Jumat, 29 Agustus 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Cookie Butter ICE CREAM

I feel like we should sound the trumpets for this week's Trader Joe's dessert review.  When I posted this picture on Instagram, I think it garnered more comments than any other picture I've ever posted:
trader joe's cookie butter ice cream review ... should you buy it or not?

This week, we review...Trader Joe's COOKIE BUTTER ICE CREAM!!!  Yep.  It's a real thing.


If you're not familiar with cookie butter (I'm sorry), get yourself to Trader Joe's and buy some, or to your local grocery store and pick up some Biscoff Spread.  Now.

trader joe's cookie butter ice cream review ... should you buy it or not?
The ice cream is swirled with both cookie butter and speculoos cookies.  A 1-quart container costs $4.49.

trader joe's cookie butter ice cream review ... should you buy it or not?
I was pretty sure I would love this...note the Valentine tea towel.  I don't break out my Valentine linens for just any ol' dessert. ;)

trader joe's cookie butter ice cream review ... should you buy it or not?
A mom's (my) take:  I can't believe I'm saying this...I didn't like it.  I didn't get a strong flavor of either the cookie butter or the speculoos cookies.  The ice cream base itself wasn't very creamy.  This is going to save me a lot of calories, but it makes me kind of sad.
Overall rating: 2 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: The ice cream is very sweet, and the cookie/cookie butter bits sprinkled throughout provide for somewhat of a balance... But, I'd have to agree with my mom on this one: there really isn't much of a flavor besides pure sweetness (if you're a fan of that, go right ahead!), and if I hadn't known the name of it, I couldn't have even guessed what kind of ice cream this is. I definitely don't taste any cookies, so maybe TJ's should consider changing the name...
Overall rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars


trader joe's cookie butter ice cream review ... should you buy it or not?
Trader Joe's Cookie Butter Ice Cream: you might be better off sticking with straight up cookie butter. :(

For more of our Trader Joe's dessert reviews, click here!

Selasa, 26 Agustus 2014

Pineapple Coconut Mojitos and a Staycation at Woodlands Resort

pineapple coconut mojito recipe ... SO good!  #cocktail #cheers
Ah, does anything say summer like a cocktail sipped poolside under a big umbrella?
{Recipe at the end of the post.}

When the resort in your town asks if you'd like to stay for the weekend as a family staycation, you first contemplate letting them know you can stay ALL SUMMER, then you decide that you don't want to scare them off, and just answer with a, "yes, please."

The Woodlands Resort, just outside of Houston, TX
The Woodlands Resort...I've been to wedding receptions here, school fundraisers here, Thanksgiving dinner here, but I've never actually stayed here.  Now that the resort has undergone a 60-million dollar renovation, it seemed like the perfect time.

The Woodlands Resort, just outside of Houston, TX
With multiple pools, waterslides, and a (brand new!) lazy river, it's easy to forget that you're in the suburbs of Houston...it feels like you're someplace tropical.  (The heat helps, too.)

The golf course looks beautiful, too, although we didn't play.  I took golf in college and it ended up to be my lowest grade from all 4 years.  Ugh.  Just thinking about it makes me shudder.  I would love to go out and WALK the course, though.  OK...enough about golf.

The Woodlands Resort, just outside of Houston, TX
My favorite moments from our stay:
  • a welcome as soon as we checked in: big chocolate chip cookie, ice cold milk, and Texas beers delivered to our room,
  • getting up and out to the pool early.  It's quiet and peaceful, and a great time to take in the beautiful grounds,
  • eating breakfast and lunch poolside...we were really impressed by the food from the poolside Cool Water Cafe,
  • a massage at the Spa.  Probably the best massage I've ever had,
  • watching kiddo and a friend go down the waterslide,
  • late night spins around the lazy river with the boys,
  • totally "getting away from it all," but still being close to home.


Where are the photos of us in our bathing suits?  Well, if you must see...

wr vintage swim photo wrvintageswimpic.jpg
(F J Mortimer/Getty Images)


I also fell in love with a cocktail while there.  I knew at first sip, I'd have to try to recreate this at home.  Join me for a Pineapple Coconut Mojito, won't you?  I think it's a fitting way to cheers a happy summer!

pineapple coconut mojito recipe ... SO good!  #cocktail #cheers
print recipe photo printrecipe.jpg

Pineapple Coconut Mojito

{makes 1}

flaked, sweetened coconut
fresh mint leaves
1 lime slice
1/4 cup coconut rum
3/4 cup coconut-pineapple juice (or regular pineapple juice if you can't find it)
splash sparkling water or club soda

In a small pan, toast up the coconut until lightly browned.  Pour onto a cutting board and let cool.  Chop into smaller pieces and set aside.

