Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

SUBMITTED BY: Nancy PHOTO BY: chibi chef

"These cookies have a sweet peanut butter cup center."
SERVINGS & SCALING Original recipe yield: 40 cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
3. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well.
4. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.

Crackle Top Molasses Cookies

SUBMITTED BY: Laurie

"These cookies taste like gingersnaps."
SERVINGS & SCALING Original recipe yield: 4 dozen

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/3 cup white sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl mix oil and 1 cup of sugar. Add egg, beat well. Stir in molasses, 2 cups flour, baking soda and spices. If necessary, add more flour to make a firm dough.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Roll in 1/3 cup sugar. Place 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until tops crack. Remove from baking sheet and cool on rack.

Tips for your cooking.

Rolling and Cutting

You will find cookie dough much easier to work with after it's been refrigerated for at least half an hour. Keep cookie cutters from sticking to the dough by misting them very lightly with cooking spray. If you're cutting out delicate or large shapes, save them from falling apart by rolling out the dough on parchment paper, lifting off the scraps, then sliding the paper directly onto a baking sheet.

Frosting

One popular frosting for sugar cookies is a simple glaze of confectioners' sugar and either milk or fruit juice. By adjusting the ratio of liquid to sugar, you can make this glaze as thick or as thin as you'd like. Royal icing is another option: it dries to a hard, crunchy finish and also holds up well in the mail. Buttercream frosting is soft and thick; tasty, but not good if you plan to stack the cookies. Instead of frosting, you can also dip half or all of a cookie in chocolate and then in chopped nuts or crushed candy canes.

Other Decorating Ideas

Instead of frosting, you can decorate the cookies before you bake them! Sprinkle on coarse colored sugar, nuts, colored sprinkles, silver dragees or other small candies. Alternatively, make colorful designs on the unbaked cookies by painting them with a mixture of egg yolks beaten together with food coloring. The finished cookie will be bright and glossy.

Mailing

When making cut-out cookies for mailing, choose fairly sturdy shapes without too many small protrusions. Pack decorated, dry cookies in a flat, sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid. Lay down a selection of cookie shapes in a single layer, fitting them together as closely as possible. Now pile more cookies into the container, stacking same-shape cookies on top of each other. When the container is full, put wadded-up pieces of wax paper or unbuttered popcorn into any empty spaces, then seal the lid. Wrap the container in bubble wrap, then pack it into a box that is further padded with foam peanuts. The cookies should arrive fresh and beautiful and full of home-baked love.

Butternut Kisses - for Christmas

Butternut Kisses
SUBMITTED BY: Cindy Carnes
"This cookie recipe is made every year for the holidays; my family can't have Christmas without them."
Original recipe yield:
2 1/2 dozen

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ground walnuts
• 60 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream together the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3. Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in ground nuts.
4. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until set. Press kiss in center of each cookie. Cool on wire rack.

   NUTRITION INFORMATION

   Servings Per Recipe: 30

   Amount Per Serving

   Calories: 191

5. Total Fat: 11.2g
6. Cholesterol: 33mg
7. Sodium: 115mg
8. Total Carbs: 20.7g
9. Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
10. Protein: 2.6g

Rum Truffles perfect for Christmas

Rum Truffles

SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Chen
"These truffles will be soft inside despite that it feels firm on the outside. You only need to store them in a cool place, but not necessarily the fridge. Make sure you always use an airtight container! Be sure to use good quality chocolate!"

Original recipe yield:
24 truffles

PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	10 Min
READY IN	1 Hr 50 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 8 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chocolate cake crumbs
• 2 teaspoons dark rum
• 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a saucepan, combine cream and butter. Place over low heat, and bring to a boil. Pour over chocolate, and stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in cake crumbs and rum. Set aside until firm, but not hard.
3. Roll heaping teaspoons of chocolate mixture into balls, then roll in the chocolate sprinkles. Place on the prepared tray. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm. Serve in small paper cups.

Note

I save up chocolate cake crumbs whenever I have a chance. They can be stored in the freezer. Pack the crumbs in the amount needed. A good chocolate cake makes all the difference!

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Servings Per Recipe: 24

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 98

• Total Fat: 6.2g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 9mg
• Total Carbs: 9.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
• Protein: 0.9g

Mexican Turkey

SUBMITTED BY: VALERIA97
"What a great and easy way to use leftover holiday turkey! You can make tacos, burritos, Mexican sandwiches (tortas), etc."
Original recipe yield:
4 servings

PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	15 Min
READY IN	25 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound shredded cooked turkey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large fresh tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion until tender. Mix in turkey, and season with garlic powder. Stir in the tomato. Pour in water, sprinkle with cilantro, and season with salt and pepper. Cover skillet, and simmer 5 minutes, or until heated through.

