tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74180021690614963032024-02-22T11:07:54.803-05:00Every Last Cookieblah blah blah cookiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-70606392945573244432015-04-24T17:17:00.002-04:002015-04-24T17:17:55.547-04:00[Cookie 106] Apple-Cherry Crumble Bars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsedoK37WmoD1LBsqocGnQsKioIXhr3lEt9BfI3fyW1JNAQ9G8TAGrRn3q8xJ79KYUsZS4JU407itd6rXK_oSixl83ssyUitMgwhKLMpKwyPCGrxAYWDVcV_x9gcKYHUWR5ptIzfTuB34/s1600/131026_cookie-005-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsedoK37WmoD1LBsqocGnQsKioIXhr3lEt9BfI3fyW1JNAQ9G8TAGrRn3q8xJ79KYUsZS4JU407itd6rXK_oSixl83ssyUitMgwhKLMpKwyPCGrxAYWDVcV_x9gcKYHUWR5ptIzfTuB34/s1600/131026_cookie-005-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ok, so let's talk about crumbles. Actually, before we talk about that, let's get some clarifications out of the way. A crumble is not a cobbler, which is not a crisp either. Now, they're all damn good, that's for sure, and they all have fruit underneath some kind of pastry topping, but that's where the similarities end. And up until right now, I never couldn't differentiate them for the life of me. I knew that I likes the ones that had a streusel-like topping, but you know, WORDS, definitions, names--screw em! I could never remember which was which. So here's the low-down:<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Cobblers</b> have a biscuit topping. Not so into those, to be honest. I mean, if you put one in front of me, I'm not going to NOT eat it, but if I have a choice, I'm going the crunchier, crumblier route. Apparently cobblers can also be made with a cake batter or cookie dough crust, but that just sounds fucked up to me. Again, I would eat it if you presented it to me, but I'd be skeptical. Why combine so many delicious desserts?? I want one of everything, separately.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Crumbles </b>are very similar to <b>crisps</b>. They both got that baller streusel-ish topping, which is clearly better than a biscuit topping, I mean come on. But there is a finer difference between these two. CRISPS GOT THEM OATS IN EM! And <i>that</i>, my friends, is the clincher, for me at least. I'm a crunchy, hippie-dippy type, so anything with whole grains and some toothiness to it will always get my vote. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuquXvnbmXR0zCRx0oCs33YFvKj3p2dvVYjttR_pSi2YTOqtdrDN-PEpqE5xMFSCLbf92tDG7ua0wuVnaNFhrDzJ6Wl1YUTMNJ0Lzk3yV6iBRiZa2m-Q6ln3jFVO7yW0BpyX8_6z7pz0/s1600/131026_cookie-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuquXvnbmXR0zCRx0oCs33YFvKj3p2dvVYjttR_pSi2YTOqtdrDN-PEpqE5xMFSCLbf92tDG7ua0wuVnaNFhrDzJ6Wl1YUTMNJ0Lzk3yV6iBRiZa2m-Q6ln3jFVO7yW0BpyX8_6z7pz0/s1600/131026_cookie-001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I got all these great details from this informative post on the <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-cobbler-crumble-and-crisp-90877">Kitchn</a>, so of course I'm not liable if they're incorrect and lose you a trivia contest. But it makes sense to me. Oats are crispy! And guess what? This recipe has oats in it, but they call it an <b>Apple-Cherry <i>Crumble</i> Bar! </b>Better reevaluate, Martha!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3ERHv_Fn7eMFJBtTLAUMS7oklrZvrJH3rr81Q5b1_WkDVGcFrvVZOCtlaN_0O1ZlmRzwyXhyphenhyphenMGtKEPPG7oSt7U23jfCk280ztGZ9ZHwWm7ybyArI7ZdbOAyqYlli-y1jM1t52gjZvZw/s1600/131026_cookie-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3ERHv_Fn7eMFJBtTLAUMS7oklrZvrJH3rr81Q5b1_WkDVGcFrvVZOCtlaN_0O1ZlmRzwyXhyphenhyphenMGtKEPPG7oSt7U23jfCk280ztGZ9ZHwWm7ybyArI7ZdbOAyqYlli-y1jM1t52gjZvZw/s1600/131026_cookie-004.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbbjF-dXMo3cIjn12ylfsVBhmvFngyr-u5BvEw4iLUDianRVhbS68T3XJ_-6nI_pMWHXNXVTfu0-HS3ZBo9mSqLGkIyg3TjbZZU8flH8vdSeXIYd11p90-35KBOpw2X-jAv_F7oN-nLg/s1600/131026_cookie-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbbjF-dXMo3cIjn12ylfsVBhmvFngyr-u5BvEw4iLUDianRVhbS68T3XJ_-6nI_pMWHXNXVTfu0-HS3ZBo9mSqLGkIyg3TjbZZU8flH8vdSeXIYd11p90-35KBOpw2X-jAv_F7oN-nLg/s1600/131026_cookie-002.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regardless, these are pretty bomb, especially if you're into crisps, crumbles, or even cobblers. The nicest part is the filling though. It's a combination of dried apples and cherries simmered in apple cider. Pretty perfect for an blustery autumn day, which is why I am writing about it in April (hey, this one goes out to you, southern-hemispherers!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The recipe is easy, hearty, and tasty. No promises though on <i>how</i> tasty, since I made it about a year and a half ago and I have a really shitty memory. Sorry! I don't have any horrible memories of throwing up after eating it, so there's that. I've reread the recipe and baked it all again in my mind, and it tastes mentally delicious. So go for it! Git bakin' :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79AWK2w1VwttaA3bcCCCvCpMGif513eoKIi6wl2_T0cDOd4S-GfHyTQG0JoyKYU9mvfhJZjtRllWzsXdtUFxQPlxma4soXicfAqO451JwJ1RqbSIKe2-r0j-GseeStQ4LrhFgnsaaE8/s1600/131026_cookie-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79AWK2w1VwttaA3bcCCCvCpMGif513eoKIi6wl2_T0cDOd4S-GfHyTQG0JoyKYU9mvfhJZjtRllWzsXdtUFxQPlxma4soXicfAqO451JwJ1RqbSIKe2-r0j-GseeStQ4LrhFgnsaaE8/s1600/131026_cookie-003.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Apple-Cherry Crumble Bars</b></div>
<div>
Makes 2 dozen</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<ul class="components-list" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">3 cups dried apples, about 7 ounces</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup dried cherries, about 4 1/2 ounces</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">1 3/4 cups apple cider</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">2 cups rolled oats</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">2 sticks (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for dish</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol class="directions-list" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.14286em; padding: 0px;">
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Simmer apples, cherries, and cider in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally, until fruits are softened and plump, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Let cool.</div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
Coarsely chop fruit. Combine with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and reserved cooking liquid.</div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
Whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until crumbs range in size from peas to gum balls. Press 4 cups of oat mixture into bottom of prepared dish. Spread fruit filling on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top.</div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool in dish on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars. Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div>
****</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{End Results}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Baking Difficulty: 2</i>/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ingredient Accessibility: </i>3/5 (If you can't find dried cherries, try cranberries; if you can't find dried apples, don't make these!)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Tastiness: </i>4/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Attractiveness:</i> 1/5 (When has a crumble ever been beautiful?)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Is it worth it?: </i>Ya</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{Pairings}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Drink: </i>Hot toddy would be nice</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Song: </i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_uIC4wlo-U">Crumble - Dinosaur Jr.</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Activity: </i>Crumble some crisps for your local cobbler</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-33241091015392457182015-04-17T03:01:00.000-04:002015-04-17T03:01:45.895-04:00[Cookie 105] Vanilla-Bean Spritz Wreaths<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A0Yu4WGS4orIW6uB0Q0vg2bUJCDihtWo1qqpvnY3IiQWDoFfhPFoA8Cd9RAz_BWlSeFlMPm3EGogmqLbxPkDNCy0F6aHKfSbNkyPFCi3bgeDzyebZju91fDB4QCsQgbCqHx51EpXfig/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A0Yu4WGS4orIW6uB0Q0vg2bUJCDihtWo1qqpvnY3IiQWDoFfhPFoA8Cd9RAz_BWlSeFlMPm3EGogmqLbxPkDNCy0F6aHKfSbNkyPFCi3bgeDzyebZju91fDB4QCsQgbCqHx51EpXfig/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_006.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to blow your mind right now. <br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
THIS IS MY SECOND POST IN 2 HOURS! After nearly a year and a half of NOTHING! I go zero to a hundred! Can someone give me an award? Something like an Oscar, something extremely self-congratulatory and undeserved. Yeah, thanks!<br />
<br />
And get this, I'm actually going to do a post. About a cookie. That I baked a year and a half ago. Ha. Let's see how this goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r-d_MwLj2vH-N_IcTVxtJ4KUyLeSIhyphenhyphenKjtPNNunnmC3oeHyqCRycNcUVZyUEF9yr1kTsTKwnkRA1IO6v0sYaNoRojF9ov_AYqkeClxFoblxbK63Z37O1NSsKWmheEPJMHmpFyMQZAS0/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r-d_MwLj2vH-N_IcTVxtJ4KUyLeSIhyphenhyphenKjtPNNunnmC3oeHyqCRycNcUVZyUEF9yr1kTsTKwnkRA1IO6v0sYaNoRojF9ov_AYqkeClxFoblxbK63Z37O1NSsKWmheEPJMHmpFyMQZAS0/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_005.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let me preface this by explaining why I have the sudden urge to get back on my cookie soap box and blather on about cookies to an audience of probably 0 readers. Well, every so often I come back to this blog and read through old posts. Ya know, just to shine up my ol' ego and inflate my head a little about how funny, charming, smart, and all around fantastic I am. And then I get this sudden urge to start the blog up again and, DARE I SAY IT, finish <i>the quest</i>. Well, tonight was one of those nights. And here I am, blogging like the lazy egomaniac that I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzgx0W8wQtpnnrPN2evYbRCpkx5_aq3O5R6HuMdF0wwyey3oWuLMJO-1IwbTtEbzbxQuhfHJnLlf0BK56ShWAcZbsDXvq8gI0z8dnNIW2NX1najYuAETKJvQbG09_yTezhaRhHysL6Pg/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzgx0W8wQtpnnrPN2evYbRCpkx5_aq3O5R6HuMdF0wwyey3oWuLMJO-1IwbTtEbzbxQuhfHJnLlf0BK56ShWAcZbsDXvq8gI0z8dnNIW2NX1najYuAETKJvQbG09_yTezhaRhHysL6Pg/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_002.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Actually, if you look back to <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2013/10/cookie-104-pecan-logs.html">my last legit cookie post</a>, you'll see I had the same idea as I do now. And I actually baked up 2 more recipes after those Pecan Logs, and never posted them. Why? Because my excitement to blog revved up and died in the time it takes to write exactly one blog post, and then I got bored. But you know, I'm going to try to do this again. I know. Empty promises. I don't expect a single one of you to believe me, or care. But if you are still crazy enough to follow this blog, let me dedicate this cookie to you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gjtDQRT7h5Nit9rS1NjNefqk48m_J289rv54svLVPfbVrHCGnfRWDwUBf1sTeL_QrTrYuw4mCNBrLioLFSv1n-NBGU1n689NlbE-c34v4x8KxAx2gJcgrxPZba6cDFJ4xQhoiuFXMpo/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gjtDQRT7h5Nit9rS1NjNefqk48m_J289rv54svLVPfbVrHCGnfRWDwUBf1sTeL_QrTrYuw4mCNBrLioLFSv1n-NBGU1n689NlbE-c34v4x8KxAx2gJcgrxPZba6cDFJ4xQhoiuFXMpo/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_003.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Don't be offended that it's not a fantastic cookie that I'm dedicating to you though. Sorry! Don't blame me bish, I didn't write The Book! But it's an expensive cookie, so there's that. It calls for real deal vanilla beans and the name for the cookie comes from the German word "spritzen" which means "to squirt"--if that's not a compliment, I don't know what is! Take what you can get.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLYzPbnKzKNOCSKge3bHh8rXsQaao2NZ9tEP1vuu5oW_ajsDO-CwEo8UvVF8bJaLPY9MhVPU2_375iX_AT2aRxigWubpuaCH28YcO9_OclLCskXQW25ULtiPdNfGsvhmGNgNzZaz7A7s/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLYzPbnKzKNOCSKge3bHh8rXsQaao2NZ9tEP1vuu5oW_ajsDO-CwEo8UvVF8bJaLPY9MhVPU2_375iX_AT2aRxigWubpuaCH28YcO9_OclLCskXQW25ULtiPdNfGsvhmGNgNzZaz7A7s/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_004.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So let's get down to business. From what I can remember, these cookies were simple to make and tasted like a nice vanilla shortbread with a hint of cinnamon. I would have baked them sooner, but put it off thinking I would one day actually buy a cookie press like the recipe requests. But then I remembered who I am, and what my bank account looks like, I accepted the fact that that was a reality I was never going to face. So I just rolled out the dough and used a cookie cutter, LIKE A NORMAL PERSON. But I used a tooth-shaped cookie cutter, not like a normal person. I love this cookie cutter, but baking a shortbread with cinnamon and vanilla bean flecks into the shape of a tooth isn't really a great food styling choice. Rotten teeth anyone?<br />
<br />
Sorry, I'm really not sellin' this one, am I? To be honest, it was sort of a let down. I was expecting a super vanilla-y flavor, what with the 2 whole vanilla beans that cost an arm and a leg, but it ended up just tasting like a plain shortbread. Like, if you asked me to try it blindfolded, I'd assume there was maybe a teaspoon of vanilla <i>extract</i> in it, but that's it. Not worth the $10 for the whole beans!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIMPnEv5Mp2lsg3_uEh9pGav82TK1YnIHhy9JOi7OEeNk9-vWbfspVl4jZUSxETHiLhAgT4YQjehcHwDjd02ADaf-cgmPPBjyxpcvhOJy7CUQtPkcQYiC1WiwjBdrk9XLofch33uXCBk/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIMPnEv5Mp2lsg3_uEh9pGav82TK1YnIHhy9JOi7OEeNk9-vWbfspVl4jZUSxETHiLhAgT4YQjehcHwDjd02ADaf-cgmPPBjyxpcvhOJy7CUQtPkcQYiC1WiwjBdrk9XLofch33uXCBk/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_001.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$10 worth of vanilla beans, like what?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In conclusion, these cookies are ok but sorta lie on the "who cares" side of things. Maybe if I had a fancy cookie press I could make them into the shape of that Oscar trophy I deserve, and then they would also taste better (because victory is sweet, get it??).<br />
<br />
I got one more cookie to post, which I baked a year and a half ago, and then I have to actually crack open The Book and make some more. Aren't you excited we are on this ancient, forgotten adventure again? I know I am! xoxo<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxulgn1XORa7vnzCT2Mvue4WSvBRTZ_FvXy799tojJ98pgGOKS1msy-YO1MJovX4HDdoYgE-DVYRxynvTQKHcWZsrD1fcAo8VXMk0MIklsGDlCIWGkVjCCU0c2NKkJbxKATvPxPZHrIg/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxulgn1XORa7vnzCT2Mvue4WSvBRTZ_FvXy799tojJ98pgGOKS1msy-YO1MJovX4HDdoYgE-DVYRxynvTQKHcWZsrD1fcAo8VXMk0MIklsGDlCIWGkVjCCU0c2NKkJbxKATvPxPZHrIg/s1600/Vanilla-Bean-Cookies_007.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Vanilla-Bean Spritz Wreaths</b><br />
Makes about 5 dozen<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<ul class="components-list" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 teaspoons ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 vanilla beans, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup plus 4 teaspoons sugar</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li class="components-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 large egg yolks</span></li>
</ul>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<ol class="directions-list" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.14286em; padding: 0px;">
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.</span></div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beat vanilla seeds and 1 cup sugar with a mixer on medium speed until incorporated, about 3 minutes (sugar will clump together slightly). Add butter, and beat until pale and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture, and beat just until smooth.</span></div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide dough into 3 portions. Pack 1 portion into a cookie press fitted with wreath disk (cover remaining portions with an inverted bowl or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before using), and press shapes about 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake until edges are just golden, 9 to 12 minutes.</span></div>
</li>
<li class="directions-item" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;"><div class="directions-item-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, combine remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon with remaining 4 teaspoons sugar. Sprinkle over hot cookies. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Repeat. Cookies can be stored in a single layer in airtight containers up to 4 days.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">****</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{End Results}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Baking Difficulty: </i>1/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ingredient Accessibility: </i>2/5 (because of the spency vanilla beans and the stupid cookie press)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Tastiness: </i>3/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Attractiveness:</i> 3/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Is it worth it?: </i>Meh</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{Pairings}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Drink: </i>Milk, cuz them teeth look like they need it</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Song:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leTdBZcPCl0"> </a></i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leTdBZcPCl0">Regular Girl - Dillinger</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Activity: </i>Call 1-800-Dentist, today!</span></span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-77626780294795412722015-04-17T01:32:00.000-04:002015-04-17T01:32:00.761-04:00Return of the dead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/753197/?claim=j92bndhd49p">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
Oh hi.<br />
<br />
This blog is pretty dead, but you never know! I could make a comeback!! I've been saying this for like, 3 years. And I've made one or two feeble, brief, sad comebacks. Right now I'm just trying to figure out how Bloglovin works, so I can see what the kids are up to these days. Then I'll go back to the rock I'm hiding under.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But ya know, I've been busy lately! Not baking cookies, unfortunately, but working on my <a href="http://eephoto.us/">photography portfolio</a>, becoming a freelance <a href="http://eewebdesign.net/">web designer/developer</a>, and working in my <a href="http://elizabetheisenstein.com/">studio</a>. So check those out, if you're interested.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And if you're really obsessed with me, follow my Instagram accounts. Yes, that's plural. I have a disturbing number of accounts. Here's a quick breakdown:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://instagram.com/ee.photo">@ee.photo</a> - My lifestyle photography account! This one has the prettiest pictures.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://instagram.com/fantasylawyer">@fantasylawyer</a> - My art account, where I post the artwork and artists that I'm inspired by (you can also follow me on <a href="http://fantasylawyer.tumblr.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://elizabetheisenstein.tumblr.com/">here</a>)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://instagram.com/zziee">@zziee</a> - My personal one (probably the weirdest and least accessible, but all are welcome!)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://instagram.com/donutdatabase">@donutdatabase</a> - My attempt to document all the sleezy strip mall donut shops in Los Angeles!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, that's the end of my personal plug. Maybe one day I'll crack open THE BOOK (not the bible, fyi) and bake those crazy <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/353217/chocolate-pistachio-cookies">Chocolate-Pistachio cookies</a>...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until then, xoxo</div>
<div>
Lizzie</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-47793132768370381002013-10-30T15:54:00.002-04:002013-10-30T15:54:20.584-04:00[Cookie 104] Pecan Logs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDEtJURr5BaBejv7xAXvuiHUK3Ih7_h8QNPKwU67bMyu2tgCcz7SxBv0QmHaN46rMPBnzRD2wvGjTr-GQxkwej012tN4VBTQyOO1FJbFLpuheZoq8ehavq4wnpjowfmGlrLsfdIoGqzI/s1600/7C6A6628-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDEtJURr5BaBejv7xAXvuiHUK3Ih7_h8QNPKwU67bMyu2tgCcz7SxBv0QmHaN46rMPBnzRD2wvGjTr-GQxkwej012tN4VBTQyOO1FJbFLpuheZoq8ehavq4wnpjowfmGlrLsfdIoGqzI/s640/7C6A6628-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah I know, you probably thought it was all empty promises. That I really wasn't going to start up this blog again, and I know this has been keeping you up at night (for me, it's been my awful upstairs neighbors--like, why are you moving/building/destroying furniture at 2am?!). But don't even worry about it--I am so here, for you, for real! And my excuse for not posting promptly isn't laziness this time (or not exclusively laziness, I should say). I've just been working on retouching the photos to make them look real nice and purty for you. So what I'm saying is, it's all going to be better than ever! First step on the road to improvement--these <b>Pecan Logs</b>, in that they are better than those lame <b><a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2013/10/cookie-103-icebox-spirals-and-bulls-eyes.html">Icebox Spirals and Bull's-Eyes</a> </b>of the last post. One step at a time. The next cookie is even better than these, so get pumped!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuJ9pNPVU4KUWK03rasMf_0VmdWm565xYd_vK-2ah57xwjF0wnHAQm66eM9eHtCLtH-09SPRVKH5-IbIXfpvZUsXAGRs_7iFK9M2NMaaZ5gKde8MoeOhxSj2ib9iP1be-d29Hg1u17ac/s1600/7C6A6637-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuJ9pNPVU4KUWK03rasMf_0VmdWm565xYd_vK-2ah57xwjF0wnHAQm66eM9eHtCLtH-09SPRVKH5-IbIXfpvZUsXAGRs_7iFK9M2NMaaZ5gKde8MoeOhxSj2ib9iP1be-d29Hg1u17ac/s640/7C6A6637-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But some things haven't changed. I still primarily chose to make these cookies because they didn't require an extra trip to the grocery store, since I still had pecans left over from making this <i>totally insanely incredible </i>Pecan-Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream. I don't really have a recipe to link to that, since it was a combination of several recipes, and a lot of people were involved and a lot of drinking was involved, so I'm not even sure everything that went into it. But it was good!!! Just imagine--bottom layer pumpkin pie, top layer pecan pie. They actually ended up totally mixing together, as a result of poor judgement and drinking the bourbon instead of cooking with it, but seriously who gives a shit. It was goooooood!!!<br />