Place 2 mint leaves and the slice of lime in the bottom of a pint glass.  Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to twist the leaves and lime a few times until the mint is fragrant.  Don't mash it to bits.

Top the muddled mint/lime with ice about 2/3 up the glass.  Spoon 1 TBSP of the chopped, toasted coconut on top of the ice.

Pour the rum and juice into the glass and stir.  Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with mint, pineapple chunks, tiny umbrellas, and a straw...or not.  Cheers!

The Woodlands Resort, just outside of Houston, TX
If you're staying in the Houston area, or live here already, check out the The Woodlands Resort.  Love pools, spas, golf, cocktails?  I think you'll like it!

{Disclosure: My family and I were treated to a weekend at The Woodlands Resort free of charge.  All opinions are my own.} 

Minggu, 24 Agustus 2014

Blueberry Cream Pie ...for those last days of summer

easy blueberry cream pie with a no-bake filling
It's true.  I've already moved on from summer a bit.  There have been soft pumpkin cookies, and back-to-school cookies, but this week, it's the last hurrah of summer.

{Actually, around here, summer seems to last until about November 3rd.}

easy blueberry cream pie with a no-bake filling
Today's recipe is for Blueberry Cream Pie.  The filling is a no-bake filling made with sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and lemon.

 photo blueberrycreampie2of8.jpg
The only baking you'll do is a quick bake of the graham cracker crust. 

 photo blueberrycreampie5of8.jpg
The way the blueberries are scattered throughout, I thought about calling it Polka Dot Pie.

This Blueberry Cream Pie is just about the easiest pie to make EVER.  It's the perfect end to summer, using up the last of summer's juicy blueberries. Bring it along to a Labor Day cookout!

easy blueberry cream pie with a no-bake filling
I'm sharing the recipe over at Imperial Sugar.  Come and get it! 

Jumat, 22 Agustus 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturdays: Ginger Cats Cookies

First, let's address the burning question here.  Yes, these cookies are for people, not cats.  The cookies are shaped like cats.
trader joe's ginger cats cookies review

So, today's review is of Trader Joe's Ginger Cats Cookies (for people).  They are labeled as "lowfat" with no artificial flavors or preservatives.


A 16-ounce tub of cookies will set you back $2.79.

trader joe's ginger cats cookies review
A mom's (my) take: Well, these are certainly cute, especially if you're a cat person like I am.  I enjoyed the flavor of these cookies quite a bit...they have a very strong ginger and spice taste...and a little heat.  The ingredients list on the package lists "ground red pepper;" I love the spice, but I wonder if little ones would.  The texture is what I wasn't crazy about.  They were so crunchy, I felt like they were over-baked.  I was expecting, and would prefer, that Teddy Graham-type texture here. 
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: Of course, I love the cats (having two myself), and the taste is that of a home-baked, authentic gingerbread cookie. I italicized ginger because it is spicy. Really spicy. It does take a minute to deliver the kick, so you have a bit to enjoy the buttery, well-baked taste.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

trader joe's ginger cats cookies review

Trader Joe's Ginger Cats Cookies: spicy!

Rabu, 20 Agustus 2014

The sure thing.

There's one sure thing about the first day of school.  That sure thing is cookies.
copycat doubletree hotel cookie recipe
I don't always make chocolate chip cookies, but when I do...
(Sorry, I was slipping into the Most Interesting Man in the World mode.)

doubletree hotel cookies rack photo doubletreecookies2of8.jpg
As I was saying...I don't make the same cookies every year.  Some years, I ask kiddo what he wants.  Some years, it's the Tollhouse recipe straight from the back of the bag. This year, I knew what I was baking:  Julie's (from The Little Kitchen) Copycat Doubletree Hotel Cookies.