   NUTRITION INFORMATION

   Servings Per Recipe: 4

   Amount Per Serving

   Calories: 225

2. Total Fat: 7g
3. Cholesterol: 86mg
4. Sodium: 183mg
5. Total Carbs: 5g
6. Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
7. Protein: 34.1g

Roasted Pork, Fennel, and Onions - perfect for Christmas

Roasted Pork, Fennel, and Onions
SUBMITTED BY: Christine L.
"Great for big feasts! Olive oil can be substituted for butter, if you'd rather eat olive oil than butter."
Original recipe yield:
10 servings

PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	1 Hr 20 Min
READY IN	1 Hr 50 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup fresh sage
• 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground cumin seed
• 1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast - trimmed, rolled, and tied
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 bulbs fennel, trimmed, tops reserved
• 1 1/2 cups orange juice
• 4 red onions with peel, halved
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup sage. Cook and stir until leaves are slightly crisp, about 1 minute. Remove leaves with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Cool, wrap in paper towels, and seal in a plastic bag. Set aside. Reserve the butter.
3. Mix the pepper and cumin in a small bowl. Rinse roast and pat dry; rub evenly with the pepper and cumin. Tuck remaining 1/2 cup sage leaves under the strings on the smooth (fattiest) side of the roast. Set the pork, herb side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
4. Spread olive oil in the bottom of a medium baking dish. Thickly slice fennel and place in the dish. Toss to coat with the olive oil, and drizzle with 3/4 cup orange juice. Place onions in the dish cut side down.
5. Place roast on the center rack in the preheated oven. Place fennel and onions on lower rack. Bake the pork and vegetables 1 hour, or until pork reaches a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C) and vegetables are tender. Turn fennel once during bake time. Reserving drippings, transfer meat to a platter and keep warm; let stand at least 10 minutes. Keep the vegetables warm in the baking dish.
6. Place the roasting pan with reserved drippings over high heat on the stove top, and mix in the reserved butter from Step 1, the remaining 3/4 cup orange juice, stock, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, and stir to scrape up any browned bits in the pan. Cook, stirring often, 10 minutes, or until reduced by about 1/2.
7. Arrange onions and fennel around the pork. Garnish with fennel tops, sprinkle with the fried sage leaves, and season with salt to serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Servings Per Recipe: 10

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 311

• Total Fat: 17.5g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbs: 14.4g
• Dietary Fiber: 3.3g
• Protein: 24g

Christmas Chocoberry Torte

Chocoberry Torte
SUBMITTED BY: Marc Boyer

"The flavors of strawberries and chocolate mingle together in this lovely dessert. This is an easy to make sweet torte. You may increase the amount of fruit to your liking. Raspberries or blueberries are awesome additions to this delicious torte."

Original recipe yield:
8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 inch cake pans; set aside.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla; beat with a spoon or wire whisk until batter is smooth. Divide evenly into prepared pans.
3. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove cakes from oven and place on wire racks to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from pans and cool completely. Place one layer on serving plate; spoon 1 cup non-dairy whipped topping onto cake layer; top with second layer and remaining whipped topping. Before serving, arrange sliced sweetened fruit, well drained, on top of torte. Serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Servings Per Recipe: 9

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 284

• Total Fat: 10.9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 275mg
• Total Carbs: 44.7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
• Protein: 2.9g

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Mary Christmas =) - Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

I want to start this blog with something to do with this season.
So let's do "Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake".

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 3/4 cup pumpkin butter
* 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine pecans and 1/4 cup brown sugar; cut in butter or margarine with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
2. Beat cream cheese at high speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Add 1/3 cup brown sugar; beat well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin butter. Pour mixture into crust.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes.
4. Sprinkle pecan mixture over pie. Bake for 5 additional minutes, or until butter or margarine and sugar melt. Cool on a wire rack. Cover, and chill for at least 4 hours.

This Pumpkin Butter is an excellent hostess present, and is a wonderful spread for toast and muffins. It can also be used to make a spectacular holiday dessert, Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake.

Mary Christmas =)

I want to start this blog with something to do with this season.
So let's do "Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake".

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 3/4 cup pumpkin butter
* 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine pecans and 1/4 cup brown sugar; cut in butter or margarine with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
2. Beat cream cheese at high speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Add 1/3 cup brown sugar; beat well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin butter. Pour mixture into crust.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 40 minutes.
4. Sprinkle pecan mixture over pie. Bake for 5 additional minutes, or until butter or margarine and sugar melt. Cool on a wire rack. Cover, and chill for at least 4 hours.

This Pumpkin Butter is an excellent hostess present, and is a wonderful spread for toast and muffins. It can also be used to make a spectacular holiday dessert, Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake.