check out the great German Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe here.

Have you tried out anything good this week?  If so please share!

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Dill Dip

Dill dip has always been a family favorite.  Growing up it was somthing we usually only had during the holiday season.  The last few years I have not been able to find it in the store and when I did it was not the same.  I was excited to find this recipe in one of the cookbooks my grandma gave me.  With a few minor adjustments, I found it delicious and addicting.  Next time I will double the recipe because it did not last long around our house!

Dill Dip

makes about 2 cups

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoons dill weed

1 Tablespoon minced onion

1 teaspoon parsley flakes

2 Tablespoons pickle juice

1/2 cup diced dill pickles

1/8 teaspoon seasoning salt (Optional)

Mix and let chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to mix.  Serve with chips or veggies. 

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Tried It Out Thursday: BBQ Chicken Pizza

When I saw this recipe I just knew it was a keeper.  The words:  bacon, chicken, bbq sauce and pizza had me drooling.  I found this recipe over at Ma, What's for Dinner?.  She is the PRO at making delicious foods that your kids will eat (not to mention all adults also).  She is so amazing and creative. You need to check her site out! This one did not let me down.  Everyone raved about it.  They ate every bit of it.  There was even a small fight over the last piece (no trips to the ER thank goodness.).

BBQ Chicken Pizza

adapted from Ma, What's for Dinner?

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced

2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
8-10 slices bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 pizza dough or one store bought dough
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced thin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
In a medium saucepan heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add half of the onions and allow to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Season with salt and pepper. Deglaze the pan with the vinegar being sure to scrap up all the good browned bits on the bottom.
Next add in your ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Turn the sauce down and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes (let it simmer while you get everything else ready.)
 Lay out your pizza dough and stretch it to fit a baking sheet. Stab it with a fork a few times (so it won't puff up in places) and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and spread a thin layer of sauce leaving a one inch border around the dough. Arrange your chicken, mushrooms and onions (if desired) neatly around the pizza dough. Then arrange jalapeno (I only put this on a little edge of the pizza). Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Top with plenty of cheese and sprinkle the bacon over top. Return to the oven and bake 8-10 more minutes or until  it is heated through and the cheese is melted.

YUM!!

*The only change I may make next time is to replace the cilantro with some fresh basil. Just to try it out!!
* I had extra bbq sauce leftover. I put it in the fridge and the kids used it as a dip for chicken.

Thanks Alex for a new family fave!!

~Tiffanee

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Tried It Out Thursday: Broccoli with Carmelized Onions & Garlic

A few weeks ago I ran across this delicious recipe over at Debbi Does Dinner Healthy & Low Calorie and it looked so delicious.  She has lots of incredible, not to mention healthy recipes and she is so amazing!!!  This one did not let me down.  YUM!! I adapted it just a bit by adding zucchini.

Broccoli/Zucchini With Caramelized Onions & Garlic

adapted from Debbi Does Dinner Healthy & Low Calorie

1 large sweet onion, sliced

1 lb. broccoli, broken up into bite sized pieces

1 small zucchini, sliced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (I used 2)

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 Tablespoon butter

Salt and Pepper to taste

Add oil to a pan, saute onion until caramelized on medium heat, about 20 minutes.  Add vinegar, garlic, zucchini, broccoli and butter and cook for about 8-10 minutes until veggies are steamed.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

** My Grandma always said to add just a pinch of sugar to your onions when caramelizing them.  It will help bring out the natural sugars in them. 

Enjoy!!

Thanks Debbi for an incredible dish!!

~Tiffanee

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