I pinned Julie's recipe ages ago.  I thought about them a lot.  (More than is probably healthy.) Then, we stayed in a Doubletree Hotel earlier this month and it was just the kick in the pants I needed to MAKE THOSE COOKIES.

doubletree hotel cookies rack single photo doubletreecookies3of8.jpg
{If you've never stayed at a Doubletree Hotel before (A.) get yourself to one, pronto. (B.) They give you warm chocolate chip cookies at check in.  Yep.  I had mine eaten in, oh, about 5 minutes of entering our room.  Mr. E, on the other hand, waited almost 24 hours to eat his.  I had to tell him that if he did not consume it ASAP, all bets were off.  (I was not kidding.)}

Let me say...these Copycat Doubletree Hotel Cookies are straight up glorious.  Yes, glorious.  If I was served one of these at check-in at the Doubletree, I wouldn't doubt that they were the real deal.  The cookies are big, thick, chewy, studded with chocolate chips, and all out fantastic.


copycat doubletree hotel cookie recipe
I'm just going to link you to Julie's recipe here.  The only change I made was to switch the chocolate chips to mini chocolate chips.  I thought that's what Doubletree used.  Then, as I'm writing this blog post, I clicked over to my Instagram feed, and lo and behold, they weren't mini chips after all.  I'm apparently having memory issues.

Big chips, mini chips, it doesn't matter.  MAKE THEM.  

Minggu, 17 Agustus 2014

Breakfast Waffle Cones


breakfast waffle cones!  YES, waffle cones for breakfast!
Waffle cones for breakfast?  What?!?   Hear me out.

These breakfast waffle cones are filled with yogurt and toppings rather than ice cream.  They make a quick breakfast that is fun  interactive for a sleepover, or perfect for a dash out of the door to school.breakfast waffle cones!  YES, waffle cones for breakfast!

Here's why I love these waffle cones:
  1. Well, I just love any excuse to eat a waffle cone.
  2. They're totally quick and easy for busy mornings.
  3. I love yogurt for lunch or a snack, but for breakfast, I want something I can really sink my teeth into.  Thank you, waffle cone.
  4. Portable. Everyone else on your commute will be having a "I'll have what she's having" moment.
  5. The flavor combination possibilities are endless!
 photo breakfastwaffleconesfruitcollage10of15.jpg
Whether you fill them with fruit and yogurt (like strawberries + strawberry yogurt or blueberries + lemon yogurt)...

breakfast waffle cones!  YES, waffle cones for breakfast!
...or maybe mix a little peanut butter into Greek yogurt and drizzle with honey...

breakfast waffle cones chocolate photo breakfastwafflecones13of15.jpg
... or, (I love this one) add chocolate chips and coconut, you're sure to find a favorite.

waffle cones wrapped with paper doilies ... simple and sweet!
If you want to get really fancy, wrap a paper doily around the cones (I used heart-shaped ones.)
These were inspired by my friend, Kami.  By all means, if you have a Cricut, make her wrappers...they are DARLING!

One note: serve and eat immediately after filling.  The waffle cones can start to lose their crunch after sitting a bit.

breakfast waffle cones chips coconut photo breakfastwafflecones15of15.jpg
What combination would you chose first? 

{psst...if you missed the post about the upcoming Decorating Cookies Party book & and little somethin' somethin' for pre-orders, click on over here!} 
 

Sabtu, 16 Agustus 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's: Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries

In honor of back-to-school time, kiddo and I are reviewing Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries (Cherry Pomegranate flavor) this week.

trader joe's frosted cherry pomegranate toaster pastries review
Trader Joe's has a pretty lengthy description on the box.  Here's a snippet: "A far cry from typical toaster pastries, Trader Joe's organic frosted toaster pastries are made with organic ingredients...without artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors."

Just like a package of Pop-Tarts, you'll get 6 pastries per box, with 2 each in foil packets.  I wish I could tell you how much they cost, but in a hurry to clean out my purse, I threw away the receipt.

Growing up, we never had Pop-Tarts in our house, so with every sleepover invitation, I always held out the hope that there would be Pop-Tarts for breakfast. (It was always such a let down to see that Pop-Tart box and realize they were the Brown Sugar variety.  Ugh.  Does anyone like those?) As a single gal, I may have carried a foil packet of chocolate ones in my purse...you know, in case I was trapped without food for an hour or two.
Needless to say, I was excited about this review.

trader joe's frosted cherry pomegranate toaster pastries review
My take: Trader Joe's hit the nail on the Pop-Tart head with this one.  These were very reminiscent of the toaster pastries of my childhood...thin layer of icing, not too much filling, crispy corners.  I'm impressed with the way TJ's kept these so much like the original, but without the artificial flavors and preservatives. Oh, and the colored sugar on top is the prettiest boysenberry-ish color.  I'll definitely keep a box in the pantry for those rushed school mornings. And, I'll hold out hope for a chocolate variety.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kiddo's take: From the outside, it looks like something out of a commercial -- but the taste actually lives up to its looks. The pastry and icing parts are very sweet (in a good way), and they are perfectly complemented by the fruitiness of the inside filling, which has an absolutely fantastic taste! I hardly ever eat toaster pastries/pop-tarts, but I think I may start to now!
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars


trader joe's frosted cherry pomegranate toaster pastries review

Rabu, 13 Agustus 2014

Decorating Cookies PARTY!!!

