Rabu, 03 Desember 2014

Butter! Books! Giveaway!!!

a year of butter and signed cookbooks giveaway!
So, this might be the best giveaway ever!  You could win a YEAR'S worth of butter (or in my case, maybe 2 months)...12 Land O Lakes® Butter coupons...and 4 signed cookbooks from the Land O'Lakes Kitchen Conversation bloggers!

The cookbooks include:


Each book is personally signed by the author.  

Enter to win the 12 Land O Lakes® Butter coupons + the 4 signed cookbooks by leaving a comment on this blog post answering this question:
How many boxes/containers of butter are in your fridge right now?

For an extra entry, share this post with a friend (via email, twitter, facebook, etc.) and leave a separate comment letting me know that you did.

Entries accepted through 11:59pm CST, December 10th. 

pastel christmas tree decorated cookies
Be sure to check out my latest Land O'Lakes recipe: Cinnamon-Sugar Cut-Out Cookies that are perfect for your holiday baking!

Good luck!

*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 giveaway is sponsored by Land O'Lakes.


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Senin, 01 Desember 2014

Cinnamon-Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
December is definitely the time to unleash your inner cookiemaker. In my mind, the holidays just aren't complete without cookies…and cookies just aren't complete without butter. Sooooo, the holidays just aren't complete without butter. (That was a logical conclusion, right? I’m having a flashback to SAT prep at the moment.)

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
If you want to bake some cookies that aren't your typical sugar or gingerbread cookies, try these Cinnamon Sugar Cut-Out Cookies. They’re made with cinnamon sugar (like the kind you’d sprinkle on cinnamon toast) and of course, Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter. The combination of the cinnamon, butter and a little salt makes these cookies something special; they’re perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating.

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
The cookies themselves are so good, you might not have any left for decorating.  If you do, how about making some pastel holiday cookies? (My boys are pretty good about putting up with all of the “girly” things around the house, but this cookie version of a pink tree may be the closest I’ll ever get to one in real life.)

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
To decorate the cookies, you’ll need Cinnamon Sugar Cut-Out Cookies (recipe follows) and Royal Icing, divided and tinted: pastel pink, green, blue, light brown, and white.

Other decorating supplies:
• Disposable piping bags
• Icing coupler and tips: #2, #3
• Squeeze bottles
• Toothpicks
• Pink pearl nonpareils
• Tweezers
• Sanding sugar
• Meringue powder
• Small (clean) paintbrush

To ice the cookies, use a #2 tip to outline the trees in the pastel icings.

Thin the rest of the pastel icing and all of the white with water, a bit at a time, stirring with a silicone spatula, until it is the consistency of a thick syrup. You'll want to drop a "ribbon" of icing back into the bowl and have it disappear in a count of "one thousand one, one thousand two." Four is too thick, one is too thin. A count of 2 or 3 is good. Cover with a damp dishcloth and let sit for several minutes.

Stir gently with a silicone spatula to pop and large air bubbles that have formed. Pour into squeeze bottles.

Fill in the outline, using a toothpick to guide into the edges and to pop large air bubbles. Let the icing dry for at least one hour.

Thin the brown icing as above, to a thicker consistency…until a knife run through the middle of the icing. You’ll want to thin to the point where it comes back together in a count of 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer this icing to a piping bag fitted with a #3 tip, and make a trunk by piping in a zig-zag motion. The icing will flow together.

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
Use a #2 tip to add garland across the cookies. While the icing is still wet, use (clean) tweezers to place the pink nonpareils on it.  

Let the cookies dry uncovered, 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. 

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial
The next day, mix ½ teaspoon each meringue powder and water. Brush this mixture onto the white garland, then sprinkle on the sanding sugar.  Shake off the excess. 

cinnamon-sugar cut-out cookie recipe + pastel christmas tree cookies tutorial

print recipe photo printrecipe.jpg


Cinnamon Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

Yield: 12 to 18 cookies, depending on the cookie cutter size

Ingredients
3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup Land O Lakes® Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into chunks
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cinnamon sugar*
1 egg
*if not using pre-mixed cinnamon sugar, combine on a ratio of 9 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.
In a bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and cinnamon sugar until combined and fluffy.  Mix in the egg.  In three additions, add the flour mixture, mixing on low just until combined.

Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness with a floured rolling pin on a well-floured surface.  (The dough may need to be kneaded together to incorporate any crumbly bits.)  Place the cut-out shapes onto a prepared cookie sheet and freeze for 5 to 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes, or until done.  Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.  Decorate with royal icing.


Twitter party alert!!!  Come talk cookies! 
Land O Lakes Cookie Chatter Twitter Party!
Join Ree, The Pioneer Woman, and Becky from the Land O’Lakes Test Kitchen for a Live Twitter Party Thursday, December 4th from 8-9 pm EST. We’ll be talking about our favorite holiday recipes and tips for making it through the busy holiday season.

To join in on the fun, use the hashtag #CookieChatter.  Participants also have a chance to win a holiday baking prize pack from Land O’Lakes, which included a signed copy of Ree Drummond’s cookbook, “A Year of Holidays” (and a few other signed cookbooks *ahem*) and a year’s supply of Land O Lakes® Butter. Use the hashtag #CookieChatter in your tweets for a chance to win. Go to landolakes.com for the giveaway details.
Land O Lakes butter and signed cookbook giveaway!
Log into Twitter on Thursday, December 4 from 8 to 9 p.m. EST.
•         Follow @LandOLakesKtchn and @ThePioneerWoman
•         Search for the hashtag #CookieChatter.
•         Join in the conversation! Include #CookieChatter in your tweets so other people can see them, too.
•         Keep an eye out for tweets from special guests @TwoPeasandPod, @spicyperspectiv, @thelittlekitchn @farmgirlsdabble, @thenovicechef, @pickypalate, @bridget350 @fifteenspatulas and @dairygoodlife

*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, 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.") ;)

  print recipe photo printrecipe.jpg

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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