cookie bake 2011

5 types of cookies, about 4-5 dozen of each variety, 6 hours spent in the kitchen.  One week later, I still have a few left... barely.  Good thing I wasn't on bed rest yet- this is one tradition I can't miss.

oohhh, aahhh

A special Valentine's dinner just calls for a special dessert. Only those who are truly loved deserve something as labor intensive and tempermental as Chocolate Souffle. Oh, but when it's served piping hot, all smooth and fluffy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream... it just melts your heart.

cookie jar

The woman who started it all and has shared her skills with the rest of us. As this year's official "cookie counter," Mom was in charge of making sure each of us got our equal share (which ended up around 12 dozen per person!)

Dress code for the day: aprons

My two personal favorites: chocolate parfait (above) and orange carrot (below). They're melting in my mouth already.

COOKIE BAKE 2009

1 of my 15 minutes of fame

Check this out!

DOTS

Are these not the coolest things you've ever seen? Alana introduced me to the Candy Corn edition, and to my pleasant surprise I found the Ghost and Bat varieties as well! Not only are they cute, they are chewy-gummy-sweet-deliciousness all wrapped up in one. The ghosts are fruit flavored, and the bats are a tasty, yet Halloween-inspired "blood orange." I subscribe to the belief that seasonal candy always tastes better, because it's been made fresh for the occasion. And these Dots haven't let me down. All for only 88 cents a box? It's a new Halloween must-have at my house.

Utah State Fair 2009

I never knew my love for chocolate would one day bring me a blue ribbon. I'm glad the judges liked it as much as I do.

I'd like to thank my garden for producing such wonderful zucchini that gives this bread it's moisture and flavor. And Dave for encouraging me to make it all the time- I almost have the recipe memorized!

At least these Dollys got a ribbon! Maybe I should have added some secret zucchini...

Way to go Amber! This was no surprise- about 11 years ago, Amber joined the family and quickly had the sweetroll recipe perfected before any of the rest of us. My Grandma Jo should be proud- almost all these ribbon winners are her recipes. Any baking ability I may have I owe to her and my mom, for many years spent in the kitchen together :)

It's been 6 days

While spending Easter weekend in St. George, I pretty much over-loaded on candy. What do you expect me to do? I was surrounded by every variety of m&m's, jelly beans, Reese's pb cups, licorice, peeps, and mini twix- so naturally I feasted upon the chocolate and high fructose corn syrup. After we got home Sunday night, I was contemplating the large doses of candy I consumed and realized that I can't complain about un-lost pregnancy pounds when I eat like that. So suddenly, in a rash and unplanned moment, I splurted out "I'm not going to eat any treats for a whole week." ("treats" are defined as candy, cookies, cake, chocolate, etc.) Now maybe this is normal for some of you. Maybe you think it wouldn't be that hard. But if you know me at all, you know this is a huge sacrifice. I don't go a DAY without treats, not to mention a WEEK. Now if I had just thought about withholding for a week, that would be one thing. But I said it out loud, to Dave. So I had to stick to it! I thought about forgetting I ever said it, but I felt bad giving up so easy. I then felt like I had to prove it to myself and to Dave that I really could do it! Well, I'm almost there. It's been 6 days, one more to go, and I'm looking forward to Sunday so I can eat whatever I want. It's been tough- my bowl of happy pastel m&m's (plain, pb, and peanut) have been calling my name every night. But I think my biggest challenge will be tomorrow night- I'm working a night shift, a time I usually live off of treats. Other people have diet coke, coffee, red bull to keep them awake. Me? I stay awake thanks to treats. So this is a dilemma. Since my decision making skills and self-control are usually impaired in the middle of the night, I'll probably figure that after midnight it's technically Sunday and I can have treats again!
I guess I'm proud of myself for (almost) achieving a goal I set, but I can't say I feel so much healthier, look skinnier, or have lost a ton of weight. If any of you are thinking about making a similar goal, stop now, go enjoy a treat, and wish me luck for the next 2 days.

Cookie Monster

We just celebrated one of my favorite days of the year: the Annual Cookie Bake. This is something we've been doing forever and not only do I cherish the memories, but also every bite of every cookie. The girls of the family get together, everyone brings their assigned cookie dough, and we bake for about 10 hours straight. My mom's oven should be on a commercial for Kenmore- everyone would buy that oven if they could have these delicious cookies coming out of it every 8 to 10 minutes.
We roll, dip, cool, and frost all day long until we leave exhausted, with tins FULL of cookies. This year we made 8 varieties, and ended up with thousands of cookies. We share them with neighbors, friends, loved ones, and keep some for ourselves, of course!
The types of cookies we make are special because we only make them at the Cookie Bake. I look forward to them all year, especially the Thumbprints, with their perfect dollop of green frosting surrounded by toasted chopped pecans... yum!
I was in charge of making all the dough for the chocolate crackle. I had 2 mixing bowls full, and I used over 20 eggs and 10 cups of flour! Their ooey-gooey goodness leaves you only wanting one thing: a tall glass of cold milk. For the next month, there will always be something to eat at my house: milk and cookies. No longer is my freezer full of frozen veggies, chicken breasts, and popsicles- just loads and loads of cookies. Just the way I like it.