<br />
Sorry about the tangent, but I mean come on, pie, pie pie, piepiepie. Maybe I should make a pie blog next. I don't know if my arteries, stomach, or wallet could really handle that though, to be honest. OK OK OK, cookies, let's talk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDacIFttD4z3zqn5a0ZzxvY-8CrC-LekTk7wU3V4atXEKlpt1kwdjBPOf0wtYJKR0iLqwSM6PMBHWVBILz2wmyp7SUAATJWKfPrBwyYHAWNEF6DumyAhDrPTT5IWQ4pVScnf054W95R8/s1600/7C6A6529-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDacIFttD4z3zqn5a0ZzxvY-8CrC-LekTk7wU3V4atXEKlpt1kwdjBPOf0wtYJKR0iLqwSM6PMBHWVBILz2wmyp7SUAATJWKfPrBwyYHAWNEF6DumyAhDrPTT5IWQ4pVScnf054W95R8/s640/7C6A6529-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are real classic shortbread cookies with pecans both on the inside and the outside. I was worried that they hadn't fully baked through, since for some reason I always have that issue when making shortbread. But after letting these cool and waiting a few hours, they hardened up and really lived up to their category of "crumbly and sandy".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA9d242A25Bc_2-wXM2fn8ki48EAPh3i7MC5IG1UrUmLlExHjQYdmUX203DwShVd-EIFPbdrHOvLDq5iMU7r_sMUqGXz4jgDygntRf4o8ZIm3i33ia93YQKs2EMvmVN4EYAwVY8YfCYA/s1600/7C6A6520-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA9d242A25Bc_2-wXM2fn8ki48EAPh3i7MC5IG1UrUmLlExHjQYdmUX203DwShVd-EIFPbdrHOvLDq5iMU7r_sMUqGXz4jgDygntRf4o8ZIm3i33ia93YQKs2EMvmVN4EYAwVY8YfCYA/s640/7C6A6520-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gzwwkBQrhsNOLjQ3w_BWCBEYG0sL93YU56kqc_h3zHgyEr2jqiNFWmTo52a4uYlkGJl7D9yPZzbB2LS-C3mYIoVdjCNJKX22x9yctHehaqhFFGuXTUjLfAvv6edu_5FBO90xak8riM8/s1600/7C6A6561-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gzwwkBQrhsNOLjQ3w_BWCBEYG0sL93YU56kqc_h3zHgyEr2jqiNFWmTo52a4uYlkGJl7D9yPZzbB2LS-C3mYIoVdjCNJKX22x9yctHehaqhFFGuXTUjLfAvv6edu_5FBO90xak8riM8/s640/7C6A6561-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing I'd like to mention (which Martha already did in in the header notes, and I totally ignored): Try not to over grind the pecans. They very quickly release their oils and then clump together and don't really integrate into the dough that well, and definitely are difficult to roll onto the outside of the dough. I was about 2 microseconds away from total pecan butter--not that that would have been a bad thing, but it would have botched this recipe for sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzsy3GoMIhkf3jjudmv2jcYUWianUjACFkCThOhZxOJ2iEoiqDzG3XWuN3bZKozIDG8i8F725lu6oJVgPdfNMU8Vj_OminrUXmIRHmGZ3AtGPLZkaQwLb7XJ93LKGN3peBYltueiqhnI/s1600/7C6A6576-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzsy3GoMIhkf3jjudmv2jcYUWianUjACFkCThOhZxOJ2iEoiqDzG3XWuN3bZKozIDG8i8F725lu6oJVgPdfNMU8Vj_OminrUXmIRHmGZ3AtGPLZkaQwLb7XJ93LKGN3peBYltueiqhnI/s640/7C6A6576-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjGqiu_oOmj-OQ5YCS0TVOv6oDVX5qmO3QY9J80zipxIL2Z5aChBmM6MoKNSolhaQ9lerStIasEVgnEwRnVMrLIN9wGqkRBphyphenhyphen2Wd-2AhSm8hJYrafYYXZxfKJetMKoe3LyDoW1jmhuE/s1600/7C6A6596-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjGqiu_oOmj-OQ5YCS0TVOv6oDVX5qmO3QY9J80zipxIL2Z5aChBmM6MoKNSolhaQ9lerStIasEVgnEwRnVMrLIN9wGqkRBphyphenhyphen2Wd-2AhSm8hJYrafYYXZxfKJetMKoe3LyDoW1jmhuE/s640/7C6A6596-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They're cute though, huh! All lined up like little poops. Sorry! Another note: the dough is a little tricky to roll into an even log shape, especially if it warms up. The less you handle the dough the better. I rolled it into a ball and then a quick roll between my palms to make the log shape. Then dump it into the pecans and roll it about. Side note: I once went to a very very real Chinese food restaurant that served a dessert that they called "Ass Rolls About." It had something to do with a donkey rolling in the dust or something, but I mean come on, really? I was about to do a quick google search on Ass Rolls About, but then remembered I'm at work, and that might not be a smart choice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTV9oQu5fWBQ35eoahI52-uObwI7itaz2y2YRjEiPMiGvk3HomJMNsTwIKmzKpjB-x3Zswhq4BbpoHG0v_nWspapo8PwIro27Xp5I8ZeGlXpx9YIWOECF4aPijhJ4f1pFST5TA5Fh-zw/s1600/7C6A6591-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTV9oQu5fWBQ35eoahI52-uObwI7itaz2y2YRjEiPMiGvk3HomJMNsTwIKmzKpjB-x3Zswhq4BbpoHG0v_nWspapo8PwIro27Xp5I8ZeGlXpx9YIWOECF4aPijhJ4f1pFST5TA5Fh-zw/s640/7C6A6591-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtMCbGE0HG5x0v9f7Oab4iesxU0abBr5h2E3LfEpnvQ-Tym2dBwUbDmMdeaRlj6JNc63xYHXLlj-72EgFfx9zBZ2LnUmj9Fp34P3Z3Zgajaci7CtIJWtTamOJp306js4Q2fLl2DKjb24/s1600/7C6A6632-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtMCbGE0HG5x0v9f7Oab4iesxU0abBr5h2E3LfEpnvQ-Tym2dBwUbDmMdeaRlj6JNc63xYHXLlj-72EgFfx9zBZ2LnUmj9Fp34P3Z3Zgajaci7CtIJWtTamOJp306js4Q2fLl2DKjb24/s640/7C6A6632-1.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
And voila. They are cute and taste nice. Very good for a cookie exchange between friends, since those are coming up. Also good for a cookie exchange between your hand and your mouth (sorry, is that a double entendre?). They're good. Nothing other worldly, but good, cute, and simple--JUST LIKE ME. (Ok, only the last of those 3 things is actually true...)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fv1ZODEKu3G-fgbwCma967yNhadEMp9sL5NU7qhMT7KFZ1Wf6K4WfIHMmF-icGfzOvV__F141ccX2XaAJdMKs5jHrv420U2lnR6g5vQDgpn3OmQ-P8GC5IpV-LJY5e1__OWu-0jQkBk/s1600/7C6A6654-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fv1ZODEKu3G-fgbwCma967yNhadEMp9sL5NU7qhMT7KFZ1Wf6K4WfIHMmF-icGfzOvV__F141ccX2XaAJdMKs5jHrv420U2lnR6g5vQDgpn3OmQ-P8GC5IpV-LJY5e1__OWu-0jQkBk/s640/7C6A6654-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pecan Logs</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes about 4 dozen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<ul style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient first item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups pecans (about 5 1/4 ounces), toasted</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large egg</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 1.5em;">
<li class="first item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Process pecans in a food processor until finely ground; set aside.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter and confectioners sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; mix until well combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture and half of the ground pecans; mix until just combined. Wrap dough in plastic; refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll tablespoons of dough into 2-inch-long logs. Roll logs in remaining pecans. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing about 1 inch apart.</span></li>
<li class="item-even last"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until pale golden and slightly cracked, 14 to 15 minutes. Transfer logs to wire racks to cool, about 5 minutes. Sift confectioners' sugar over cookies before serving, if desired. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">****</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{End Results}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Baking Difficulty: </i>1/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ingredient Accessibility: </i>4/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Tastiness: </i>4/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Attractiveness:</i> 4/5</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Is it worth it?: </i>Sure</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{Pairings}</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Drink: </i>Bourbon. But seriously, they are the perfect size for dipping, so maybe milk? OMG CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE WOULD BE KILLER!!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Song: </i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3qSvuj9kHc">Stay Hungry - Talking Heads</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Activity: </i>Rolling your ass about</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-16650790178004964692013-10-05T18:20:00.002-04:002013-10-05T18:40:32.096-04:00[Cookie 103] Icebox Spirals and Bull's-Eyes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczx-GEJ3wLimlZ0hdwBMwA51XnpzMvuFKCkFQZCdVWxrOdbGqQCXxEgqiNwjafjEl6ZiLXiyg4vZnfeZx7o5H1TkuN-O6yJ7j66-eOrQBvxmnrB0f_YOkks0Rit0yGpE3QypO5-6SGw/s1600/CA4A7081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRczx-GEJ3wLimlZ0hdwBMwA51XnpzMvuFKCkFQZCdVWxrOdbGqQCXxEgqiNwjafjEl6ZiLXiyg4vZnfeZx7o5H1TkuN-O6yJ7j66-eOrQBvxmnrB0f_YOkks0Rit0yGpE3QypO5-6SGw/s640/CA4A7081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
God this feels so WEEEEIRD!!!!!!! I can't believe I'm doing this again. What's wrong with me?! Everything has changed since I left the blogging world. Google Reader doesn't even exist anymore, so how will people even know about this blog? Actually, if there's anyone out there reading this, would you mind giving me some insight into how people/you read blogs these days? Like, how are you reading this right now? I know all about <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/zziee/every-last-cookie/">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/zziee">Instagram</a> (follow meee), but what about BLOGSSSSS?? Are they, like, so 2010? Help!<br />
<br />
Okay, so let's get to know each other again, yeah? Since I last posted, I have graduated college, moved into a really awesome apartment, traveled around India for 4 months, been using a laptop with a non-functioning period key for nearly a year, and finally got a legit job at a photo company. This is the lady who is writing to you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob6KNpgn1uFIKf7yx9lPsGxbqF0ZZDANMqLwNRaxRMDN1KYx8W7ycecUvTpYh-ESKAfmRS5mOeHzkuimQlYlhWKPUx3JueyW8qieRrZahHEtQ5uMgcOHYRC4JAStFIfelv8VxW65W5oo/s1600/7C6A5407-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob6KNpgn1uFIKf7yx9lPsGxbqF0ZZDANMqLwNRaxRMDN1KYx8W7ycecUvTpYh-ESKAfmRS5mOeHzkuimQlYlhWKPUx3JueyW8qieRrZahHEtQ5uMgcOHYRC4JAStFIfelv8VxW65W5oo/s640/7C6A5407-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here are some nice things she has in her apartment (Baryshnikov and Dahlias, both are sexy):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpXeab9ycALtr-AObxRvrAhi8NYhlaLWno3-4WahXJBCIRV7ffv4hlywPRSW58DKGKbchc2Me9GMqY-Sf6F0PJKAw00n2XYhSP-vWClDaXZHGZcutIp0KAb50V-PEwQTL_m3vlzC-f8/s1600/7C6A5355-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpXeab9ycALtr-AObxRvrAhi8NYhlaLWno3-4WahXJBCIRV7ffv4hlywPRSW58DKGKbchc2Me9GMqY-Sf6F0PJKAw00n2XYhSP-vWClDaXZHGZcutIp0KAb50V-PEwQTL_m3vlzC-f8/s400/7C6A5355-1.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUfI9OEKmtxAqeXkrdssaBGVbYZu6i6lre-ibzNYuRLPJBDXwC3w_qSOejA50sOi8UxQuV2ukEqD5H8TGQ4lK0KyWhSygRLH_cLLTp2eV6e9KnbI_KaBhL946iLPX9ldM42tKjdIlw6g/s1600/7C6A5344-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUfI9OEKmtxAqeXkrdssaBGVbYZu6i6lre-ibzNYuRLPJBDXwC3w_qSOejA50sOi8UxQuV2ukEqD5H8TGQ4lK0KyWhSygRLH_cLLTp2eV6e9KnbI_KaBhL946iLPX9ldM42tKjdIlw6g/s400/7C6A5344-1.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g6zFyjWTJeChPvba38hC2tAHzx1jvs3eNmh50naZyZT2jChD2F0OgCisy5bb-10di9dbjkKIAqfGTXVsvBLXhNesVQEh1JOqYIO6uDvkeVZDwhGaO5INpcxHjbTrGbkL44EHmZHPutw/s1600/7C6A5337-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g6zFyjWTJeChPvba38hC2tAHzx1jvs3eNmh50naZyZT2jChD2F0OgCisy5bb-10di9dbjkKIAqfGTXVsvBLXhNesVQEh1JOqYIO6uDvkeVZDwhGaO5INpcxHjbTrGbkL44EHmZHPutw/s640/7C6A5337-1-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She has NOT been baking very much, that's for damn sure. Until now--I am so ready to do this. I hate the fact that my triumphant return is marked by such a pathetic, boring, lame cookie, but hey, I'm still the same girl who wants to bake cookies without having to go food shopping for any ingredients other than sugar and butter. So I made these guys. But don't worry--I've pretty much exhausted all the really boring recipes from the book, so now I have no choice but to buy <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/267532/getting-more-from-vanilla-beans?search_key=vanilla%20bean">expensive</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malted_milk">weird</a> ingredients and bake <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/353217/chocolate-pistachio-cookies">difficult</a>, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/872169/fortune-cookies?search_key=fortune%20cookies">tedious</a> recipes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXXiCTTHIQPWZbcQ2LzCYG8EIbX4gntg-kq6o2wrZPB52EeZWLZUbsL3BZnLFEkaHenSNmf6QK0e0Ra8V3UzG84EtkC6nxQtyN_9n4dLKpvMYPeD4krvUeoTAlDwHO3nWPVbsnMUcvT8/s1600/CA4A6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXXiCTTHIQPWZbcQ2LzCYG8EIbX4gntg-kq6o2wrZPB52EeZWLZUbsL3BZnLFEkaHenSNmf6QK0e0Ra8V3UzG84EtkC6nxQtyN_9n4dLKpvMYPeD4krvUeoTAlDwHO3nWPVbsnMUcvT8/s640/CA4A6732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOhuz0LnQTPa4417R1R7Kidus_XfIbrFjyrCMZnwV8SfdfsiGb-jAd8sT_1lhfDHeUO8-xQGIcUaUd4UiyTCdi2wBs7HCYbJxR0V7WtMhXI40F8OumhW92lwqCTowbMSbDJeRcHNrbIw/s1600/CA4A6719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOhuz0LnQTPa4417R1R7Kidus_XfIbrFjyrCMZnwV8SfdfsiGb-jAd8sT_1lhfDHeUO8-xQGIcUaUd4UiyTCdi2wBs7HCYbJxR0V7WtMhXI40F8OumhW92lwqCTowbMSbDJeRcHNrbIw/s640/CA4A6719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anyways, let's get to it. This is a total standard icebox cookie recipe, so you can make the dough and keep it in the freezer for a century and bake a random cookie here and there when you feel like it. The only way I can see Martha justifying including this boring recipe in her book is because she made fucking spirals with the dough, but seriously Martha, we all know you're really good at making <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274903/25-closet-storage-and-office-organizers/@center/276989/organizing#892210">boring shit look pretty</a>. Come on! A little flavor would have been nice. Also, these were totally NOT crumbly and sandy! That may have been my fault, but still, I'm upset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkHnbd-hf4SdTCJGrmhlQjHUy-OLDkdlmEB0L03mG9lvUnuj9cIEkgl_1Z8j3mIHwSyfQT_xr0AayuGk4TnwPta_ZNvUruwmzV6EnJp-HLdhRG9WG7IegJk5MYelryCsJlavM6OoSyiI/s1600/CA4A6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkHnbd-hf4SdTCJGrmhlQjHUy-OLDkdlmEB0L03mG9lvUnuj9cIEkgl_1Z8j3mIHwSyfQT_xr0AayuGk4TnwPta_ZNvUruwmzV6EnJp-HLdhRG9WG7IegJk5MYelryCsJlavM6OoSyiI/s640/CA4A6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So I tried to spice it up by using Droste cocoa and this fancy vanilla extract, but it really didn't make much of a difference. <br />
<br />
And I didn't even TRY to make the bull's-eyes, because those look so LAME!!!! Like, who cares about those guys when you've got spirals around. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6w5Ofp1iOIjKjRvGsRjqpTDZcBm3AxksidaUoURWhrhAFpsFeePW8z-ziFJl_4cMGstz2cCTaFrkv9Ys__4Zf8BEG-YFcj3ZeV4eygdmMPZ3xv2Un-mwu_wzH-g5lkAAmKlgfL2MPfs/s1600/CA4A7066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6w5Ofp1iOIjKjRvGsRjqpTDZcBm3AxksidaUoURWhrhAFpsFeePW8z-ziFJl_4cMGstz2cCTaFrkv9Ys__4Zf8BEG-YFcj3ZeV4eygdmMPZ3xv2Un-mwu_wzH-g5lkAAmKlgfL2MPfs/s640/CA4A7066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij39J_H4m-8NkC_ntI_vV0RbaZFgwaI5zOcI0eevi-7NVvOsz7CSOqboFVRl6XGdrwuWHKcOu-Ku4hPb58LZ8XLTadM1DTBvdIeDKJlgWaTSdTZ6lv5AOynZDwqzzx0nFvPLDe1yPrtmQ/s1600/CA4A7069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij39J_H4m-8NkC_ntI_vV0RbaZFgwaI5zOcI0eevi-7NVvOsz7CSOqboFVRl6XGdrwuWHKcOu-Ku4hPb58LZ8XLTadM1DTBvdIeDKJlgWaTSdTZ6lv5AOynZDwqzzx0nFvPLDe1yPrtmQ/s640/CA4A7069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In summation, this recipe is in no way remotely worth the effort of rolling the dough into a pretty spiral log. The cookie is nice only if you've just discovered that you had already made the dough several years ago and it's been sleeping in your freezer collecting freezer burn and now you can have surprise cookies! I would not bake them if you want cookies right now--maybe bake them in preparation for nuclear apocalypse? Otherwise, choose from any of the other <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2009/06/cookie-019-peanut-crisps.html">delicious</a>, <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-083-maple-pecan-shortbread.html">simple</a>, <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2009/10/cookie-046-chewy-molasses-crinkles.html">fast</a> recipes in the book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj0__N2-VZjOA3kZS4fmIpeQ-6MiynN95teU447c6IaaSyqS1WlztotOK8D5EQ-hKKNZYiy63oM0ESlx_n-OGzRypmFSXb_aVlAD9bNMj6zl3dkGplcffEJiK2KCQWtmOqrMEN2fTQL0/s1600/CA4A7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj0__N2-VZjOA3kZS4fmIpeQ-6MiynN95teU447c6IaaSyqS1WlztotOK8D5EQ-hKKNZYiy63oM0ESlx_n-OGzRypmFSXb_aVlAD9bNMj6zl3dkGplcffEJiK2KCQWtmOqrMEN2fTQL0/s640/CA4A7076.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Icebox Spirals and Bull's-Eyes</b><br />
Makes 34 bull's-eyes and 28 spirals<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul class="body-b checklist component-list" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 1.375rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;">
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul class="body-b checklist component-list" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 1.375rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 3/4 cups sugar</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul class="body-b checklist component-list" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 1.375rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;">
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon salt</span></span></li>
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 eggs, plus an extra egg white for "glue"</span></span></li>
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></span></li>
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 cups flour, plus more for work surface</span></span></li>
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2/3 cup milk</span></span></li>
<li class="component checklist-item" style="clear: left; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 1.78571em; position: relative;"><span class="component-data checklist-item-data" itemprop="ingredients" style="display: inline; line-height: 1.625rem; margin-left: 2rem;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup cocoa powder</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ol style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><ol>
<li class="first item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using the electric mixer, mix the butter and the sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and the salt, and mix well. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add flour a little at a time, mixing it in until all of it has been incorporated.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide the dough into balls, one for each color. For chocolate dough, add cocoa (1/4 cup is enough to flavor half a batch). Mix well with electric mixer. For colored dough, start with 1/4 teaspoon food coloring, and mix well. Add more in tiny amounts for darker colors. Gel-paste coloring can be intense, so add it gradually.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrap each ball of dough in its own sheet of plastic wrap; pat flat into a rectangle. Refrigerate at least one hour or until ready to use.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parchment or waxed paper makes a good work surface. Sprinkle generously with flour, then roll out each piece of dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to make the swirls; you can use thicker layers for the bull's-eyes.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bench scraper is a good tool for trimming dough's edges to make them even. The egg white, brushed on with a pastry brush, will act as a glue, making the layers stick together.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For center, with your hands, roll chocolate dough into a 1/2- to 1 1/2- inch-thick rod; chill 20 minutes. Place rod on edge of rolled-out dough that's been brushed with egg white.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll rod inside sheet of dough. Cut the dough where it meets up. Seal by pinching and pressing gently. Chill 20 minutes, then repeat to add other layers. To decorate, go to step 7, or jump to step 8 for plain.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For spirals, measure and trim two or more colors of dough to same size. Brush on egg white, then stack layers. Brush top with egg white. Starting at one end, roll up the dough.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smooth and straighten the layers as you roll them so there are no gaps, then gently pinch and press the edge of the roll to seal it. Now the dough is ready to decorate. If you want plain cookies, skip to step 18.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add your favorite toppings (try coconut, colored sanding sugar, chopped nuts, or chocolate sprinkles): Spread topping in baking sheet, brush dough with egg white, and roll the log in topping.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll each log in parchment or waxed paper; twist the ends of the paper closed. To help the logs keep their round shape, set each in a cardboard paper-towel roll that you have sliced open lengthwise.</span></li>
<li class="item-even"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To remember what colors you have already used, with crayons, draw the designs onto key tags; tie the tags onto the paper covering the logs. Chill logs until they are solid, about 1 1/2 hours.</span></li>
<li class="item-odd"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut 15 inches of dental floss (or double thickness of thread). Let log soften for about 10 minutes. Remove parchment. Wrap floss around log and pull through. Make the slices thin: 1/4 inch or less.</span></li>
<li class="item-even last"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place slices on an ungreased baking sheet (lined with parchment paper). A grown-up should bake the cookies 12 to 15 minutes, until firm but not browned. Let cool on baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.</span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">****</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">{End Results}</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Baking Difficulty: </i>2/5</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Ingredient Accessibility: </i>5/5</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Tastiness: </i>2/5</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Attractiveness:</i> 3/5</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Is it worth it?: </i>Nah</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">{Pairings}</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Drink: </i>Margarita</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Song: </i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Q76mRbFCE">I'm Coming Back - Hunx and His Punx</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Activity: </i>Celebrating my return with listening to the above song</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364254014388807176noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-58613567690090291502013-10-01T21:51:00.002-04:002013-10-01T21:51:19.237-04:00Hello? (Hello? Hello?)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_FrOQC-zEog" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