Ok.  Are you guys ready for a party?  (Or, as the cool kids say, "par-TAY?") ;)

Well, I'm so excited to tell you about my newest book...wow, does that sound weird...that will be hitting the shelves this fall.  It's called:

Decorating Cookies Party: 10 Celebratory Themes * 50 Designs

decorating cookies party ... new book from bridget edwards @bakeat350 {exclusive content with pre-orders!}

{I love the cover so much!}

What's inside?  I'm so happy you asked:
  • Want to throw a cookie decorating party?  I'll walk you through hosting one. 
  • Cookie exchange hints?  I've gotcha covered.
  • Step-by-step instructions for cookie designs to bring to a variety of parties and special occasions?  Yep.  50 of them. You know I love a step-by-step tutorial.
  • Need cut-out cookie recipes?  Well, I have 5 for you...including gluten-free.
  • Nervous about royal icing and fondant?  Don't be!  I'll make it simple for you.
  • Want some party theme ideas?  How about a garden party, birthday, book club, bridal shower? You'll find 10 party themes featured in the book to make and take or to make as part of the festivities! 

We'll be playing with fondant, stamping, doing a little brush embroidery, and more! You guys, this book includes some of my favorite cookie designs EVER.  Do you know how hard it was not to Instagram them?!?!

Decorating Cookies Party is now available for pre-order.  YAY!  You can find it here:
Of course, when it is released (early October), you'll be able to find it in your local book stores.  

SO!  If you'd like to pre-order the book, I'd like to send YOU a little thank you.  Pre-order the book before it is released in early October, email me your order confirmation, and I'll email YOU two exclusive cut-out cookie recipes that are not in the book and have never been featured on the blog.  Yay!

All you have to do is place your pre-order and forward your confirmation email/receipt to this address. (Please note, this is not my usual email address.) On the official release date, October 7th, we'll email you two exclusive cookie recipes.  Yay, cookies!

I'll be showing you a little more of the inside as we get closer to the book release date, but until then...thank you.  Thank you for reading this little blog.  It's because of you that this second book is possible.  I thank you for your support and for your love of all things cookie!

Senin, 11 Agustus 2014

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Frosting

soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon sugar frosting ... so heavenly! bring on the PUMPKIN!
Time flies when you’re having fun. I can’t believe it’s already the almost end of summer and time for back-to-school. It’s also time to talk about butter again with my friends at Land O’Lakes…not like I need a reason to talk about baking with butter. :)

As much as the scent of a freshly opened box of Crayons, or the feel of a crisp, new stack of notebook paper, homemade cookies mean back-to-school to me.

There is something so comforting about a cookie…whether it’s tucked into a lunchbox or offered after school with a hug and a “how was your day?”

soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon sugar frosting ... so heavenly! bring on the PUMPKIN!
I can eat pumpkin-flavored anything all year long, but once the start of school arrives, I feel legitimate in doing so.  These cookies are soft and pillow-y, almost like mini cakes.  The softness comes from the pumpkin, the sour cream, and the brown sugar.

the makings of cinnamon sugar frosting for pumpkin cookies
The frosting.  Oh, the frosting.  Made with Land O Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread, it’s a cinch to pull together and magic on these cookies.  If you love cinnamon toast like I do, try spreading a little extra frosting on your morning toast.  OH my goodness.
   
This scrumptious cinnamon sugar butter will be a staple in my fridge all fall. It’s sweet, spicy and everything nice!

soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon sugar frosting ... so heavenly! bring on the PUMPKIN!
Here’s how to make the cookies:
Preheat oven to 350.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Stir together the flour, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

Cream the butter and brown sugar until completely combined and smooth.  Beat in the pumpkin and sour cream, vanilla, and egg until well mixed.  Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

On low speed, add the flour in 3 additions, mixing just until combined.