Utah State Fair 2008

I entered two items into the State Fair this year and was awarded two ribbons! This is the first time I have ever received a "prize" for any of my baked goods, and I'm pretty excited about the $3 I won. Although I didn't bring home the blue ribbon, this gives me room to grow and encouragement for next year's entries. Any suggestions?

Does it get any more home-town, American, and fair-like than this? A good, old-fashioned square dancing competition. Add this to your list of reasons to make the fair a must-see yearly event.

While the goat was taking a strong liking to Dave, I was becoming infatuated with the tiny piglets. They reminded me of Wilbur and Babe, two of my favorite pigs. I just like to think they'll be rewarded for their debut at the fair with something besides a slaughter house, even if it's just a "that'll do, pig."

When life gives you brown bananas..........

I'm sorry if I post about food all the time. But let's face it- I just can't get enough. A co-worker brought in some banana bread the other day, and I fell in love. I've already baked 5 loaves of it, and haven't gotten sick of it yet. She was kind enough to share the recipe with me, so I will pass it along to you. Enjoy!


Mary's Famous Banana Bread

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3 or 4 large bananas)
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour, or 2 1/2 cups white flour
chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)- optional
chocolate chips- optional

Beat together first seven ingredients until totally smooth and creamed together.
Add in banana, honey, and eggs.
Stir in flour, about one cup at a time, then add nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
Pour batter into lightly greased loaf pan and let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees, then lay foil over top of bread and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan, remove and enjoy!!

The key lime to my heart

Marcie recently made the most wonderful key lime pie; it was truly heaven-sent. She got the recipe from Tastespotting, which is like porn for food lovers. If you haven't yet checked it out, stop reading and go there right now. This key lime creation has a thick graham cracker crust, a layer of decadent coconut, zesty key lime filling, and is topped with a thin layer of not-too-sweet whipping cream. Although the dessert is quite rich, I didn't seem to have any problem cleaning my plate as well as a good portion of my nieces and nephews' plates. This is one recipe that is definitely worth hanging onto.

me new favorite treat

Lately I've been eating a LOT of taffy. For some reason, I can't resist the colorful, pretty, perfectly packaged bite-sized treats. When I see a big bin in the grocery store, I can't walk past without filling up a bag to take home. Usually when I have a stash of treats, I take them with me on night shifts to share with my co-night owls. But the past two nights, there has been NO sharing going on. I keep the sweet sticky stuff hid in my bag, rationing them throughout the night. I haven't decided which color is my favorite, so I guess I will continue my taste testing.

Rolling, Rolling...

PLUS

PLUS

EQUALS

YUM! These rolo cookies are a sure-fire hit. The crispy outside and chewy center make it almost impossible to eat just one. A favorite among my friends, family, and coworkers, I've received many requests for these little treats. I've tried peanut butter cups and white chocolate chips with the dough as well, but Rolos make it most delicious. Who knew Rolos could could get any better?

Take a lookie at my cookies

Many of you know that I love to bake and create wonderful little treats, and I especially love to share them with others, hoping it will make their day a little sweeter. I've recently been given the great opportunity to sell my baked goods at The Children's Hour. If you aren't familiar with this store, you're missing out. It's a fabulous little boutique on 9th east and 9th south full of women's and children's books, clothing, accessories, toys, jewlery, and now baked goods! I started off with some mint brownies and big chocolate chip cookies, but will be adding different selections all the time. I would love for you all to check out the store, and especially the treats inside! Spread the word!

frosting fanatic

Many of you may already know this about me, but I LOVE frosting. Every bite of cake, cupcake, sweetroll, etc. has to have gobs and gobs of frosting. Actually, I enjoy eating it just plain! Not only do I like to eat frosting, but I like to make it and decorate with it as well. Although sugar cookies aren't my favorite kind of cookie, I get excited to make them just so I can decorate them. I would do this for a full-time job if I could. Anyone hiring? Here is a sample of some of my Halloween cut-outs (the kitty is my favorite).

Food Network Junkie

There's only one show that can really turn me into a food network fanatic, and that would be Ace of Cakes. During the half-hour program, I live vicariously through Chef Duff as I watch him and his very artistic staff create the most amazing cakes you'll ever see. Who knew that a little flour, sugar, water, gum paste, and fondant could make such things as a football field, the Washington Monument, owls, tennis balls, and even a Campbell's tomato soup can. If only one day I too could work at Charm City Cakes, that would be a dream come true. If you'd like to catch a glimpse, tune in Thursday nights at 8pm, and for some great pics, check out www.charmcitycakes.com.