Everything Baked

Coffee Bavarian

2007-06-04T07:43:00.000-03:00

So this is not technically baking, but it's a nice, light and fluffy summer dessert, sure to please.

Ingredients

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2/3 cup sugar
8 teaspoons instant coffee
1 envelope Dream Whip, prepared

Instructions

Sprinkle gelatin on top of cold water to soften. Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add sugar and coffee. Stir until dissolved. Pour gelatin into desired bowl or mold. Refrigerate until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg whites. Remove from refrigerator and beat in Dream Whip. Beat well to avoid separating. Chill until firm.

Fluffy Lemon Dessert

2007-06-03T12:01:00.000-03:00

A nice easy no bake summer recipe.

Ingredients

1 package lemon Jell-o
1 cup sugar
1 cup boiling water
Juice and grated peel of 1 orange
Juice and grated peel of 1 lemon
1 large can Perfection milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted margarine. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pan. Mix together Jell-o, sugar, boiling water, and orange and lemon juice and zest. Stir until dissolved. Allow to thicken in refrigerator. Pour very cold Perfection milk into a cold bowl. Beat until stiff. Pour into Jell-o mixture and beat. Pour over base. Refrigerate until set. If desired, garnish with some reserved crumb mixture.

Summer Desserts Month

2007-06-01T16:28:00.000-03:00

This month I'm going to post some summer recipes. Some of these are no bake, some require a little time in the over, all are sure to delight.

Maple Walnut Cupcakes With Maple Meringue Icing

2007-05-25T13:15:00.000-03:00

Maple syrup, for those of you who aren't aware, is the food of the Gods. Recipe courtesy of Cupcaaktastic.

Cupcake Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cupcake Instructions

Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add dry ingredients alternately with syrup and milk. Fold in walnuts. Spoon batter into lined muffin tins, filling about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before icing.

Meringue Icing Ingredients

2 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
Brown sugar for garnish

Meringue Icing Instructions

Beat together egg whites and salt until peaks start to form. Set aside. Boil maple syrup until it forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water, or 234 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and pour slowly into egg whites, beating constantly. Add vanilla and continue beating until soft peaks form. Pipe meringue onto cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Lamingtons

2007-05-21T13:40:00.000-03:00

Ok, so these are not technically a cupcake... you make them in an 8-inch square pan. But the final presentation is more cupcake-like than anything else, so that's why I'm posting the recipe here.

Cake Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk

Cake Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, beat butter until soft. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, in three additions, starting and ending with flour. Spread the batter in a greased 8-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool the cake in pan for 10 minutes before removing. Cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 16 2-inch squares, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Frosting Ingredients

4 cups icing sugar, sifted
1/3 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
2 cups unsweetened dessicated coconut

Frosting Instructions

Place all ingredients in top of a Dutch oven over medium heat and simmer, stirring, until it reaches a smooth consistency. Place the cake squares on a wire rack over a cookie sheet. Pour the chocolate over each square, coating all sides well. Using a spatula slid underneath the squares, transfer each square to a plate containing coconut. Coat each square with coconut. Transfer to a clean wire rack to set.

Pistachio Cupcakes With Vanilla Frosting

2007-05-19T10:23:00.000-03:00

This delectable little gem is courtesy of 52 Cupcakes. Delicious.

Cupcake Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1 3.5-ounce package pistachio pudding mix
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pistachios

Cupcake Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, pudding mix, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add mini chocolate chips and stir to combine. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and pistachios. Pour the liquid into the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Fill paper lined muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for about 18-22 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, remove and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
6-8 cups icing sugar

Frosting Instructions

Beat together butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add icing sugar and beat until a smooth spreadable consistency is reached. Spread over cooled cupcakes.

Walnut Banana Cupcakes

2007-05-16T09:52:00.000-03:00

I love anything made with bananas. Including these cupcakes.

Cupcake Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sour cream

Cupcake Instructions

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana and vanilla. Mix well. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Fill paper lined muffin cups about half full. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups icing sugar
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Frosting Instructions

Combine cream cheese and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add icing sugar gradually until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Spread over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with chopped walnuts.

Black Bottom Cupcakes

2007-05-14T08:54:00.000-03:00

I have no idea where this recipe originated. It was scrawled on a piece of paper and tucked in a pocket in one of my mom's huge recipe books. I don't think she ever made them, but I have. And they're good.

Ingredients

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. Stir in chocolate chips and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1 cup sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Stir together until well blended. Fill lined muffin tins about 1/3 full with batter and top with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

B-52 Cupcakes

2007-05-13T20:22:00.000-03:00

I found this little gem of a recipe courtesy of 52 Cupcakes... delicious. Almost makes me forget I'm pregnant!