Is this thing on?<br />
<br />
GUESS WHO BAKED SOME COOKIES--THIS ASSHOLE!<br />
<br />
Post coming soon. </div>
Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-3242338253829086472011-09-24T10:11:00.002-04:002011-09-24T10:12:34.892-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino9evyyBN5RUxAi0OIdrmMoBXiikh1siszVTnMG2O-dtuGoEUm3CBVgaU_fBLclRw2h2CoB8Q0DcxSdYKZrL1vltYs1DI0RvU4AC6OT3CfbdSzP5ABJ3AhFkj6wegQvbkpCz6ftX4Ry0/s1600/ghost6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino9evyyBN5RUxAi0OIdrmMoBXiikh1siszVTnMG2O-dtuGoEUm3CBVgaU_fBLclRw2h2CoB8Q0DcxSdYKZrL1vltYs1DI0RvU4AC6OT3CfbdSzP5ABJ3AhFkj6wegQvbkpCz6ftX4Ry0/s320/ghost6.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
AWwoowowooowWWWOOOowowoOOOooooOOOOOOOO!!!!!!<br />
<br />
GHOST OF A LONG DEAD BLOG COMIN' BACK TO HAUNT YOU!!!!! I SHALL RETURN!!!!!<br />
<br />
AND I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE, IT IS <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">EXACTLY</u> SIX MONTHS TO THE DAY SINCE MY LAST POST! SPOOOOOOOOOKY!!!!!!!!Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-35951491042988626352011-03-24T21:29:00.004-04:002011-03-24T21:51:14.075-04:00[Cookie 102] Raisin Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5543935873/" title="DSC_0120 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5543935873_1a226034f1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0120" /></a></div><br />I hate blogging. I like baking, I like baking all these cookies, I like sharing them, I like you readers (most of you), and I like taking pictures, but I don't like updating this thing. I mean seriously, does anyone actually like to do that? Okay, I guess a lot of people. <div><br /></div><div>Forgive me. And you will, once you make these<b> Raisin Bars</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544510544/" title="DSC_0094 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5544510544_6a6a55ca20.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0094" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544512000/" title="DSC_0104 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5544512000_5bf13012b2.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0104" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544512874/" title="DSC_0105 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544512874/" title="DSC_0105 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5544512874_e69ecdcf17.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0105" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Some notes: The filling is really rad, but would be even radder if you used figs or prunes. Or a combination. Remember <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-082-fig-barsred.html">these</a> fig bars? They had the most amazing filling, with red wine, honey, and (duh) figs. That would taste pretty damn good in this oatmeal crust. Probz better than the fig bar pastry crust, which was mediocre.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544513240/" title="DSC_0112 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5544513240_975fe46b24.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0112" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you are having a nice spring! More posts, more often, I promise. I make no promise on the quality or attitude of them. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>P.S. Just read over some old posts. Not sure if I should feel hideously embarrassed about this whole blog and my writing, or proud of my sharp tongue and slick wit. I'm going to go with the former.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5544514742/" title="DSC_0117 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5544514742_a0b2c2f0c8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0117" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Raisin Bars</b></div><div>Makes 16 wimpy, or 9 fatty squares</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; color: rgb(94, 90, 87); font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; "><ul class="content-multigroup-group-ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><li class="ingredient first" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Unsalted butter, softened, for baking sheet</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">2 cups raisins (about 13 ounces)</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 cup sugar</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 teaspoon cornstarch</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1/2 cup apple cider</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredient last" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats</li></ul></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; color: rgb(94, 90, 87); font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; "><ol class="content-multigroup-group-steps" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><li class="step first" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: decimal; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="margin-top: 0.38em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 16px; ">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 10-by-15-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line bottom with parchment paper, and butter parchment; set sheet aside.</p></li><li class="step" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: decimal; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="margin-top: 0.38em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 16px; ">Make filling: Pulse raisins and sugar in a food processor until almost pureed. Transfer to a saucepan. Whisk cornstarch into 1 cup cold water; whisk into raisin mixture. Stir in cider. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and sugar has dissolved, about 6 minutes.<br />Let cool completely.</p></li><li class="step" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: decimal; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="margin-top: 0.38em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 16px; ">Make dough: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put shortening in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth. Add brown sugar, and mix until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Mix in oats.</p></li><li class="step last" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; list-style-type: decimal; line-height: 16px; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><p style="margin-top: 0.38em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 16px; ">Press half the dough into prepared baking sheet. Spread raisin filling evenly over top of dough. Crumble remaining dough on top of filling using your fingers, gently pressing down so that topping covers filling. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until top is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool completely in sheet on a wire rack. Cut into 2-inch<br />squares. Bars can be stored between layers of parchment in airtight containers at room temperature up to 5 days.</p></li></ol></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yeah bro</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Apple cider</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: Friday -- Rebecca Black (no link, I'm not that mean--just trying to keep up with pop culture here!)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Write my blog 4 me cuz i am lazee</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-38016015487367711942011-03-06T13:39:00.004-05:002011-03-06T15:42:22.340-05:00[Cookie 101] Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466791945/" title="DSC_0059 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5466791945_7ef8ac994c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0059" /></a></div><br />So, I don't know if anyone noticed or cared, but I'm not doing the roundup of the past 10 recipes and reviewing them all. I barely have enough time (read: I barely have enough willpower) to write the regular blog posts here, so I'm getting rid of the excess baggage. I don't think I'm letting anyone down. Right? Yeah, I doubt anyone even knows what I'm talking about. Good.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466790709/" title="DSC_0045 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5466790709_10ba983a26.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0045" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467389006/" title="DSC_0050 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5467389006_a5204db991.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0050" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaaanyways, let's get on to the first cookie of the new centennial! <b>Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies </b>are probably not one of the recipes you've been itching to make. Me neither--they definitely weren't one of the recipes I've had my eye on for a while. They just sort of slipped under my radar and I always figured I'd make them <i>some </i>time, just not now. Well, I finally made them on a whim one afternoon, and they totally warranted my indifference. They were bland, boring looking, and pretty drab. I mean seriously--look at them! Totally lame.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466789525/" title="DSC_0038 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5466789525_aac2c5c005.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0038" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466789903/" title="DSC_0042 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5466789903_f888f9d5c8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0042" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467388190/" title="DSC_0043 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467388190/" title="DSC_0043 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5467388190_7abdf381b5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0043" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I guess this is the part where I generally try to convince you to make these cookies because they are actually better than they look or something, but I'm not going to try and deceive you. If you want blondies, make <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/brown-butter-toffee-blondies">these</a> (even though I screwed up that recipe royally, I think that they are probably supposed to be delicious). But these guys, these guys here...they taste more like a quick bread, like banana bread without the bananas. And who would want that? Nobody! And the cream cheese? Well, at least they had that, but it wasn't enough to keep me interested.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466787893/" title="DSC_0032 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5466787893_8112d6fb6a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0032" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467387154/" title="DSC_0036 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467387154/" title="DSC_0036 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5467387154_04e2e54ab1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0036" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, maybe you're not convinced <i>not </i>to make these, and you still want to. Well, maybe you could spice them up a bit--literally, add a little nutmeg or cinnamon. Or maybe stir in some chocolate swirls, or even add some nuts. Something. Anything. Oh, or try adding a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/streusel">streusel</a> topping! That always makes things better.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466788307/" title="DSC_0034 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5466788307_993d6a6303.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0034" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I guess I don't have much to say other than that. The recipe is super simple and it's always mildly entertaining getting to swirl two batters together like this. But other than that, I'd pass this guy up. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467385540/" title="DSC_0031 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5467385540_b02719b726.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0031" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm starting to realize that all the recipes I have left to bake are either: A) <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/fortune-cookies">Totally time consuming and tedious;</a> B) <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/apricot-windows">Way too fatty to make just for 3 people</a>; C) <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chocolate-pistachio-cookies">Or both</a>. Hm. Well, my obsessive-compulsive desire to finish the project still prevails, so I guess you'll see how this all turns out. </div><div><br /></div><div>c u l8r</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466793313/" title="DSC_0064 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5466793313_444310123e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0064" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467390598/" title="DSC_0062 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467390598/" title="DSC_0062 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5467390598_1a28ca6bb7.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0062" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies</b></div><div>Makes 9 large or 16 small squares</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>11 tablespoons (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan</li><li>1 2/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li><li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>3/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>3 large eggs</li><li>1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</li><li>6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature</li><li>1/4 cup sugar</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a buttered 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, allowing a 2-inch overhang. Butter lining (excluding overhang); set pan aside.</span></li><li><span>Whisk together 1 2/3 cups flour, the baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, and set aside.</span></li><li><span>Put 9 tablespoons butter and the brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla; mix until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture, mix, scraping down sides of bowl, until well combined. Transfer to a large bowl.</span></li><li><span>Put cream cheese, granulated sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla into the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium speed until just smooth.</span></li><li><span>Pour half the blondie batter into prepared pan, and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Spoon two-thirds of cream-cheese mixture on top, and spread evenly. Drop dollops of remaining batter on top (spacing about 1 inch apart), and spread. Top with dollops of remaining cream-cheese mixture, about 1 inch apart.</span></li><li><span>Gently swirl cream cheese mixture into batter with a butter knife, running the knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers. Bake until golden brown and a cake tester inserted into center comes out with a few crumbs but is not wet, 45 to 47 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Blondies can be stored between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: To put it plainly, no. But then again, they require zero effort.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Nothing. Seltzer?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: Saw the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLAlSRf-fDk">Smith Westerns</a> play last night, and now I am even more in love with them than before. Their single <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKRRDmug9c4">Weekend</a> is adorable x 100000 and has a great music video.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Skip making these, and just listen to them ^</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-5418334987755307312011-02-25T09:43:00.003-05:002011-02-25T10:28:48.403-05:00[Cookie 100] Ginger Cheesecake Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467384430/" title="DSC_0021 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5467384430_328782801a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0021" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">OHHHHHHHHHHHHH</div><div style="text-align: center;">MYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY</div><div style="text-align: center;">GODDDDDDDDDDDDD!</div><div><br /></div><div>100 cookies. I am now realizing that this makes me certifiably insane and totally nerdy, this whole endeavor that is. Sometimes it takes some sort of monumental event or milestone to really wake you up, and this is it. What the hell have I been doing for the past 2 years? Speaking of which, I think this is exactly my two year mark! Holy shit DOUBLE CELEBRATION OVER HERE! Two years ago, it was recipe number 001: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2009/02/cookie-001-pfeffernussen.html">Pfeffernussen</a>! Whack! Seems like forever ago!! I am so excited right now even though it's raining outside, I just bought an umbrella that already broke, and I had to commute to school on my day off at 8:30 in the morning to return a (really <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/zeiss/images/ikon/D3S_6411-1200.jpg">sexy</a>) camera and now I'm scanning negatives for hours. I am still, despite these banalities, living life ON THE EDGE with this super cool and respectable blog. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467384814/" title="DSC_0026 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5467384814_a06b7ae2d0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0026" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enough of that. I wish I had baked something really beautiful and celebratory and covered in sprinkles and on fire or something in order to really celebrate this day, but I didn't realize I was baking my 100th recipe when I picked out this one. Actually, to be fair, my ol' pal/roommate picked this one out for her birthday, so really it makes this cookie a TRIPLE CELEBRATION. I really should have set off some fireworks or something.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467381986/" title="DSC_0018 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5467381986_697e1ae26f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0018" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But it's okay that I didn't, because the cookies (or shall I say, bars) are awesome anyways. Like, real good. Really really good, even if you're not really a cheesecake fan, like me. They are light as far as cheesecakes go, and the gingersnap crust combined with the candied ginger in the cheesecake is a perfect balance to the creamy and rich flavor of the cheesecake itself. Perfect. I would make these again, I'm telling you right now. They were gone very very fast.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5467382378/" title="DSC_0019 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5467382378_0b4a0a2e7c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0019" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, if you're like me and you like to leave your kitchen appliances at your friends' apartments and forget about them until you actually need them, you probably know all about getting around without a food processor. This recipe really needs one in order to grind up the gingersnap cookies, but when you gotta make do, you gotta make do. Enter: empty liquor bottles! Pullin' out the old Nancy Drew card, yeah!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466782945/" title="DSC_0013 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5466782945_580deb66da.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0013" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466783381/" title="DSC_0015 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466783381/" title="DSC_0015 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5466783381_b3fc1ac7b4.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0015" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>See, it totally works. You don't even need the food processor now! Well, it's not that simple, especially if you buy the gingersnaps sold at Met which are actually made out of cement. You really gotta use force with that bottle, and make sure to wrap the cookies up in several bags so you don't make a mess. And then use a grater/zester lid to sift through the crumbs and weed out the bigger chunks. Repeat. It's like panning for gold, but with more aggression! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466783699/" title="DSC_0017 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5466783699_e9af8db8a6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0017" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After all that work, the rest is easy. Mix a little here, bake a little there. The hardest part is having to wait for it to cool, and THEN having to wait another hour while it chills in the fridge. We didn't really wait that long. No regrets. But do make sure to bake it fully if you really want that cheesecake consistency. We also didn't do that. It was a little soupy and too soft. It was damn good. No regrets there either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, so, in conclusion: these taste downright delicious and you should make them. Sooner rather than later, because trust me, as soon as you try one you'll be kicking yourself as to why you hadn't made them yesterday. Sure, they ain't much to look at, but they got it where it counts. That felt weird to type. I need a nice concluding witticism for this post. I'll just end it here.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5466785377/" title="DSC_0020 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5466785377_d639f9d9d3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0020" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ginger Cheesecake Bars</b></div><div>Makes about 4 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>Vegetable-oil cooking spray</li><li>12 ounces store-bought gingersnaps (about 45 cookies)</li><li>1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted</li><li>12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature</li><li>3/4 cup sugar</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>1 large egg yolk</li><li>3 tablespoons sour cream</li><li>3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li><li>2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Place gingersnaps in a food processor; pulse to a powder. Transfer to a small bowl, and stir in butter until well combined. Press gingersnap mixture evenly into bottom of prepared baking sheet. Bake crust until firm, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely.