Sabtu, 29 November 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's

The holidays are here and you know what that means.  It's time to break out the fat pants.
It's time for all things gingerbread and peppermint.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's review
This week, we're reviewing Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's.  We also have some guest reviewers, three of kiddo's cousins, ages 7, 5, and 3.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's
Joe Joe's are Trader Joe's version of Oreos.  These are the peppermint variety, covered in chocolate, and sprinkled with crushed candy canes.  How much are they?  Well, I'm at my sister's house and left my receipt at home.  So much for being organized.  $3-4ish...each box contains about 10 cookies.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's
A mom's (my) take:  New rule...all Oreo-type cookies should be enrobed in chocolate.  The chocolate coating is spot on and seems to seal in the freshness of the cookie.  The peppermint just adds a little holiday sparkle.  These would be a nice little gift, a sweet addition to a holiday cookie platter, or perfect on Santa's cookie plate.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars
 
A teenager's (kiddo's) take: I could definitely eat an entire box in no time. Maybe 2. Or 5. The Joe-Joe's themselves are excellent, but when smothered in rich chocolate with peppermint crumbles on top... you really can't beat it.
Overall rating: 6 out of 5 stars :)

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Our guest reviewers:
7-year-old: "It's really good!"
5-year-old: "Good!"
3-year-old: "Good!"

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Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's: add them to your Trader Joe's Christmas must-buy list!


Read all of our Trader Joe's dessert and sweet treat reviews!


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Senin, 24 November 2014

Washi Tape Christmas

I know it's not quite Thanksgiving, yet, but I had to get this book on your radar for Christmas:
Washi Tape Christmas: Easy Holiday Craft Ideas with Washi Tape by my friend Kami Bigler of the blog, No Biggie.

washi tape christmas by kami bigler
I have to start by saying that Kami is one of my very favorite bloggers...and people...on the planet.  She's just lovely, joyful, faith-filled, beautiful, and I'm so happy to have her darling book in my home.

Second, I don't craft.  It's embarrassing, really.  Mr. E has seen so many craft fails from me that every time I tell him about a new craft project, he gives me this sad little smile and says, "are you sure?"
Don't ask him about the gumball wreath.  

washi tape christmas by kami bigler
Anyhoo...all of the women in my family craft in some way: quilters, painters, seamstresses, crocheters (is that a word?), artists.  They would make Martha proud.  Me, not so much.  BUT...here's where I love Washi Tape Christmas.
You guys!  I can DO this!!! 

Look at this adorable Christmas wreath cookie box I decorated with instructions from the book:
christmas wreath cookie box made with instructions from washi tape christmas by kami bigler
I'm so proud.  I mean, it's so cute on its own, you almost don't even need to put a cookie in there.

The book has inspired me to invest in some actual crafting materials, like cardstock, so I don't have to go around punching holes in folders like I did here.  Oh, and I might have to dedicate a drawer to Washi tape.
washi tape christmas dots photo washitapechristmas4of9.jpg
Plus, I really like saying "Washi tape."

Here are some Washi tape crafting ideas you'll find in the book...paper ornaments, patchwork wreath, homemade gifts, holiday cards, and all kinds of cute packaging ideas for dressing up your boxes and bags.  Each craft project is complete with detailed and simple instructions, that even a craft-impaired girl (*ahem*) can follow. :)
washi tape christmas by kami bigler

Washi Tape Christmas.  Let's craft this year!!!



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Minggu, 23 November 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Extraordinary Bark of the Finest Collection

trader joe's extraordinary bark review
Don't even try to dash into Trader Joe's this week and get back out "really quickly" like I tried to on Friday.  Cartless, I was scanning that city of sweets that lives above the freezer foods when I stopped dead in my tracks.  The holiday sweets are out.

Oh my gosh.  Where to start?  Where to start?  Everything looked so enticing!   And this leads me to why I'll never run through TJ's cartless again.  I managed to make it to the register with my armful of sweets without dropping any, but just barely.

trader joe's extraordinary bark review

This week, kiddo & I review Trader Joe's Extraordinary Bark of the Finest Collection.  This red and white box immediately caught my eye.  There's something old-fashioned and sweet about the packaging.