LOL pumpkin cookies dough photo pumpkincookies2of1LOL.jpg

Scoop the dough onto the prepared sheets using a 2-Tablespoon cookie scoop.  Use a spoon to press down lightly on the tops of the cookies to flatten them just a bit.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until the centers are baked through.  You can check this with a toothpick like a cake.

LOL pumpkin cookies baked photo pumpkincookies1of1LOL.jpg
Remove to a wire cooling rack and let cool completely.

easy and oh-so-delicious: cinnamon sugar frosting
After the cookies are cooled, make the frosting. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cinnamon sugar butter spread and the powdered sugar until combined.  Add in the milk and pinch of salt and beat on medium speed until smooth and thickened.

Use an offset spatula or table knife to spread onto the cooled cookies.  Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with cinnamon-sugar.

Back-to-school just isn’t complete without cookies!  Don’t you agree? 

print recipe photo printrecipe.jpg

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar Frosting

Yield: 25 cookies

For the cookies:

3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 & ¼ cups light brown sugar
½ cup Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg

For the frosting:
1 (6.5 ounce) container Land O Lakes® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons milk
Pinch kosher salt
Cinnamon-sugar

Bake at 350 has partnered with Land O'Lakes for an exclusive endorsement of Land O Lakes® Butter for their Kitchen Conversations blogger program. This blog post is sponsored by Land O'Lakes.

Sabtu, 09 Agustus 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturdays: Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Kiddo chose Trader Joe's chocolate covered almonds for our review this week.  They brought back a lot of memories for me.
trader joe's chocolate covered almonds review
I spent the ride home telling him about how when I was growing up, boxes of chocolate covered almonds were what most kids sold to raise money for sports teams, trips, etc.  If I'm remembering correctly, they were pretty pricey.  My parents would always buy from the kid selling, but maybe just a box or two.  I loved those almonds so much, it was almost enough to make me join a sports team just to have access to more of them.  Almost. 

Trader Joe's chocolate covered almonds seem a little pricey, too, and $7.99...but in all fairness, you get a whopping 24 ounces in the container.  That's a lot more than in those fundraising boxes.  This box contains a mix...both milk and dark chocolate.  Something for everyone!

trader joe's chocolate covered almonds review
My take: Well, maybe I have too many emotions wrapped up in chocolate covered almond memories.  These are very good, don't get me wrong, but I think I've had better.  The almonds are covered in a pretty thick coating of chocolate.  There's definitely a difference between the milk and the dark.  The dark have a distinct coffee note to them, although I don't see coffee as an ingredient.  I started off liking the dark chocolate better, but after many (many) taste tests, the milk started to grow on me.  The milk are more like the chocolate covered almonds of my childhood.
Overall rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kiddo's take: These are pretty good... but as my mom said, I've had better. There is a world of difference between the milk and dark chocolates (even in color!), which can be very helpful if you incline towards milk or dark. The nut itself is good, although not stunning. I, being a milk chocolate lover, was instantly addicted to them. Then again, doesn't everyone get addicted to chocolate?
Overall rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

trader joe's chocolate covered almonds review
Trader Joe's Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: very good, but we may have had better.

Selasa, 05 Agustus 2014

Triple Threat Cookies


triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
These cookies exist because the grocery store was out of an ingredient I needed for another recipe.
I think it was fate.

triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand for these.  Let's face it.  If you're ever having a chocolate chip emergency, my house is probably a good bet.  I think I have 8 bags in my pantry.  You never know when the mood might strike.

triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
I had an extra bag of mini M&Ms from these...and lots of leftover coconut from these.  Sometimes things are meant to be.

The chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, and coconut (the triple threat) are all mixed together in a simple cookie dough and topped off with just a sprinkling of fleur de sel.  They're chewy, chunky, festive, colorful, and I'll be making them again.  And again.


triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
print recipe photo printrecipe.jpg
Triple Threat Cookies

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 & 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 & 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup mini M&Ms
fleur de sel (or fine sea salt)

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Preheat oven to 350.

Cream the brown sugar and butter together until thoroughly combined and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low just until combined.

Stir in the chocolate chips, coconut, and M&Ms (reserving a few M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookies if desired).

triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared sheets.  Add a few reserved M&Ms onto the top of each ball of dough.  Sprinkle a bit of fleur de sel onto each cookie.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until done.  Remove from the cookie sheets to wire cooling racks to cool.

triple threat cookies ... chocolate chips, coconut, and mini chocolate candies: chewy, chunky, and delicious!
Don't wait until your grocery store is out of something to make them.  Do it now!