</span></li><li><span>Meanwhile, put cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until softened. Mix in sugar, egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla until well combined. Mix in crystallized ginger.</span></li><li><span>Pour the cream cheese mixture onto crust, and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until filling has puffed and feels slightly firm to the touch (do not let brown), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, until set, about 1 hour. To serve, cut into bars. Bars can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 2 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Worth going to the gym for, or skipping the gym for that matter.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Water. Bacardi? Ew no.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRrjxHMP2n4">This was really awesome too!</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Lighting fireworks--someone please do it.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-69740154291645216372011-02-17T20:56:00.002-05:002011-02-17T21:46:23.212-05:00[Cookie 099] Coconut Swirl Brownies<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5454484927/" title="DSC_0048 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5454484927_a8de8b331c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0048" /></a></div><br />So now that I'm back in America, I'm eatin' all the foods I really missed while in Ghana and trying to get over my obsession with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auntie-Muni-Best-Waakye-Joint-in-Ghana/191339785761">Waakye</a>. When it comes to baking, I'm really glad to be back because it was impossible to find the right ingredients without paying an arm and a leg, but more importantly, baking in 95º weather isn't really so hot (pun intended! see what i did there?). But the longer I'm here in NYC and the more I get readjusted, the more I miss the little things that I had every day while in Accra. For one, plantains. And coconut. Good god, getting a fresh, young coconut on the side of the street from a guy who would chop it open for less than 35 cents was pretty unbeatable. Also, condensed milk. Strange, I know, but they aren't really all that into fresh milk there (I think this is pretty common in most non-Western cultures actually...I think us Westerners are the weird ones drinking another animal's baby food). Anyway, I got really into putting condensed milk in my morning coffee. So of course when I came across this recipe for <b>Coconut Swirl Brownies </b>with condensed milk, I knew I had to make it for our first Ghana reunion! <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5455095242/" title="DSC_0032 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5455095242_527152753d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0032" /></a><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5454483533_1c9e6a0190.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0039" /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5455096556_445a309c29.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0041" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, if I was able to buy chocolate more easily and cheaply while in Ghana, I most definitely would have made these in an instant. I had the strongest craving for brownies while I was there (and I wasn't the only one, fyi), but I think West Africa exports most their cocoa products, so the only chocolate you could get was super expensive imported Western brands like Cadbury and I just couldn't afford that ish! </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5455096766/" title="DSC_0043 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5455096766_7d628755d8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0043" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5455096992/" title="DSC_0045 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5455096992_2d2fc47769.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0045" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div></div><div>But these brownies would have been so worth it. They are super fudgy, dense, and chocolatey--not dry at all. And the swirls of coconut/condensed-milk goodness are just awesome. Everyone liked them at the little reunion we had. They made me so popular. I am happier now having made these. Soooooo....I'm not trying to suggest anything about your own popularity....but......ya know, if you're feeling a little lonely, these brownies could keep you warm at night. Happy belated Valentines Day. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">P.S. Thanks so much to all of you who gave me such great recommendations, tips, and recipes regarding biscotti! I'll be sure to use them for the next biscotti recipe.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5455097228/" title="DSC_0046 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5455097228_9bfb726301.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0046" /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Coconut Swirl Brownies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Makes 9 large or 16 small brownies</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for pan</li><li>3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar</li><li>1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk</li><li>2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut</li><li>1 large egg white</li><li>2 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</li><li>2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped</li><li>4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped</li><li>2/3 cup all-purpose flour</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>1/4 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>3 large eggs</li></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a buttered 8-inch square baking pan with parchment, allowing a 2-inch overhang. Butter lining (not overhang).</span></li><li><span>Stir together 1 tablespoon of sugar, the condensed milk, coconut, egg white, and 1/4 teaspoon of the vanilla in a bowl.</span></li><li><span>Put butter and both chocolates in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir until melted. Let cool slightly.</span></li><li><span>Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.</span></li><li><span>Whisk remaining 3/4 cup sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs; whisk until mixture is smooth. Stir in remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add flour mixture; stir until well combined.</span></li><li><span>Pour 1/3 of chocolate batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. Drop dollops of coconut mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) on top of batter, spacing about 1 inch apart. Drizzle remaining batter on top, and gently spread to fill pan. Drop dollops of remaining coconut mixture on top.</span></li><li><span>Gently swirl coconut mixture into batter with a butter knife, running the knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers. Bake until a cake tester inserted into brownies (avoid center and edges) comes out with a few crumbs but is not wet, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan, about 15 minutes. Lift out; let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Brownies can be stored between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>****</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yeah. Seriously, this is a brownie's brownie!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Milk, duh. Whaddya some kinda idiot?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwyJkU-DOcA&feature=related">Aben wo aha -- Daddy Lumba</a> (this one is worth watching/hearing!)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Uh, I dunno, figure it out.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-44803140751555377752011-02-04T10:04:00.003-05:002011-02-05T21:13:26.216-05:00[Cookie 098] Chocolate-Pistachio Biscotti<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5415486055/" title="DSC_0018 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5415486055_c7cd233a07.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0018" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oh, Biscotti, bane of my existence. I just can't get you! You look so good, and have so much potential to be a cookie far better than its Starbuck's facsimile, but alas! You quiver at my very touch, collapse when I even look at you, and fail to be anything more than a broken pile of bones. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5416094670/" title="DSC_0001 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5416094670_bf3b62b3c9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0001" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS FINEST!!!!</i></span></div><div><br /><div>Our relationship is a failed one. I have tried to make your kind <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2009/08/cookie-033-cranberry-pistachio-cornmeal.html">before</a>, and had the same qualms. Maybe it is Martha's directing that keeps getting in the way of our friendship, or maybe it's my lack of any Italian blood in me, but regardless, we just don't understand each other too well. I feel like a failed Professor Frankenstein (bare with me...): I have put the body together, it's laying on my operating table, and all I have to do now is give it some life. Put you into the oven and hope that when I take you out, you'll be walkin' and talkin' and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH2nQHPs4aA">puttin' on the ritz</a> just like I had hoped. But no! I take you out of the oven after your first bake, and I try to slice ya up, and you COLLAPSE! LIKE A BUNCH OF BROCCOLI! (Anyone still getting the Young Frankenstein references, besides my dad?)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5416097354_95cd605617.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0015" /></div><div><br /></div><div>But seriously, what the hell, Biscotti? Maybe I'm just a slow learner, since I had these same issues with you last time, but whenever I try to slice you after par-baking you, you fall apart. I should have just learned to bake you longer than the recipe says for the first time, but noooo, I had to follow the directions and ignore my better judgment. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5415485215/" title="DSC_0013 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/5415485215_780c1966c0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0013" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Biscotti and Young Frankenstein aside, I also didn't really like the chocolate and pistachio flavor combination. To me, they just don't taste good together! Something about the hearty, savory nature of a pistachio, paired with another intense, dark flavor like chocolate, didn't really work for me. Pistachio and citrus, yes; chocolate and almond, DUH; but pistachio and chocolate, not so much...Am I crazy here, or do you guys agree too?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5416096524/" title="DSC_0010 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5416096524_ece21c0a49.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0010" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, this recipe ended up producing a heavy chocolate cookie that was more like a hybrid between an almost-biscotti, and a brownie. They are very intense and chocolaty, and could be a really nice cookie if you didn't think of them like biscotti, and maybe substituted a different nut for the pistachio. So, when it comes down to it, I didn't like this recipe. Fortunately, there is still one more biscotti recipe in The Book, so maybe the third times a charm...</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5415485761/" title="DSC_0017 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/5415485761_e0a6385807.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0017" /></a></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b>Chocolate-Pistachio Biscotti</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking sheet</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for baking sheet</li><li>1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</li><li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 cup sugar</li><li>2 large eggs</li><li>1 cup shelled pistachio nuts</li><li>1/2 cup chocolate chips</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a baking sheet; set aside.</span></li><li><span>In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl if necessary. Add flour mixture, and stir to form a stiff dough. Stir in pistachios and chocolate chips.</span></li><li><span>Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet; form into a slightly flattened log, about 12 by 4 inches. Bake until slightly firm, about 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.</span></li><li><span>On a cutting board, using a sharp serrated knife, cut biscotti diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices. Arrange biscotti, cut sides down, on baking sheet, and bake until crisp but still slightly soft in the center, about 8 minutes.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 2.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: If it <i>tasted</i> good, I'd say yeah, but since I didn't even like the flavor, the effort was not worth it. Boo.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: They are super chocolatey, so milk would be good. Or coffee/cappuccino, according to traditional biscotti makers.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=107pfhyf31s">I Should Have Known Better -- The Beatles</a> (this clip gets me every time...to be on that train! Swoon!)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Watch Young Frankenstein instead of making these.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-13127293420034687542011-01-27T15:48:00.005-05:002011-01-27T16:55:07.397-05:00[Cookie 097] Cream Cheese-Lemon Bows<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362525932/" title="DSC_0191 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5362525932_4f285c3d79.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0191" /></a></div><br />THERE IS SO MUCH GODDAMN SNOW EVERYWHERE I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! Oh my God!! The Mayans were right--they are sending us signals by burying the entirety of New York City under 85 feet of snow. I walked home last night, late, and there was so much snow I couldn't actually see any of the cars parked on the streets, and couldn't see where the sidewalks ended and the streets began! White blanket of snow everywhere, nothing is spared! Armageddon is here! It's all going to be over by 2012! But at least school was cancelled today :)<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5394101716/" title="Screen shot 2011-01-27 at 4.42.17 PM by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5394101716_30e55fd63a.jpg" width="500" height="319" alt="Screen shot 2011-01-27 at 4.42.17 PM" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Thanks, New York Times, for capturing our misery.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>During trying times like these, I like to hark back to the days of yore, when I was passing my winter days in 70-80º weather in the land of Southern California. Those times were easy, carefree, and the sun was always kind to us. I never wore more than 1 sweater at a time and didn't fall down on my ass <i>nearly </i>as much. And during those warm winter days, we reaped the benefits of having a Meyer Lemon tree that produced such an excessive number of lemons that we didn't even know what to do with them all. And the thought of making lemon sorbet wasn't appalling, but enticing!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362516692/" title="DSC_0144 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5362516692_3af12b2c9f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0144" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362515574/" title="DSC_0128 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362515574/" title="DSC_0128 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5362515574_b882f5ce9a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0128" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>So, those pictures are half of the total number of lemons we harvested from our 1 solitary tree a few weeks ago. As you can see, we had quite a number of these citrus fruits. So, obviously I cracked open The Book and looked up all the lemon cookie recipes I had yet to make: <b>Cream Cheese-Lemon Bows</b>. Unfortunately, the recipe only calls for about 1 lemon, so that really didn't make much of a dent in our supply, but you do what you can! You juice the rest and make lemon juice ice cubes, and you peel the skin and freeze that too so you have lemon zest ready 2 go year round! Harvest the harvest forever!</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5361906801/" title="DSC_0159 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5361906801_a078d348bb.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0159" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But back to the cookies. These were really tasty! I have really come to love cream cheese based cookies because it gives the dough a little bit of a tangy bite, as well as a creamy buttery taste. And then with the lemon juice you get a really wonderful flavor, something a little out of the ordinary and just plain delicious. Piping the dough into bows can be a little bit of a pain in the ass, and most of mine ended up looking pretty shitty, but the ones that work out are indeed quite adorable. You could just as easily use a big fluted piping tip and make flower dots or whatever else you can manage. (Or use one of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Comfort-Grip-Cookie-Press/dp/B0001V4AFO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1296164218&sr=8-6">these</a>? Never tried one, but maybe this would be a good recipe to try with one...)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5361903845/" title="DSC_0126 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5361903845_078f377484.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0126" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362517066/" title="DSC_0150 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5362517066_94b28b4176.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0150" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, being that it is winter and therefore A) lemon season, and B) cold and snowy outside, you really have no excuse not to make these. I want one right now. I want you to make some for me, because I'm too lazy to get out of my snuggie and go into the kitchen and bake something. Thankz.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362526280/" title="DSC_0192 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5362526280_c15d7da4a1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0192" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cream Cheese-Lemon Bows</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened</li><li>3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature</li><li>1 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely chopped</li><li>2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</li><li>3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted</li><li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>3/4 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>Confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Put butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until creamy. Mix in granulated sugar. Add egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; mix into butter mixture on low speed.</span></li><li><span>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a small amount of the dough in a pastry bag fitted with a large French tip (such as Ateco #865). Holding tip very close to the surface, pipe 3 1/2-inch bows onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper; space 1 inch apart. Refill pastry bag as needed with remaining dough. Bake cookies until golden brown on bottom, about 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks, and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3/5 (Making the dough is simple, it's just the pastry bag part that's a little tricky)<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5 (Right, and if you have a lemon tree, this would be a 5/5)<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Definitely. Even if you don't do the bows, they just taste really yummy.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: I think a hot toddy would go well with this, but then again I'm just trying to find any excuse to have one of those.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ibPhhye1xc">Lemonworld -- The National</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Shoveling your car out from under 30 tons of snow! Yay!</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-14619015397782880512011-01-21T18:58:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:59:25.501-05:00[Cookie 096] Homemade Graham Crackers<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362511992/" title="DSC_0072 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5362511992_a3dc5dacaf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0072" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A few weeks ago I went to the Mojave Desert with my parents, just to get my dose of the wild west before I had to go back to the tame east. It was insanely beautiful, as usual, with its vast expanses of beautiful muted colors and variations of textures everywhere. I really love the landscape in California--it really has everything, from mountains to oceans to deserts to woods. And it's all pretty spectacular. This was no exception!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5373652577/" title="DSC_0025 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5373652577_fffb6294c6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0025" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5374251704/" title="DSC_0027 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5374251704/" title="DSC_0027 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5374251704_2cf502626f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0027" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we had to spend the night out there, we decided to car camp. Definitely felt luxurious compared to backpacking, since we got to bring as much snacks and frivolities as we wanted. So that, of course, included marshmallows to roast over the fire. However, we had no graham crackers, and no chocolate, so no s'mores. Sad! Should have made these <b>Homemade Graham Crackers </b><i>before </i>we went on the trip!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362512754/" title="DSC_0077 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5362512754_afb75a32ae.