Trader Joe's describes this as "chocolate bark with layers of mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups, pretzels, caramel popcorn and crushed almonds."  (There's also a very lengthy, detailed description on the front of the box that would take me 30 minutes to type out here.) ;)  A 9-ounce box runs $3.99.

trader joe's extraordinary bark review
A mom's (my) take: This is one of those Trader Joe's items that I knew I would love, and didn't.  The chocolate base itself was delish, but I thought most of the toppings were a bit...stale.  In addition to all of the toppings listed in the description, the bark was also topped with TJ's Joe-Joe's cookies.  Those and the caramel popcorn in particular, I tried to eat around to get to the areas with the peanut butter cups. ;)  Would I busy this again?  No.  It looks pretty, though.
Overall rating: 3 of 5 stars

A teenagers (kiddo's) take: I don't know what my mom is talking about, because I absolutely love this bark. The chocolate slab is very tasty and very well complemented by all the wonderful toppings (especially the peanut butter cups :) ). Overall, the taste is great, and I love reading the description on front of the box. It's hilarious.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars


trader joe's extraordinary bark review
Trader Joe's Extraordinary Bark of the Finest Collection:
try it for yourself and let us know if you're #teamkiddo or #teammom! ;)

 Read all of our Trader Joe's sweet treats and dessert reviews


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Kamis, 20 November 2014

Apple Butter Pie with Cookie Crust, and rules for Thanksgiving

apple butter pie with cookie crust ... an easy pie recipe and a great alternative to pumkpin pie


Here are Bridget's Rules for Thanksgiving:

1. Stuffing.  Yes, it's technically "dressing," but we call it stuffing and there is no Thanksgiving without it.

2. Mashed potatoes are optional; sweet potatoes are not.

3. There is NO SHOPPING ON THANKSGIVING DAY!  Let the cashiers at Macy's enjoy time with their families, have a few glasses of Pinot Noir, and take a nap for crying out loud!  We can buy gloves for Aunt Sally at 50% at 4am on Black Friday.  *steps off soap box*

4. The Thanksgiving Day parade is on TV...whether anyone is watching it or not.

5. Desserts: there must be several.

apple butter pie with cookie crust ... an easy pie recipe and a great alternative to pumkpin pie

I want to introduce you to the Apple Butter Pie.  This is your new easy pie recipe to add to your Thanksgiving dessert menu.


The crust take 5 minutes (or less) to whip up.  The filling takes 5 minutes to create.  The hardest part about making this pie?  Waiting for it to chill before slicing into it.

apple butter pie with cookie crust ... an easy pie recipe and a great alternative to pumkpin pie
Made with a Speculoos cookie (such as Biscoff) crust and a creamy, spiced filling, the finished pie is then topped off with a brown sugar and spice whipped cream and a sprinkling of cookie crumbs.  It's very similar in texture to a pumpkin pie...without the pumpkin.  See, I can make recipes without pumpkin (sometimes). ;)

Add it to your Thanksgiving repertoire.  You'll be glad you did.

apple butter pie with cookie crust ... an easy pie recipe and a great alternative to pumkpin pie
I'm sharing the recipe at Imperial Sugar.  Come and get it!



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Selasa, 18 November 2014

Biscoff Coffee Cake with Biscoff Crumb Topping

Cake for breakfast?  Don't mind if I do. 
biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
There's no coffee in coffee cake...it's meant to GO WITH coffee.  (Apparently, there is an internet controversy about this.) You know, I might just start slipping the word "coffee" into every cake title to make cake for breakfast more acceptable: Devil's Food Coffee Cake,  Carrot Coffee Cake, Red Velvet Coffee Cake...y'all, I think I'm onto something here.