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0077" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been waiting to try out this recipe for quite some time now. I love store bought graham crackers anyways, so the thought of making my own and knowing <i>exactly </i>what was going into them really appealed to me. They have both whole wheat flour as well as wheat germ, which makes for a hearty, wheaty flavor with a nice crunch to it. Perfect!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362513098/" title="DSC_0079 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5362513098_68bcdc3176.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0079" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For the honey, I used some of this super expensive stuff my mom picked up on a whim at the farmer's market (did I get that right, Mom?). Anyways, it's the kind that has an almost waxy texture, not clear and runny at all. You scoop it with a spoon and it even has granules of honey comb inside it. The flavor is much more complex than your regular old honey bear squirt tube kind that you buy at the supermarket, and this flavor really added to the cookie. I would recommend splurging on a fancy honey with a nice flavor (have you heard of Caramelized Honey? Got some from <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/bills-bees-M3411">this guy</a>--amazing!), because it really does make a difference.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362514806/" title="DSC_0112 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5362514806_892abdcc35.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0112" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe itself is pretty much your standard cookie-cutter recipe, except you divide the dough with a fluted device (which I didn't have--used a knife, not as purdy); but you could totally use cookie cutters if you want! But if you're looking for that traditional 4 rectangle graham cracker that you can split in half, follow the directions. And make sure to bake them fully, or else they won't be crisp and crackery. What could be worse than a slightly soft graham cracker? Well, a lot of things, but don't mess with something that's so classic!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362510484/" title="DSC_0042 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5362510484_2a21acc29d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0042" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362511052/" title="DSC_0053 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5362511052_de048f47b3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0053" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, obviously the next logical step, after letting your graham crackers cool, is to make s'mores. I don't know about you guys, but I've always been a little irritated with the whole Hershey's bar thing. I know s'mores are supposed to be messy, but it's just impossible to bit into one and get an adequate amount of chocolate per bite. So, my dad had the brilliant idea to melt some chocolate chips and spread them on the graham crackers. Seems really obvious, but it's so much better! I'd try Nutella next time...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5361900487/" title="DSC_0071 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5361900487_7a841cac9e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0071" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now get to makin' these so you can whip up some s'mores for the <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/10013?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared">cold cold weekend</a> ahead!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5362513906/" title="DSC_0085 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5362513906_0d25477afa.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0085" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Homemade Graham Crackers</b></div><div>Makes 20</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for working</li><li>1 cup whole-wheat flour</li><li>1/2 cup untoasted wheat germ</li><li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)</li><li>3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>2 tablespoons high-quality honey</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flours, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside.</span></li><li><span>Put butter, brown sugar, and honey into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Add the flour mixture, and mix until combined.</span></li><li><span>Turn out dough onto a floured surface, and divide into quarters. Roll out each piece between 2 sheets of floured parchment paper into rectangles a bit larger than 9 by 6 inches, about 1/8 inch thick.</span></li><li><span>Using a fluted pastry wheel, trip the outermost edges or each rectangle, and divide into three 6 by 3-inch rectangles. Pressing lightly, so as not to cut all the way through, score each piece in half lengthwise and crosswise, to form four 3 by 1 1/2-inch crackers. Stack parchment and dough on a baking sheet and chill in freezer until firm, about 20 minutes.</span></li><li><span>Remove two sheets of dough from freezer. Pierce crackers using the tines of a fork. Transfer to large baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake, rotating halfway through, until dark golden brown, 8 to 9 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Let cool on sheet 5 minutes; transfer crackers to wire racks to cool completely.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Yes! A must try...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Have you heard of this Marshmallow Milkshake? I'm a bit wary...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biVETVmwxgg">Ecstasy -- jj</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Camping, duh! Or making s'mores by the stove, if you're lazy.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-91899441422899874832011-01-05T18:51:00.003-05:002011-01-05T19:33:20.031-05:00[Cookie 095] Chocolate Waffle Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324615106/" title="DSC_0048 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5324615106_5007419600.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0048" /></a></div><br />Hey team. Happy New Years!! Oh-ten is so last week; oh-leven is here to stay! 2011! Twenty-in-heaven! Two-thousand-agendum! I smell good things for this year, and a lot of those things have chocolate in them, so get ready.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324617416/" title="DSC_0071 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5324617416_0ea4ec7e6a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0071" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But first: Remember those <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookie-094-gingersnap-palmiers.html">Gingersnap Palmiers</a>? You better, because it was only last week. Well get this: I made the second batch of dough on New Year's Eve, intending to take them to a party I was going to. And I decided that they might taste better if I didn't brush them with more of that molasses-ginger syrup (since that made them a little soggy), but instead sprinkle some turbinado sugar on them and bake them as is. Well, that <i>worked out brilliantly</i> and the cookies came out light, crispy, and delicious. I let them sit on the counter to cool and went about my business. I come downstairs, and half the batch is gone. Thanks Mom and Dad! They were very sorry and apparently had no idea I wanted to bring them to a NYE party (we won't get into my skepticism on <i>that </i>matter). Anyways, I leave for the party without cookies--am I really going to bring 10 cookies to a party? No!--have a nice time, ring in oh-leven with McDonald's fries (weird, I know), and then come home exhausted the next day only to find that....THEY ATE THE REST OF THE BATCH. Seriously, what the hell?? You can give a mouse/parents a cookie, and then something something something....end result: no cookies for you! Sad baker.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324014151/" title="DSC_0090 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5324014151_2af1e2ee51.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0090" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ranting. Sorry, bad way to start off my first post of the new year. Well, here's a better way to start off the new year: <b>Chocolate Waffle Cookies! </b>Yeah, fuck that new year's resolution diet thing! Eat these and you'll be happier anyways, and that should be everyones biggest resolution for oh-leven right? Happier, sappier, dapper! No waffling; just pick this recipe and go for it!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324612126/" title="DSC_0023 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5324612126_34947efb3b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0023" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, but resolutions aside, how could you even turn down a cookie as cute as this? It looks like a baby waffle, but tastier!! I would have to admit, however, that these probably shouldn't be called cookies, since they are essentially just cake. But I'm not complaining! They are really fun to make and have a lovely flavor. There is a hefty amount of cinnamon in the dough, which really deepens the taste of the cookie when it is a day old. The glaze is nice too, but you could totally skip it or just glaze half the batch (that's what I did, since I ran out of glaze); with the unglazed ones, just pop them in the toaster oven and they get all warm and slightly crisped on the outside. Perfection. Add hot chocolate, or maybe just a glass of milk, and you're on your way to being Happiest Baker 2011 edition.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324610482/" title="DSC_0009 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5324610482_2c509305df.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0009" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324006307/" title="DSC_0022 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5324006307_248de0e08d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0022" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So you're convinced now? You've dug up that old waffle maker hiding in the depths of that hard-to-reach pantry and you've <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/cocoa.html">turned your regular cocoa powder into Dutch-processed</a> (do it, save yourself a lot of money!). Great! Here are a few pointers: Once you've made the batter, make sure your waffle iron has really gotten to its proper heat. I have a pretty ancient one and turns out it takes it about 3 days to preheat, so make sure you get it fully hot before you start making the cookies. If it isn't preheated, it will continue to rise in temperature and burn your cookies, or just make it so you're never quite sure when they'll be done. If you see smoke, it's too hot/finished!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324610788/" title="DSC_0013 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5324610788_55dbc6feb0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0013" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Another tip: Use a cookie scoop to drop the batter onto the waffle iron. It makes your "waffles" perfectly shaped and helps the whole process be a lot easier/less messy. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324008097/" title="DSC_0033 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5324008097_24e980a47e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0033" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hurray! Your first cookies of the new year are beautiful and tasty! You are happier, I am happier knowing that you liked this recipe. On our way to being better people. Awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5324010917/" title="DSC_0059 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5324010917_56a4be05f6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0059" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chocolate Waffle Cookies</b></div><div>Makes about 4 dozen <i>(mine made only 3 dozen)</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped</li><li>18 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter</li><li>4 large eggs</li><li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li><li>1 1/2 cups granulated sugar</li><li>1/2 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus 2 tablespoons for icing</li><li>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting</li><li>1 1/2 tablespoons milk</li><li>Vegetable oil cooking spray</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Melt chocolate with 1 cup butter (2 sticks) in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Let cool slightly.</span></li><li><span>Put eggs, vanilla, and granulated sugar in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale, 4 to 5 minutes. Mix in chocolate mixture, salt, cinnamon, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, and the flour.</span></li><li><span>Heat a waffle iron until hot. Lightly coat grids with cooking spray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon batter onto center of each waffle-iron square to make 1 1/2-inch rounds. Close cover; cook until set, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, bottom sides up. Let cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter, coating grids with cooking spray after each batch.</span></li><li><span>Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; stir until smooth. Stir in milk.</span></li><li><span>Gently dip 1 surface of each cookie in icing so that just the waffle lines (not gaps) are coated. Repeat with remaining cookies and icing. Transfer to wire racks; let stand until set, about 10 minutes. Dust iced surfaces of cookies with confectioner's sugar. Cookies can be stored in single layers in airtight containers at room temperature up to 2 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yes</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Hot chocolate, or coffee. Or milk. You know the "flavor palette" I'm goin' for here...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQ-BNiR9vU">In the New Year -- The Walkmen</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Waffle waffle waffle. Saying the word waffle a lot. Good activity.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-47095276488422528672010-12-23T19:21:00.002-05:002010-12-23T20:16:14.207-05:00[Cookie 094] Gingersnap Palmiers<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286888990/" title="DSC_0051 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5286888990_b3e54489f6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0051" /></a></div><br />Hi! It's just like old times, ain't it? I'm back to posting like normal, or even better than normal considering that this is my second post this week. Who needs New Year's Resolutions when you're already kicking ass? Okay, that was obnoxious and totally inaccurate, but I am hoping to keep up this rapid-fire method of churning out cookies and blog posts into 2011. Anyways, it should be easy at least for the next few weeks since I'll be at home in California, with a great kitchen, a great pantry, and a house with no heat--perfect conditions for cookie baking. Of course, being winter, all things spicy and gingery and molassesy are first on the list. <b>Gingersnap Palmiers? </b>Hell yes!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286289675/" title="DSC_0057 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5286289675_0ea936745b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0057" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, although these cookies look pretty nice, and sound pretty tasty, I'm just going to put it out there that the recipe is a little fussy as far as Martha's recipes go. I liked it; it was more interesting than 95% of her other recipes in this book. I'm usually really bored by these recipes, even the ones that produce great cookies. But this one required multiple steps and produced cookies that look pretty and different. So if you've got a good chunk of time to set aside, I'd recommend these! </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286285191/" title="DSC_0005 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5286285191_34611bbc19.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0005" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286285421/" title="DSC_0010 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286285421/" title="DSC_0010 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5286285421_6c56fab00e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0010" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>But, be forewarned: you will make a giant mess of your kitchen. This delicious gingery molasses syrup will get everywhere. Oh, and here's an <b>important tip</b>: Even though the recipe says to <i>first </i>sprinkle the puff pastry with a sugar-spice mixture and <i>then </i>brush the dough with the syrup, <i>you should do these steps in reverse! </i>First, brush the dough with syrup, and then sprinkle sugar on it! And then roll the dough up by each side and freeze the logs. Another note: make sure to wrap the logs really well in plastic wrap, because the syrup leaks out of the ends of the logs and gets all over your freezer!</div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286287111/" title="DSC_0027 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5286287111_35ff2659bf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0027" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I don't know bout you guys, but I'm pretty sure I'm one of the only self-professed bakers who has never used frozen puff pastry before. And, I'm just going to put it out there: not so great. I'm sure homemade puff pastry is far better because this stuff is just kinda greasy and artificial tasting. I guess that's why Martha tells you to use a "high quality" frozen puff pastry. I guess if you're a fancy pants baker and you make your own puff pastry, by all means use it; otherwise, maybe splurge for the expensive brand of puff pastry. Or, if you're down with the regular kind, go for it anyway!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>When you take the logs out of the freezer, be sure to let them soften up a bit before you try to slice them. This might seem obvious to all you who have used frozen puff pastry before, but I had no idea. The result was that the first few cookies I sliced off cracked and crumbled pretty bad. So....basically they looked like this:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286973370/" title="DSC_0030 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5286973370_17a034f4bc.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0030" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...but then baked up to look like this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286887346/" title="DSC_0034 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5286887346_9b5b6cd91a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0034" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and ANOTHER tip: After the first 10 minutes of baking, you are supposed to flip the cookies over and brush them with more syrup. First of all, I don't think this is really necessary, but more importantly make sure you let the cookies sit for a few minutes, because right out of the oven they are saggy and floppy and <i>impossible </i>to flip over. After a minute or two, they crisp up a bit and you can go right ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286889490/" title="DSC_0055 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5286889490_b0a028ac17.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0055" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, so as you can see I had a lot to learn on the fly with this recipe. But I still had fun making them! And they are perfect cookies for holiday parties, amirite?? I am right. So go ahead and get messy because it's worth it. Sure, they aren't the tastiest cookies I've ever made, but they are fun and pretty and make you feel like a professional pastry chef...a little bit. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5286888134/" title="DSC_0041 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5286888134_f86d05e666.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0041" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gingersnap Palmiers</b></div><div>Makes about 3 1/2 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>1/4 cup dark unsulfured molasses</li><li>2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger</li><li>2/3 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1/2 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg</li><li>1/4 teaspoon ground allspice</li><li>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper</li><li>14 ounces good-quality thawed frozen puff pastry, such as Dufour</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Bring brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and 1/4 cup water to a simmer in a saucepan, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Simmer until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour syrup into a bowl; let cool.</span></li><li><span>Whisk granulated sugar, salt, and spices in a bowl. Lightly sprinkle sugar mixture over a clean work surface; place puff pastry on top. Cut into two 10 1/2-by-7-inch pieces. Sprinkle generously with sugar mixture; press into pastry with a rolling pin. Brush generously with syrup.</span></li><li><span>Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll in from both long sides, meeting in the center; brush with syrup to seal. Sprinkle generously with sugar mixture. Wrap in plastic, and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours (up to overnight).</span></li><li><span>Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut dough crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Dip slices in sugar mixture. Space 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten with your palm. Freeze 30 minutes.</span></li><li><span>Bake 10 minutes. Flip, and brush with syrup. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees. Bake until darkened, 10 minutes more. Transfer palmiers to a wire rack; let cool completely. Palmiers can be stored in an airtight container up to 3 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Yeah!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Hot cider, or a hot toddy!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRIRdFK4uzk">Keep it Rollin' -- A Tribe Called Quest</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Baking these cookies while listening to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbpRqvpLKY4">new Kanye album</a>...yeah?</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></div></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-9433108982536735292010-12-19T23:08:00.005-05:002010-12-20T00:17:49.224-05:00[Cookie 093] Italian Polenta Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275236698/" title="DSC_0066 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5275236698_55cc4792b9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0066" /></a></div><br />JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY COOKIE CRUNCH TIME......I AM BACK!!!! Sound the airhorns, stop the presses, release the carrier pigeons, send the fair eyed virgins a-dancing! This boat is real!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275237008/" title="DSC_0070 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5275237008_f14c5094bf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0070" /></a></div> <div><br /></div><div>Seriously now, how has it been so long? Oh yeah, I remember now: I was in Ghana with a gas stove which had no temperature gauge, could only be set to "inferno" (...more commonly known as "broil" I think), no measuring spoons, no chocolate that costed less than 1 arm and 1 leg, and oh yeah, baking in 90º+ weather...yeah right. But now I'm sitting in my cozy new apartment in Brooklyn and it is cold cold cold! And I've already baked up a new batch of cookies to cut the ribbon, so to speak, of my new life in BK. (Did I mention I live above a Polish Bakery?!)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5274619881/" title="DSC_0014 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5274619881_77cb56957b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0014" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275238376/" title="DSC_0077 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5275238376_a1724718f1.jpg" width="317" height="500" alt="DSC_0077" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275238864/" title="DSC_0078 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5275238864_a9dda34ac9.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0078" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some shots of my new place! Kitchen, fridge, window to the fire escape.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, lot's to say in this post, that's for sure! I am just so glad to be back in America, and able to cuddle up with my roommates, make hot tea, watch 30 Rock and Arrested Development, and celebrate my 21st birthday by drinking some hot, boozy apple cider. It's so great. Oh, but you're here to get a cookie recipe right? You're in dire need of a new recipe for that cookie exchange right? Or something new and special to bring to that nondenominational holiday party at your workplace right?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275227370/" title="DSC_0016 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5275227370_f4ddd7d3f2.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0016" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this recipe might be it. I say "might" only because I found the cookies to be only so-so. But they are still really tasty and definitely unusual; plus, when you tell people they have <i>polenta </i>in them, they'll think you're such a hotsy totsy food snob, which is always a good thing!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5274621505/" title="DSC_0019 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5274621505_b2c1e6d0af.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0019" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was technically supposed to make these cookies LAST YEAR for my good friend/roommate/"I-only-eat-Italian-food" Long Islander, but I failed her. And she never let me live it down, until two days ago when I made them. Unfortunately, they didn't look remotely like the photos in the book because a) I used whole wheat flour which gave the dough that lovely beige/sand color (yuck), and b) the dough was way too dry and crumbly for me to squeeze it out of a pastry tube into cute little S shapes. I have no clue why this happened, and I really should have just added more liquid to thedough, but I'm a moron, so I just decided to make drop cookies. The result: THE UGLIEST COOKIES I HAVE EVER MADE, EVER!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5275229106_a906823e71.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0020" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, they tasted a tad bland, so we decided to dip them in chocolate. This did not help their looks, but did make them taste real nice. But the chocolate isn't 100% necessary if you intend to eat the cookies a day or two after you make them, because they do taste better with a little bit of aging. Also, I would recommend using a high quality chocolate if you take that route, because Toll House chocolate morsels are pure shit.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5274630675/" title="DSC_0076 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5274630675_8e6057e5e7.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0076" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But hey! What's with all this negativity? What I liked about this recipe was the inclusion of a hefty amount of lemon zest, which you could actually taste. Plus, polenta (I used cornmeal, same diff) is a great texture for a cookie, and definitely different than your usual Christmas gingerbread/peppermint/who-cares cookies. Seriously, no one wants to eat another gingerbread snowflake, OKAY? Well, I'd eat it, but that's because I have to eat at least one of every edible thing within my sight.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5275236388/" title="DSC_0065 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5275236388_091d262bcf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0065" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, now that I'm back fer reeeeal, get ready for major cookie updates. I miss baking so so so0o0o0o0o0o much and cannot wait to really dig my teeth in and bake up a storm. Storm o' flour and butter, watch out! This is only the beginning. I have 1 month and 5 days until classes start, so I'm goin' crazy. Get ready. To get fat. j/k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxo--missed you all, fair readers. (thanks for the emails by the way, they light up my day!)</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5274628641/" title="DSC_0062 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5274628641_7c8e2d135f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0062" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Italian Polenta Cookies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Makes about 2 1/2 dozen</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ingredients</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 cup Italian polenta, or yellow cornmeal</li><li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened</li><li>2/3 cup sugar</li><li>1 tablespoon lemon zest, (1 lemon)</li><li>1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk</li><li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Directions</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, polenta, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter, sugar, and lemon zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.</span></li><li><span>Add egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating after each addition to combine. Mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star tip (such as Ateco No. 826).</span></li><li><span>Pipe S shapes about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide, spaced 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment. Bake cookies until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies on parchment to wire racks; let cool about 10 minutes. Remove cookies from parchment, and transfer to racks to cool completely.</span></li></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 10.8333px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 1/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yeah, I guess so.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: A 7-and-7. Don't ask why.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb_yVxDyB9s">An oldy, but goody!!!!!!!!</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: LOVING AMER-CUH!!</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-64150718890805212002010-10-21T04:41:00.002-04:002010-10-21T05:07:35.514-04:00[Cookie 092] Sand Tarts<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101853010/" title="DSC_0044 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/5101853010_b5ebf09066.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0044" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I tried. You know, I really did. I gave it the ol' yeoman's effort, as my high school math teacher would say. But when I put a bunch of hours worth of effort into producing a cookie that is sad, soft, and definitely NOT baked to golden perfection, I get a little disheartened.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101258219/" title="DSC_0032 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/5101258219_875a953334.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0032" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's become quite obvious by now that I've not been baking nearly as many cookies as I should be this semester. Living in Ghana means that chocolate is ridiculously expensive (despite the fact that this country exports some of the finest cocoa and chocolate products out there! But why sell it domestically when you can make more money abroad?), and nuts other than cashews and groundnuts (read: peanuts) are nearly impossible to find. And then there's the crazy oven with no temperature reading, and then there's the fact that I only have a 1/2 cup and 1 cup measure, no teaspoon measures, and no baking sheet, and no cookie cutters. I promise to stop whining about all of this, but I just gotta give some context/cover my ass, because these cookies are pretty shameful.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101850054/" title="DSC_0001 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/5101850054_ff6b921983.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0001" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101256405/" title="DSC_0005 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101256405/" title="DSC_0005 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1144/5101256405_0b26f745a1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0005" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So let's have a run-through of how the baking of these <b>Sand Tarts</b> went. I got out the butter, and seeing as I'm living in AFRICA near the EQUATOR, it came to room temperature in about 20 seconds. Whip that up, add sugar and all that shit. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101256873/" title="DSC_0012 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5101256873_e5df48267d.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0012" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Measure out the flour in a measuring cup that of course doesn't fit inside the flour bag. So instead of doing something logical and pouring a bunch into a bowl and then measuring it, I pour the flour directly into the measuring cup and try to get it exactly right. And spill a bunch, DUH. Ugh. Okay, moving on…</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101257109/" title="DSC_0013 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/5101257109_5fdd877323.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0013" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mix wet and dry ingredients and make: the most boring dough in the world. Oh, did I mention that I just didn't even add the lemon zest? Lemons are not really abundant here, so I was just like "EH! Who cares!" My tastebuds care, that's who. Oh well--punishment for ignorance, I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101257505/" title="DSC_0023 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/5101257505_225aeccba5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0023" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101257795/" title="DSC_0028 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/5101257795_036324b02c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0028" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After refrigerating the dough for a while, it's time to roll it out. Oh wait! Guess who doesn't have a rolling pin! Never mind that, we just used a glass bottle (one that used to hold a bunch of delicious, delicious groundnuts…). Okay, so that works out decently. Now time to cut out circles with…a cup. Because I don't have a cookie cutter. Whatever! It still works! Awesome! Stick those babies on the "cookie sheet" which is really a roasting pan, which I'm pretty sure is one of the main factors that is fucking up the baking time of my cookies…</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101852072/" title="DSC_0031 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5101852072_552ac6b849_m.jpg" width="161" height="240" alt="DSC_0031" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then you have to get a hand print on your ass and pose for a picture looking like a complete...ass. I still can't figure out how that got there, considering it was my own hand. Awkward…I'll post a small picture to retain some shred of dignity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, so thus far nothing bad has really happened. It has just been an exercise in makin' in work! We bake up the first batch, and of course the oven burns the bottoms and doesn't toast the tops. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to fix this? Should I put a bain-marie underneath the tray in order to circulate heat? Ideas??</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the best part of this baking experience: about 2 minutes into the second batch WE RUN OUT OF GAS. Welcome to Africa. Arrggggasdflkajh! So I scrape off the warm blobs of uncooked dough, put them into a tupperware container, and then…voila, we have gas again. By this point I'm pissed off, so I quit. The cookies taste okay, but definitely not how they should.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101258453/" title="DSC_0034 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/5101258453_bf319e56bd.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0034" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, the main reasons that my cookies came out so poorly were because of my own situation, but I still think that the recipe itself is pretty boring. There's not really a dominant flavor, other than "sweet" and maybe a little bit "vanilla-y." I bet if they came out crisp and crunchy like they were supposed to, I might have liked them better, but alas. They did not. I ate them anyways. They were good with coffee. I mean Nescafe. No coffee here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, they make the deplorable Nescafe taste better, and the Nescafe makes the cookies taste better. And if you have a kitten mug, EVERYTHING TASTES BETTER ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5101258643/" title="DSC_0039 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1425/5101258643_4bd7af14c9.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0039" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>See the kitten cup in the background?!!? My favorite purchase I've made in Ghana. But still, the end result of the cookies is a little disappointing. I miss my oven.</div><div><br /></div><div>Xoxo</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sand Tarts </b></div><div>Makes 2 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature</li><li>1 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1 large whole egg</li><li>1 large egg yolk</li><li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li><li>1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest</li><li>2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour</li><li>1/4 teaspoon table salt</li><li>1 large egg white</li><li>1 teaspoon water</li><li>Sliced almonds, for decoration</li><li>Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling</li><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, and beat until light-colored.</span></li><li><span>Beat in egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest. Sift flour with salt, and add to butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until dough comes together. Wrap and chill for several hours.</span></li><li><span>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk egg white and the water in a small bowl. Set aside. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with a 3-inch round cutter, and place on ungreased baking sheet. Brush with egg-white mixture, decorate with 3 sliced almonds, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating halfway through. Remove from oven; allow to cool.</span></li><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 10.8333px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: I dunno...they are easy, but you could find a more interesting, tastier cookie that is just as simple to make.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 10.8333px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Nescafe (if you want to cry yourself to sleep)--otherwise, real coffee please.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10.8333px; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy8_38U3xLU">Remember (Walkin' in the Sand) -- The Shangri-Las</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Eat these while at the beach, because they look like sand dollars...?? </span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-65098163611059274072010-10-06T05:53:00.002-04:002010-10-06T05:59:34.196-04:00Oh hey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJrV9YOT4m4ITdXcBiHof1iSNZfXzrHZM7oiowFTU5y5oiysxigZjnrbtWYEMkIicj9Lb1gVPkjgV5EHVXtOhpye6WkRFmrdB_6sG7sTUUEskCpdzW4qZAxFpKzjPSMtS3xkdEz0J_jI/s1600/PH06.030.15+01_b02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJrV9YOT4m4ITdXcBiHof1iSNZfXzrHZM7oiowFTU5y5oiysxigZjnrbtWYEMkIicj9Lb1gVPkjgV5EHVXtOhpye6WkRFmrdB_6sG7sTUUEskCpdzW4qZAxFpKzjPSMtS3xkdEz0J_jI/s400/PH06.030.15+01_b02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524870509476182610" /></a><div><br /></div>Hi. So basically, I'm going to be making cookies tomorrow, so I'll be posting soon. That being said, I realize it has been more than a little quiet round these parts, but the truth of the matter is: baking supplies are ridiculously expensive here!!! A quart of heavy/whipping cream is 10 dollars. And a chocolate bar of good quality is at least 6 dollars (for a 3 oz bar of Green & Black's, for example). And those are the ingredients I can actually find...half the stuff I need I can't even find in stores here, like butterscotch. Oh woe, it is so difficult. And then there is the whole oven issue.<div><br /></div><div>Yeah, yeah, bitch bitch bitch. I'm whining. I'm just sad that I'm missing autumn and can't bake pumpkin bread, let alone cookies. Hopefully things will be lookin' up one of these days. We'll see Until then, if you are bored you can read my other blog which I update more often and has absolutely nothing to do with cookies: <a href="http://zziee.wordpress.com/">Zziee</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks biddies.</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-12901438832621367412010-09-23T04:47:00.004-04:002010-11-01T03:03:29.503-04:00[Cookie 091] Sesame Seed Cookies<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5017289272/" title="DSC_0057 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5017289272_e7f9254bc4.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0057" /></a></span></div><br />Hello folks, I'd like to introduce you to someone. This is Marjorie. She is my hero/tailor.<br /><br />I am forcing her to be my friend.<br /><br />And obviously, my first step towards achieving this goal was to make her cookies. Specifically, these <b>Sesame Seed Cookies</b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5017291502/" title="DSC_0027 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5017291502_b8092cc46d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0027" /></a></div><div><br />Okay, I think I should do some 'splaining. First off, I am taking a Projects in Photography class this semester, and it focuses primarily on portrait photography. Which is pretty rad, in my opinion, since I never get around to actually shooting posed portraits and I have really wanted to give it a try. For our most recent assignment we had to pick a Ghanaian that we were relatively chummy with (or not--just depends on how confident you are with potentially awkward situations) and photograph this subject over an 8-12 hour block of time. So, I chose Marjorie, who is the go-to seamstress for most of the students in my program. She always came off like somewhat of an enigma to me, in part because of her no bullshit attitude and somewhat stony countenance. Plus, she can sew a pretty 1960s cocktail dress in about 6 minutes, from raw fabric to ironed lapels.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5017289944/" title="DSC_0004 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5017289944_c59ff7701d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0004" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5016683583/" title="DSC_0001 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5016683583_264fdbf66a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0001" /></a></div><div><br />So I set up a date to come in and shoot some pictures of her, and in preparation I make a batch of these Sesame Seed Cookies (mainly to get on her good side before I would proceed to bug the hell out of her with my camera). Another example of how baking cookies has helped me where my social skills are lacking! I hand her the tupperware containing the cookies, and she takes a bite, and says "You did good" and then continues her cutting and measuring. I felt like I was in a detective movie and had just returned to my boss with a particularly juicy bit of info, and the P.I. gruffly patted me on the shoulder and told me "Ya did good, kid." Yay!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5017292546/" title="DSC_0043 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5017292546_5886f4d820.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0043" /></a></div><div><br />Anyway, I shot a million pictures, only got a few that I like, and none that I love. Oh well, c'est la vie. At least the cookies were a hit, and that's what I should be talking about anyway! So I'll hop to it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5017290604/" title="DSC_0009 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5017290604_9baaf853d6.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0009" /></a></span></div><br />These cookies are really good. You must excuse their appearance, because once again my crazy oven situation messed them up pretty badly. But the dough is delicious and the flavor of the actual baked cookie is pretty awesome. The sesames get all toasty and pack a bunch of flavor as well as crunch. I would most definitely make these again, because not only are they easy to make, but they are unusual, so you can impress your friends (and friend-crushes) without breaking a sweat.