The Biscoff Cookie and Spread Cookbook
THIS cake is a Biscoff Coffee Cake.  I hope that you are familiar with Biscoff.  Biscoff cookies are the crunchy, cinnamon, completely additive cookies you get on Delta Airlines.  When I was a flight attendant, you can bet I was gobbling up as many packets of those in the galley as I possibly could during each flight. (Job perk.)  Biscoff Spread is creamy like peanut butter and made from crushed Biscoff cookies.  Oh yeah.

Katrina Bahl from the blog, In Katrina's Kitchen, has just published her first book:
The Biscoff Cookie & Spread Cookbook: Irresistible Cupcakes, Cookies, Confections, and More

Yes, Katrina loves Biscoff, but she also has a son who has a peanut allergy.  I can't imagine how scary that is.  Katrina was determined that he not miss out on homemade childhood sweets, and the tradition of candy-making that she formed with her family making Buckeyes each year.

biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
The Biscoff Cookie & Spread Cookbook contains incredible recipes (beautifully photographed, too) that you'll enjoy whether you're baking for someone with a peanut allergy or not.

Would this book not make the cutest Christmas gift with a jar of Biscoff Spread, and a cute little red spatula???
(Note to all of my friends: forget you just read that.) 

Let's get back to this coffee cake.  A friend of kiddo's spent the weekend with us and I just knew I wanted to make this for them.  Verdict: it was a huge hit.  The cake itself is moist and spiced with Biscoff Spread baked right in.  And then the crumb topping....oh my word.  I love a good, GENEROUS crumb topping, don't you?

biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
(You'll need some Biscoff crumbs.  I thought you guys might get a kick out of our Texas Tough ziptop bags...or do they make every state?  I'm trying to picture "Wisconsin Tough.") ;)

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Biscoff Coffee Cake with Biscoff Crumb Topping

{used with permission from The Biscoff Cookie & Spread Cookbook}

for the topping:
2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup crushed Biscoff cookies
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted

for the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup Creamy Biscoff Spread
1 & 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Greek yogurt

for the topping:
biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
Combine the flour with the crushed Biscoff Cookies.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon, and salt.  Stir in the melted butter, then add the flour mixture.  Stir with a fork until large crumbs form.  Place in the refrigerator while preparing the cake.

for the cake:
Preheat oven to 350.  Line a 9x13" pan with foil, leaving at least 1" overhang over the sides.  Spray with nonstick spray (I used Crisco).

Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.  In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, Biscoff Spread, and brown sugar for two minutes until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla until incorporated.

biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
Add the Greek yogurt and dry ingredients alternately in 3 parts until incorporated.  Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.  Sprinkle with the crumb topping.

Bake for 30-35 minutes (mine took 45) until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.  (If the topping is getting too brown while baking, cover loosely with foil.)
biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
I served the cake warm.

biscoff coffee cake with biscoff crumb topping
Cake for breakfast.  It's a good thing.


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Minggu, 16 November 2014

Sweet on Trader Joe's Saturday: Chocolate Almond Horns

Back to the bakery section we go for this week's Sweet on Trader Joe's installment.  I tend to overlook this section of the store...it's on a table tucked in the back of the produce department.

trader joe's chocolate almond horns review
Trader Joe's Chocolate Almond Horns.  I spied the box and there was no question; THIS is what we would be reviewing this week.

Described as "soft almond cookies dipped in dark chocolate," this 9-ounce box of cookies costs $4.49.  There were 5 crescent-shaped cookies in our box.

trader joe's chocolate almond horns review
A mom's (my) take: Oh. My. Gosh.  This lover of almond and chocolate has met her true love.  The almond-laden cookies are chewy...similar to a macaron...and fairly thick. Made with almond flour and sliced almonds, these cookies are an almond-lover's dream. They're generously dipped in dark chocolate, making these almond crescents even more irresistible.  I'm almost sorry that I know these exist.  If you're a fan of almond like I am, you're going to go ga-ga over these.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars

A teenager's (kiddo's) take: These, in my opinion, are a differently shaped, chewy, and much more delicious version of a biscotti. The chewiness of the cookie itself is actually a delight to eat, and a powerful, classic almond flavor is complemented by a rich chocolate coating. I just ate, but I'm sure it's well worth stuffing myself just to have another one of these.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars


trader joe's chocolate almond horns review

Trader Joe's Chocolate Almond Horns: our new favorite!