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/5016685059/" title="DSC_0011 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5016685059_76a47cb2b5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0011" /></a></div><div><br /><b>Sesame Seed Cookies</b></div><div>Makes about 4 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><ul style="margin-top: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; width: 396px; "><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1 cup all-purpose flour</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1 large egg</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li><li style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 11px; background-image: url(http://images.marthastewart.com/images/assets/global/ms-global-dash-green.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; ">1 cup hulled sesame seeds, toasted</li></ul></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><li><span>Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line four baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda, and set aside.</span></li><li><span>In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and beat until combined. Add reserved flour mixture, and beat until combined. Add toasted sesame seeds, and beat until incorporated.</span></li><li><span>Using a spoon, drop cookie batter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, onto prepared baking sheets, allowing at least 2 inches between cookies for spreading.</span></li><li><span>Bake until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 1/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Yes! Especially those of you who are fans of sesame flavor...you know who you are.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:10.8333px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: No drink. Nothing.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;font-size:10.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;font-size:10.8333px;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lZeUqbVW18">Side with the Seeds -- Wilco</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: These would be good served at a nice little tea party or to give as a gift. See above anecdote.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-32843550562931050042010-09-19T11:31:00.003-04:002010-09-19T12:11:24.901-04:00Favorite Cookie [081-090]<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4810770743/" title="014_12 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4810770743_124c3f0f5e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="014_12" /></a></div><br /><div>Another round come and gone. Actually, it's the 9th round, and 9 is my lucky number, so I would have to say that I'm a little disappointed that this set of ten cookies weren't better. These were my summer cookies, so I really have no excuse for not going all out! We had some really nice ones, that's for sure, but nothing that really blew my socks off. Is that even an expression? Blowing socks off? What?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, it's definitely going to be a rough 10th round, that's for SURE SURE. This whole gas oven with no temperature gauge is killing me! I am literally baking completely blindly. Oh, and there is a nation-wide gas shortage, so that also doesn't really help me out. And to top it off, I don't have a cookie sheet, so I've been using a roasting pan. Aaaaand, I only have a 1-cup measure and 1/2-cup measure. No teaspoon measures. Yep. And the butter they sell here is sold by the 200g block, with no tablespoon/cup measurements on it, and I have no scale. Sooooooooooo…yeah.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let's cut the crap and get on with it. Here's the 9th round, in all its mediocre glory! </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4799392579/" title="DSC_0251 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4799392579_c7fbaf2119_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0251" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>1st place (Blue Ribbon!)</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-083-maple-pecan-shortbread.html">Maple-Pecan Shortbread</a></div><div>Alright, these were really nice. Besides the fact that they are very easy to make look nice (you just cut out a perfect circle of dough with a cookie cutter and squish a pecan onto it! simple!), the cookies have a surprisingly deep flavor--even if you don't add the maple extract, like I didn't. The maple syrup lends enough rich flavor alone, and the toasted pecans in the dough work fantastic with it. Highly recommend this one!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4923166002/" title="DSC_0063 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4923166002_f115516b63_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0063" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>2nd place (Honorable Mention!</i>): <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookie-088-wholemeal-almond-biscuits.html">Wholemeal Almond Biscuits</a></div><div>These also have a really nice flavor that's a little unexpected. The cookie itself is a lot like a Hobnob (OMAHGAH HAVE YOU HAD THESE?!!? LOVE), but a lot less sweet. In fact, they are hardly sweet at all, but have a great cinnamon undertone, along with the toasty almond flavor of the biscuit. Great for tea, or really any fancy, fruity dessert. Pile on the clotted cream plz.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870169007/" title="DSC_0019 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4870169007_8890be27fb_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0019" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>3rd place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookies-085-almond-horns.html">Almond Horns</a></div><div>So almondy, so good. And they are majorly adorable, right? Am I the only one that gets all warm and fuzzy inside when she sees an adorable cookie? Is it bad that I look at cute cookies like normal people look at cute puppies? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963392234/" title="DSC_0061 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4963392234_c4ee851bcc_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0061" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>4th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/09/cookie-090-anzac-biscuits.html">ANZAC Biscuits</a></div><div>Okay, I ranked these highly because they basically introduced me to the nectar of the gods: Lyle's Golden Syrup. Holy shit, I can't even begin to tell you how many cans of this I'm bringing back to the US--customs or not! As for the cookie itself, I could eat the dough for hours/years/eternity.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4822043693/" title="DSC_0068 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4822043693_fe5d8fb188_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0068" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>5th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-084-oatmeal-bars-with-dates-and.html">Oatmeal Bars with Dates and Walnuts</a></div><div>I was partial to these because I really love whole-wheaty, nutty, oatsy, hippie-dippie snacks, and these really fit the bill. But I have to say, they are more like a cake than bar, and hardly could be considered a cookie…just sayin', Martha.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944882700/" title="DSC_0218 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4944882700_8167998389_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0218" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>6th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookie-089-spiced-almond-wafers.html">Spiced Almond Wafers</a></div><div>These definitely look very elegant and nice, but they didn't end up being as flavorful and spicy as the uncooked dough was. They tasted a little boring and bland once baked, but they are fun to make, so that's a plus.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4783858681/" title="DSC_0217 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4783858681_d43955e07a_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0217" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>7th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-082-fig-barsred.html">Fig Bars</a></div><div>These took a lot of work. Yep. Making the fig filling is fun and it is very aromatic and delicious, but for some reason once the cookie is all assembled and baked, the fig filling isn't all that special tasting anymore. The assembly of the bars (ie. the rolling of dough, spreading of filling, and sandwiching of the two layers of dough) is a little tricky and tedious. They're good, but not worth all the effort.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4739873813/" title="DSC_0133 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4739873813_828a9d665f_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0133" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>8th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/07/cookie-081-giant-chocolate-sugar.html">Giant Chocolate Sugar Cookies</a></div><div>These taste exactly like you'd expect, and I think that the only reason Martha made the recipe "GIANT" was because the dough itself isn't all that special. The use of vegetable shortening does, however, lend a pleasantly different taste and texture to the cookie. You could add stuff to this recipe and easily spice it up, if you're interested. Add white chocolate chips, dip the bottoms in ganache, somehow incorporate peanut butter...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870176863/" title="DSC_0076 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4870176863_c752a6ba2d_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0076" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>9th place</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookie-086-baci-di-dama.html">Baci di Dama</a></div><div>Ugh, what a serious pain in the ass. "Piping" the filling onto these little poops was a disaster, since the filling absolutely didn't hold its own and spilled all over the place. And the cookies, once I managed to actually get them to set and solidify, were hard and chewy and not so fab. Meh.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870790254/" title="DSC_0122 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4870790254_7c99bd634e_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="DSC_0122" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>10th place (Brown Ribbon!)</i>: <a href="http://everylastcookie.blogspot.com/2010/08/cookie-087-chocolate-ginger-leaves-and.html">Chocolate-Ginger Leaves and Acorns</a></div><div>BOOOOOORRRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, great. Got those done and behind me, and I'm ready for the new! But maybe that's just the Rosh Hashanah speaking. To all of you enjoying the first signs of autumn, I am whole-heartedly jealous of you. Eat lots of pumpkin and spice for me, because right now I'm looking at nothing but pineapples and plantains for another 3 straight months. Until my next post, soon...</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-58774219466978033782010-09-06T04:58:00.002-04:002010-09-06T07:05:06.993-04:00[Cookie 090] ANZAC Biscuits<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963392234/" title="DSC_0061 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4963392234_c4ee851bcc.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0061" /></a></div><br />Damn, the big 9-0. So close to one hundred. But more importantly, this cookie should be acknowledged as the very first cookie I baked here in Ghana! And the very first cookie I ever baked using a gas oven! So many milestones, so many feats! I exaggerate, yes, but still I think the fact that I was able to produce mildly edible cookies using an oven that has <i>no temperature knob </i>and is essentially just a sealed box with a blazing fire inside of it deserves a little pat on the back. Well, when I say mildly edible I mean that the first batch I made I burned the hell out of the bottoms of (it was only thanks to my friend Ayden's nose that we realized something was going wrong in the kitchen), and the second batch baked for way too long and got overcooked and hard, though beautifully golden brown. But the cookie itself, let me just say, YES.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963390788/" title="DSC_0053 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4963390788_84748978c4.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0053" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ANZAC Biscuits </b>I suppose were a funny first choice cookie to make during my stay here in Africa, considering that they are a cookie that got its name from the Australian New Zealand Army Corps during WWI. Apparently, they were a popular cookie to mail to soldiers, and I can see why since they are pretty sturdy and probably won't taste bad after a few days (though mine didn't last that long). They have oats, coconut, and Lyle's Golden Syrup in them--the latter two were readily available at my local supermarket, and for a cheap price too. And let me just say: Lyle's Golden Syrup. Holy shit. This is the stuff that God drinks, I swear to you. Oh mah gaaaaaaah! I want to put this on everything I eat, from now on. Done. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962788691/" title="DSC_0003 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4962788691_14857b044b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0003" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963386896/" title="DSC_0008 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963386896/" title="DSC_0008 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4963386896_3e44432482.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0008" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other ingredients, like flour and butter, were super expensive at the market here because I couldn't find any that weren't imported. Oh well, I guess I'll make do somehow. At least the baking soda is in the cutest container EVER!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962790043/" title="DSC_0021 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4962790043_3d2bc0f0ce.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0021" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963388368/" title="DSC_0025 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4963388368_0f542799a6.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0025" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963388760/" title="DSC_0031 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963388760/" title="DSC_0031 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4963388760_efc045445c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0031" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963388760/" title="DSC_0031 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962791423/" title="DSC_0038 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4962791423_d331cacfe9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0038" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the recipe is pretty simple and requires that you melt your butter with the Lyle's Golden Syrup, so you don't have to set your butter out on the counter an hour early to soften up! Whipping up the dough is easy peasy, and perfect if you don't have an electric mixer on hand. Then you just scoop out balls of dough with your cookie scoop, if you have one. If not, you just roll balls of dough between your hands, and make sure to pack them tightly so that the cookie doesn't fall apart too much.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962788275/" title="DSC_0001 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4962788275_9f1e59815a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0001" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962791801/" title="DSC_0040 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4962791801_9d0b4c2549.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0040" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(Oh and by the way, check out the mega-kitchen that we have in my dorm here! That's only half of it, too! We have 3 oven/stoves, but only 1 has gas! I feel like I'm on a cooking show...or not at all) The next step, or actually the step before all the dough-making actually, should be to preheat your oven. Yeah no big deal, whatever, just turn the knob to 350º. Okay, I know I'm a totally newbie to this whole gas oven thing--BUT WHAT THE HELL?! You have to literally aim a flaming match underneath the bottom of your oven and pray to god that it catches fire?! And then you can't really adjust the flame (at least on ours you can't)?! And we don't have an oven thermometer yet! Blind baking!! Ahhh!! So of course, the first batch we decide that it's fine to stick our cookie sheet/roasting pan on the lowest rack, so it burns the cookies' tushies to a blackened crisp and leaves their tummies all doughy and undercooked. Then, thinking we had outsmarted the oven, we raise the sheet to the top level and the cookies bake for almost twice as long and looked perfect, but were so cooked through that they hardened up into rocks. Siiiiigh. At least it was a learning experience. Next time, the middle rack should be just right--the third bowl of porridge, if you're into metaphors or some shit.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4962795163/" title="DSC_0074 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4962795163_1b03fdbc72.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0074" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, these cookies are pretty delicious and easy and great and you should make them if you have a sane-person's oven. But hey, gas ovens ain't so bad. They get hot in like 3 seconds and...yeah, that's it. Okay, I'm over it! No one said it would be easy cooking on an entirely different continent, worlds away. Imma make this happen! Go go go! Welcome to a new semester of cookie baking--Awkwaaba.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4963392576/" title="DSC_0062 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4963392576_b70c37c66a.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0062" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ANZAC Biscuits</b></div><div>Makes about 3 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>2 cups rolled oats</li><li>2 cups sugar</li><li>1 cup desiccated coconut</li><li>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter</li><li>2 tablespoons Lyles Golden Syrup</li><li>3/4 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/4 cup boiling water</li><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, and coconut. Set aside.</span></li><li><span>In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with syrup. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, and add to butter mixture. Stir to combine. (Be careful; if the butter is hot, it will bubble up considerably.)</span></li><li><span>Add butter mixture to dry ingredients, and stir to combine. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice-cream scoop, drop onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart (be sure to pack the scoop tightly so the mixture doesn't crumble). Flatten cookies slightly with the heel of your hand.</span></li><li><span>Bake until golden brown and firm but not hard, about 15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.</span></li><br /></span></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 1/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 2.5/5 (Depends on where you live, I guess)<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Yes! Oh man, and the dough...I could eat it for. ev. er.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: These would be good with milk, or nothing at all.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V0CsKubp6s">How Hard -- James Apollo</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Mastering the art of gas oven baking in a third world country!</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-50157058461376277192010-08-31T06:14:00.003-04:002010-08-31T06:39:18.958-04:00[Cookie 089] Spiced Almond Wafers<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944882700/" title="DSC_0218 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4944882700_8167998389.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0218" /></a></div><br /><div>Hey there. I'm still in Ghana. Very much so. It's really starting to set in that I'll be living here for 3.5 more months, which is so strange, but also pretty awesome! You know what goes down after my classes?? Everyone goes to this awesome cafe (if I can even call it that) that is essentially just a few tables and plastic chairs set on the side of the quiet road leading to the NYU Academic Center, and we all get a Star beer (Ghanaian!) and chill out. Uh, YES. Yeah yeah, I can hear my mom and dad groaning all the way across the Atlantic ocean; "Lizzie, do you even do any work there?! What are we paying for!?" Well, I do do work, thank you very much--it's just that Ghanaians really know how to relax. When in Rome/Accra…</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944883322/" title="DSC_0228 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4944883322_e5621311f2.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0228" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this is a cookie blog, and not a travel blog! I haven't yet made any cookies here yet, but this weekend it is SO happening, I promise. It has somehow spread around amongst the other students here that I bake cookies often, which is a bad sign because I think there might be a hype that I can't live up to! The pressure!! Anyway, there are a couple recipes that call for ingredients that are super pricy in the states--like Lyle's Golden Syrup--which are very cheap here, but other things are really expensive here, like chocolate. Basically anything imported has a huge price tag, even for American standards, which makes things a little difficult. Nah, actually, I'll just treat grocery shopping like a treasure hunt or something. Eventually I'll find all the cheap flour and sugar! Do you know they have COCONUT FLOUR here?! Awesome!! How do I use it/what do I use it in??</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944299891/" title="DSC_0236 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4944299891_02ea750cb2.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0236" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, well this post is actually about another old cookie recipe that I baked right before I flew off to this other side of the globe. <b>Spiced Almond Wafers</b>! Thin, crisp, and spicy--and pretty too. The dough, surprisingly, tasted more spicy before it was baked, which is pretty odd since usually the flavors get enhanced after baking, and after having a day to set in. These cookies ended up tasting nice, but nothing shockingly flavorful or anything. I also wished they were a little thinner, like the pictures, but maybe I just didn't slice the dough thin enough. Oh hey! Idea! Maybe you could use a cooking mandolin to slice the dough evenly! Would that work??