Read all of our Trader Joe's sweet treats and dessert reviews

PS: LOCALS!  If you'd like to attend the Decorating Cookies Party cookie party & book signing on November 22nd in The Woodlands, TX (just north of Houston), there's still time to purchase a ticket.  Click here for details!


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Kamis, 13 November 2014

Cake Batter Blondie Bars


cake batter blondie bars @bakeat350
CAKE BATTER BLONDIE BARS
I mean, really...should I even type anything else?  The title is all you need and you want to make them, right?  (Or, is that just me?)

cake batter blondie bars | @bakeat350
The recipe comes from the new cookbook by blogger Dorothy Kern (Crazy for Crust):
Dessert Mash-Ups: Tasty Two-in-One Treats Including Sconuts, S'morescake and Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.  

Yes, every recipe in the book is really two desserts in one...Strawberry Pie Cupcakes, Peanut Butter cup Brownie Bites, White Chocolate Coconut Pie Fudge.

Every recipe look so good...and so FUN, but my eyes were drawn first to the Cake Batter Blondie Bars.  Yes, I am a sucker for sprinkles.

cake batter blondie bars | @bakeat350
In the book, Dorothy shows these bars with multi-colored sprinkles (jimmies), but I decided to make them look a little more seasonal.  I used chocolate sprinkles (jimmies) in the batter, and fall-hued sugar pearls for the topping.

How do they taste?  AMAZING!  I sent in an extra bar or two in kiddo's lunchbox this week and when we saw one of his friends last night, he said to me, "Mrs. Edwards!  Thank you for that cookie....it was SO GOOD!  What WAS that?!?!?"  Really, that's what makes me happy...when kiddo and his friends like what I bake.

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Cake Batter Blondie Bars
{used with permission from Dessert Mash-Ups}

bars:
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1/2 cup sprinkles (I used chocolate jimmies)

frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon whole milk
sprinkles, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a 9x13" pan with foil and spray with cooking spray (I used Crisco).

In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour.  Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugars and butter.  Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter extract, and beat until combined.  Stir in the sprinkles.

cake batter blondie bars | @bakeat350
Press the dough into the prepared pan. (The dough will be sticky, spray hand with cooking spray, or wet with water, to keep the dough from sticking to you.)  Bake for 22-24 minutes.  They will be slightly golden, but still have the slightest jiggle in the center.  They'll set as they cool.  Cool completely before frosting.

make the frosting:
Use and electric mixer to beat the butter until smooth.  Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until crumbly.  Add in the vanilla and milk, and mix until smooth.  Frost the bars.  Top the sprinkles and cut into bars.  Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.  Best eaten at room temperature within 5 days.

cake batter blondie bars | @bakeat350
*side note...how CUTE is that plate??!? Novogratz collection at Macy's.

I'm thinking I'll need to make these again with Christmas sprinkles...and then Valentine...and then Easter.  I sense a baking trend at my house.



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Selasa, 11 November 2014

That one time we met Tyler Florence...

A little background...one of the private schools in our area has a big fundraiser every year called the Signatures Author Series.  They invite a well-known author to headline the event and do a book signing.  A handful of local authors are invited to sign their books as well.

tyler florence cookbooks
I attended the event two years ago with Decorating Cookies and went back this year with Decorating Cookies PartyThis year's headliner: TYLER FLORENCE!  Woot!

Tyler has been on Food Network forever (19 years!) and has penned 12 books, including books for children.  Maybe you've seen Sprout organic baby food?  That's Tyler.  I was invited to sit in on a press conference with him.  He's really passionate about kids eating well...as a matter of fact, he said his family only has dessert on special occasions. 
(Aaaaand, that was the moment I decided not to ask him what his favorite cookie is. After that, the only thing I could think of to say was, "I like your glasses." I chickened out.) ;) 

One of his goals is to encourage people to be more intuitive cooks...not to be slaves to recipes.

tyler florence book event
{This pic is from the press conference.  No, he's not checking Twitter; he was looking for a picture of a turkey to show us.}

I was impressed...not just because of his accomplishments, but his demeanor.  Before the event, he signed a chair for a silent auction.  My book table was directly across from it, so of course, I was taking in every detail.  He was personable and friendly with all of the volunteers.  Afterward, he stopped by every local author book table and introduced himself, taking pictures, etc.  His keynote presentation was fun and informative...definitely a hit with the 800 people in attendance!

tyler florence book event
That morning when Mr. E and I were getting out of the car, I spied his San Francisco Giants cap in the back window.  Knowing Tyler is a fan (yes, I stalk him on Instagram), I told Mr. E to bring it. Well, the two bonded and talked baseball for a while.  I watched the World Series, but I'm not exactly well-versed in baseball.  I can tell you where the best food is at Minute Maid Park and how much I miss Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman...that's about it, so I stood there smiling and nodding like an idiot. ;)

tyler florence: inside the test kitchen

Tyler's new book is called Inside the Test Kitchen: 120 New Recipes, Perfected. 
It's a cool book.  Tyler explained that every recipe in the book was inspired by problems and questions people posed to him on Instagram and Twitter These recipes and techniques are tested and tested and re-tested...and I love Tyler's handwritten notes in the margins.  His book is about taking those notions we have of the "right" way to cook things and asking why. 

tyler florence: inside the test kitchen
For example, wouldn't we enjoy risotto more if we weren't standing over the hot stove ladling in scoops of stock and stirring continuously for 45 minutes?  As Tyler put it, "45 minutes for cheesy rice?"  He turned the method on its head and has a much simpler version that takes 20 minutes...with out the ladling and stirring.  Thanksgiving turkey (with stuffing!) in 1.5 hours instead of 4 hours?  I cannot wait to try that!

I haven't had a chance to make any of the recipes at home, but I feel sure they are all winners...we can trust Tyler, can't we?!?

Speaking of book events (why does this always feel so awkward to write about???), this Saturday (Nov. 15th), I'll be signing books at Barnes & Noble in The Woodlands from 1-3pm.  So, Tyler Florence won't be there, but I will be bringing cookies! ;)  I'd love to meet you! 



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Minggu, 09 November 2014

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies....trust me on this one.

I know, I know.  Peanut butter and PUMPKIN???  It's not a combination I would have thought of until recently...and y'all, I give a lot of thought to pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING.
peanut butter pumpkin cookies from @bakeat350
You might have seen Jif Whips Peanut Butters in the store.  (My grocery store doesn't carry them, but Target does.)  They have a Pumpkin Pie Spice flavor and, oh man, it is good!  I've spread it on crackers, apples, and eaten it with a spoon.
(By the way, this post is NOT sponsored by Jif Whips, or, well, anyone except yours truly and my obsession all things pumpkin.)

peanut butter pumpkin cookies from @bakeat350

Grab yourself two containers...one for snacking and one for baking these cookies.

peanut butter pumpkin cookies from @bakeat350
One thing I love about these cookies is that they're simple.  No frosting, no sprinkles, no drizzle...just cookie.  They come together quickly and are the perfect peanut butter cookie for fall.

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Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies


1 (15 oz.) container Jif Whips Pumpkin Pie Spice flavor
1 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten with a fork
1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice

Preheat oven to 350.  Line cookie sheets with parchment.

Stir together the Jif Whips, sugar, egg, and pumpkin until well mixed.  Stir in the flour, baking soda, and spices until just combined.

peanut butter pumpkin cookies from @bakeat350
Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to dollop the batter, 2" apart, onto the prepared sheets.  Dip the bottom of a juice glass into a bit of flour, then press the cookies into thick circles.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until done.  Cool on the sheet for 1 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

peanut butter pumpkin cookies from @bakeat350
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies?  Try them; you just might like them!



decorating cookies party book