</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944885752/" title="DSC_0002 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4944885752_443b5715e9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0002" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944301511/" title="DSC_0004 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944301511/" title="DSC_0004 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4944301511_2a5d9aa6e5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0004" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe itself, however, is a little more interesting than most of her recipes. Whipping up the dough is the same as usual, but once you've made it you stick it into some mini bread loaf tins so that the dough freezes into a brick shape. I didn't have any mini loaf pans, so I just used regular sized ones and didn't fill them up bigger than I wanted the dimensions of the cookies to be.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944884016/" title="DSC_0235 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4944884016_5a89a03b02.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0235" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you freeze the dough for a while, you slice off cookies and decorate them with almond slices. It can get a little tedious, but if you've got some jams playin' it shouldn't take you too long. And the end result is pretty dang adorable, and I can't deny an adorable cookie. Some people can't deny adorable children--I can! But an adorable cookie, that's another matter.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944885464/" title="00000006 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4944885464_da35138458.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="00000006" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, the cookie travels well and is perfect for picnics too! A good snacking cookie, nothing all that heavy or dense, so you can bring them to a party and people won't complain that you're trying to fatten them up (a problem, I must admit, I have encountered a couple of times).</div><div><br /></div><div>So, in conclusion, these cookies are cute and people will like the way they look and most will like the way they taste. They will probably fall in the middle of my rankings of best cookies, but they ain't bad! </div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao puppies</div><div>xx</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4944884834/" title="00000004 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4944884834_7200dcd2ba.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="00000004" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Spiced Almond Wafers</b></div><div>Makes about 6 dozen <i>(it's true!!)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li>3 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature</li><li>1 1/2 cups packed dark-brown sugar</li><li>2 large eggs</li><li>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li><li>1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li><li>1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</li><li>1/4 cup sliced blanched almonds</li><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><li><span>Line 2 mini loaf pans with plastic wrap.</span></li><li><span>Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed for 4 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add eggs and spices. Beat in flour mixture in 3 additions.</span></li><li><span>Press cookie dough into pans, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for 1 1/2 hours (or up to 1 month).</span></li><li><span>Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove dough from 1 pan. Let soften slightly. Cut eight 1/8-inch-thick slices with a sharp knife. Cover remaining dough, and freeze in pan until ready to slice and bake.</span></li><li><span>Place slices 1 1/2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with a nonstick baking mat. Top each with 2 to 3 almond slices. Freeze until firm, 5 minutes. Bake until dark golden brown, 10 minutes. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack. Repeat.</span></li><br /></span></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Yeah sure, why not</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: Aw, a nice light wine, if you wanna get fancy romantic.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: Skinny Love -- Bon Iver</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">: A picnic, complete with cherries, a baguette, and kettle corn. And that wine. Trust me when I say that can't be beat...</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-20133173878831004452010-08-23T09:53:00.005-04:002010-08-24T06:24:37.440-04:00[Cookie 088] Wholemeal Almond Biscuits<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4920992432/" title="DSC_0017 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4920992432_91f99bb8f5.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0017" /></a></div><br />HELLO! Wo ho te sen? I am writing from Accra, Ghana right this instant! I can't believe I've only been here 1 week, because it feels like 1 month. The past week was more than hectic, being that it was orientation week, so we didn't have a moment to breathe. I've gone to lectures, learned a little bit of Twi (the language spoken here), gone shopping (I've only just begun...), watched some traditional African drumming and dancing, went to an afrobeat concert, went to the beach, seen the local universities, and just had my first class (African Philosophical Thought) today. It's hot and humid, but not too bad. And the food...<div><br /></div><div>The food.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I can get used to this. Jollof rice, yum yum, banku, yum yum, fufu (haven't had it yet, but I can't wait), and plantains!! And get this: they sell shots of alcohol in packets like ketchup. Uh, yes. I got some/a lot. Cane Spirit! Coffee-flavored Whiskey! Gin! Haven't tried that coffee or cane stuff yet, but you just wait. I'll report back. Oh, and listen to this great idea that one of my esteemed colleagues came up with: buy a coconut on the street, pour a packet of gin into the coconut water, and then stick in a straw and DONE. After-school special. Ah, yes, I could so get used to this.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4920391829/" title="DSC_0016 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4920391829_30e8254ef1.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0016" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4920391033/" title="DSC_0015 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4920391033_5a9e4cbff8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0015" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that will make this whole blog thing a little difficult is the fact that the internet connection here is hardly adequate. Whatever--I'll do something else, like READ. Whoa. Or maybe draw. I think it will be good for me, build character. I'm too dependent on this computer here. Maybe I'll start basket weaving, which I'm going to be learning in one of my art classes (!!!!). </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4922574187/" title="DSC_0066 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4922574187_0d1b0f490b.jpg" width="335" height="500" alt="DSC_0066" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This huge culture shock and overwhelming week of change makes writing this post a little weird. Thinking about these cookies, and what I was doing during the time I made them, seems like eons (and miles) ago. I'd usually try to make my initial anecdote somehow relate to the cookie in question, but I don't think I can do it this time. These <b>Wholemeal Almond Biscuits</b> just don't scream Ghana at all. Well, they are sort of like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HobNob">Hobnobs</a>, which are these amazing cookies that probably aren't from Ghana only, but still--SO good. But more than that, to me they scream English tea time, so maybe you could make the whole British colonization connection, but I really don't feel like getting into that....at all.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4923160332/" title="DSC_0027 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4923160332_f0af204661.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0027" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So let's just talk straight about these cookies. They are very subtle in flavor, not sweet at all really. They do have a really nice cinnamon undertone, though, along with the flavor of almonds and whole wheat flavor, which I really loved. Their name is a really accurate description of what kind of cookie you get--a biscuit, wheaty and nutty. They are hearty and great with tea, or maybe with a bit of whipped cream/clotted cream and some berries for a fancy tea-time treat.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870182127/" title="DSC_0205 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4870182127_9d6153db1d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0205" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870182357/" title="DSC_0206 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870182357/" title="DSC_0206 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4870182357_4d28514380.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0206" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870182357/" title="DSC_0206 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870182951/" title="DSC_0210 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4870182951_7fcf6e0625.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, the recipe has you make your own almond meal, and this time I actually did that instead of substituting store bought almond meal. Good choice! The recipe worked perfectly and the toasted almonds gave a great flavor to the dough. If you want, you could probably add nutmeg or some other spice, but I thought the cinnamon was just perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870792938/" title="DSC_0200 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4870792938_ed684957a9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0200" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870794268/" title="DSC_0214 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4870794268_c80b2e21dd.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870183507/" title="DSC_0219 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870183507/" title="DSC_0219 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4870183507_a659850bb4.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0219" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so a great tea cookie. I think I can make a feeble connection to Ghana with this one: THEY DON'T DRINK REAL COFFEE HERE. Or at least, I've had trouble ordering anything other than Nescafe instant coffee. This makes me majorly sad. I bought some ground coffee that's made in Togo, which is awesome in theory, but doesn't taste really that great. But I'm a bit of a snob about coffee, so don't listen to me.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4922572075/" title="DSC_0051 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4922572075_72e4e2b97b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0051" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaanyway, I think that's all I've got to say about these. You should make them. Serve them with iced tea, since it's way too hot to think about boiling water in the northern hemisphere. Or hey, you could maybe make ice cream sandwiches with these--might get a bit messy though. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4922576217_b1b39393c0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0097" /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4923165378/" title="DSC_0059 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4923165378_a2ee98c8cf.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0059" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I actually ate mine with a cup of Tazo Honeybush tea and a small cup of cold Tapioca pudding that my dad made the night before, and it was a perfect afternoon dessert (new meal! new meal!). The tapioca might have been a little heavy to have with an already heavy cookie, but the Honeybush tea was just right--nice and light, but with a strong enough floral flavor to really be quite refreshing.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4922577351/" title="DSC_0109 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4922577351_b3cf13f51a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0109" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I'm going to go now. I have class soon. Aight. Bye bye. Until next time (soon I hope!)</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4923166002/" title="DSC_0063 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4923166002_f115516b63.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0063" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b>Wholemeal Almond Biscuits</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>1 cup blanched whole almonds, toasted</li><li>3/4 cup whole wheat flour</li><li>1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface</li><li>1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar</li><li>1/2 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces</li><li>2 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add flours, sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and pulse to combine. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. With machine running, pour in enough water until dough just starts to come together on the sides of the bowl. Shape dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until cold and slightly firm, no longer than 30 minutes.</span></li><li><span>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to an 11-inch round just more than 1/4 inch thick. Cut out 3-inch circles. Carefully gather scraps of dough, reroll, and cut out remaining biscuits. Space 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies until edges are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.</span></li><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></i></div><div><i>****</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yes!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Tazo Honeybush tea, or any other Rooibos/Redbush tea</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P668x-v9vdU">That's Where It's At -- Sam Cookie (!)</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Afternoon tea, whatever country you live in. I think that activity should really transcend geography and country borders. Teatime for all!</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418002169061496303.post-35077016366668210382010-08-14T16:34:00.003-04:002010-08-14T17:00:10.337-04:00[Cookie 087] Chocolate-Ginger Leaves and Acorns<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870179987/" title="DSC_0128 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4870179987_d36f122bc0.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="DSC_0128" /></a></div><br />Well, well, I ain't gone yet. Technically I am, but at the very moment I'm enjoying a relaxing, peaceful stay at the JFK airport...for eight hours. Eight hour layover. I love traveling. Turns out that the student-discount website that I bought my tickets from neglected to inform me that my flight number was changed to a flight leaving an hour later than I had expected, thus giving me eight hours to hang out in the airport. If I had known sooner, I would have taken a later flight to JFK from LAX, and not had to wake up at 3:30 in the morning, but that wouldn't have been any fun now would it?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870180493/" title="DSC_0148 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4870180493_b2eacf7f05.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0148" /></a></div><div><br />Okay, okay, it's not so bad. It could be going the other way--me missing my flight by eight hours. And hell, I'm going to AFRICA so I guess I shouldn't really be complaining. I'm doing what I can to pass the time (I bought wifi access for the day, which is how I'm writing this duhhh), and I ate at one of those ridiculous sit-down "restaurants" in the airport, the food at which was thoroughly mediocre. Maybe after this I'll watch some episodes of The Daily Show or Community, or work on my <a href="http://www.elizabetheisenstein.com/">portfolio website</a>. Oh the things I can get done! All while sitting in this vomit-colored leather chair by a window overlooking a massive jumbo British Airways jet. Productivity AND ambiance! <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870789492/" title="DSC_0113 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4870789492_f45fb18694.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0113" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So let's talk about these cookies that I made like 6 weeks ago (whoops, lazy blogging--I couldn't care less). These <b>Chocolate-Ginger Leaves and Acorns </b>really didn't seem like the right cookie to make in July, but I had the ingredients hangin' around--minus the molasses, which warranted a quick trip to Pavilions. The recipe is very simple, even for this cookbook, and satisfied my urge to bake something. However, the resultant cookie wasn't really anything to write home about. It tastes nice, but nothing unusual. And as you can see, I didn't really feel like going out and buying leaf- and acorn-shaped cookie cutters, so I made cats, hearts, and misshapen free-form circle things!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870179509/" title="DSC_0126 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4870179509_e2a130da7a.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0126" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870789984/" title="DSC_0119 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4870789984_6aef7a9e69.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0119" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870179745/" title="DSC_0127 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870179745/" title="DSC_0127 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4870179745_a462633d21.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0127" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I bet I'm not alone when I say I hate rerolling scraps of dough a million times for cookie-cutter recipes, right? So after a while I either just give up and eat the rest of the dough (NO SHAME!!!) or I roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork. Yeah, yeah, they don't cook the same way as the thin cookie-cutter cookies, but this way I get a few under-baked ones, which I love. Everyone's happy, especially me. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870178607/" title="DSC_0118 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4870178607_5b287bb8b9.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0118" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I guess that's all I have to say about these. I wish I had some epic, hilarious, and tragic story to tell that's related to making these, just so I could pass some more time here at Gate 6 in Terminal 7, but I don't. I guess it's time for me to start playing Farmville again...kidding!! Sort of.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870791252/" title="DSC_0143 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4870791252_981bb20db4.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0143" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notionsandcurios/4870790254/" title="DSC_0122 by notionsandcurios, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4870790254_7c99bd634e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_0122" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chocolate-Ginger Acorns</b></div><div>Makes 4 dozen</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface</li><li>1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</li><li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li><li>1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</li><li>1/2 teaspoon coarse salt</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened</li><li>3/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>1/2 cup unsulfured molasses</li><li>1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger</li><li>Fine sanding sugar, for sprinkling</li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Directions</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px; "><li><span>Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, spices, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in medium bowl.</span></li><li><span>Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add egg, molasses, and grated ginger; mix until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.</span></li><li><span>Halve dough; shape into disks. Wrap each disk in plastic; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Working with 1 disk at a time, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. (If dough becomes too soft at any time, freeze until firm.) Cut out shapes with 3-inch acorn- or leaf-shaped cookie cutters; space 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.</span></li><li><span>Score designs with a paring knife; sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until firm, 11 to 13 minutes. Cool on sheets on wire racks. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.</span></li></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>****</i></div></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{End Results}<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Baking Difficultly</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 2/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ingredient Accessibility</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tastiness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 3.5/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Attractiveness</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: 4/5<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Is it worth it?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Yeah, I guess. I am thoroughly indifferent about these.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">{Pairings}</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: 13px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Drink</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: Because they are pretty subtle in flavor, I wouldn't drink anything with these, per se. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(61, 63, 63); font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-family: Georgia; "><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Song<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hujyBO-6o-k">Who Knows Who Cares -- Local Natives</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Activity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: I could see serving these at an autumn party--a Harvest Party!! Ooh someone please do that! I'm so sad I'm going to miss fall, my favorite season...but I just don't think the leaves are going to change in Ghana all that much.</span></span></span></div></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div></span></i></span></i></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12381317546063890235noreply@blogger.com3