Cupcake Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup strong coffee, cooled
1/4 cup Kahlúa

Cupcake Instructions

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder in large bowl and form a well in the center. Add mayonnaise, 1/2 cup water, coffee and 2 teaspoons Kahlúa and mix with wooden spoon until smooth. Pour batter into line muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Allow to stand 5 minutes in muffin tin before removing. Remove from muffin tins, brush with Kahlúa, and allow to cool completely.

Frosting Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
1/4 cup icing sugar
1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

Frosting Instructions

Combine heavy cream, Bailey’s and sugar in medium bowl and beat with mixer until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water in small saucepan and place over low heat and let cool slightly. Drizzle gelatin into cream mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Fit pastry bag with round tip and fill with whipped cream. Pipe swirls of cream onto each cupcake and garnish with candied orange zest or pieces of grated fruit zest.

Garnish Ingredients

1 medium orange
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier

Garnish Instructions

To make the zest, peel orange very thinly with vegetable peeler, making sure to get only zest and no bitter pith. Slice into thin strips. Place zest in small saucepan and cover with cold water. Place over medium-high heat and boil until zest is slightly translucent, about 15 minutes. Add sugar, Grand Marnier and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until zest becomes completely translucent, about 1 hour. Remove zest from syrup, separate strands and place on wax paper to cool.

Coconut Pecan Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

2007-05-11T20:06:00.000-03:00

From Taste of Home's April/May 2007 edition. I had to try these the second I saw the recipe.

Cupcake Ingredients

5 eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Cupcake Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together shortening, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat until just combined. Set aside. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Stir in coconut and pecans. Pour batter into paper lined cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes in pan before removing.

Frosting Ingredients

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Frosting Instructions

Beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extract. Add icing sugar until the frosting reached a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stir in chopped pecans, if desired, or frost cupcakes first and top with chopped pecans.

Lemon and White Chocolate Cupcakes

2007-05-09T19:19:00.000-03:00

Although I'm not usually a great fan of white chocolate, I make an exception when it comes to these little goodies.

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/2 cup buttermilk

Cupcake Instructions

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon juice, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix in half of flour mixture, then buttermilk. Mix in remaining flour mixture. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners. Fill each paper liner with a scant 1/4 cup of batter to about 1/2" below top of liner. Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes. Cool cupcakes for 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack. Invert cupcakes onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

6 ounces white chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups icing sugar

Frosting Instructions

Melt the white chocolate in a saucepan. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add lemon zest and vanilla. Mix well. Add melted white chocolate and stir to blend. Add icing sugar until a good spreadable consistency is reached. Remove cupcakes from liners, invert, and frost upside down. Garnish with shaved white chocolate and sifted icing sugar.

Boston Creme Cupcakes

2007-05-07T16:50:00.000-03:00

Like the cake, only better. Courtesy of foodnetwork.com.

Cupcake Ingredients

1/3 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
3/4 cups sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Cupcake Instructions

Place shortening in mixing bowl. Sift in dry ingredients. Add egg and 1/2 cup milk and mix until flour is moistened. Beat for about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup milk and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes longer. Fill paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool before proceeding with filling.

Filling Ingredients

1 1/4 cups cold milk
1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 tablespoon vanilla

Filling Instructions

Combine milk, instant pudding mix, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat mixture until it thickens. Place mixture in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Spoon filling into a pastry bag fitted with a medium-size plain tip. Fill cupcakes with vanilla pudding filling by inserting tip into top of cupcake and squeezing a couple of tablespoons of filling into each cupcake.

Topping Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1/4 cup icing sugar, sifted

Topping Instructions

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until bubbles appear around edges. Remove from heat, add chocolate morsels to pan, and whisk until smooth. Cool slightly before spooning over tops of cupcakes. Refrigerate until set before serving. Dust with icing sugar.

Mini Chili Chocolate Cupcakes with Chili Chocolate Ganache Frosting

2007-05-05T20:36:00.000-03:00

Courtesy of Cupcake Bakeshop, this is a new spin on a classic chocolate cupcake.

Cupcake Ingredients

4 ounces unsweetend chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/4 cup water
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cake flower
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cupcake Instructions

Boil 1 1/4 cups water. Combine chopped chocolate and cocoa powder in a medium sized bowl. Add boiling water, whisk until smooth. Set aside. Sift together flours, baking soda, chili powder, cayenne, and salt. Set aside. Beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beat well between each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla and beat until combined. Add about a third of the flour mixture, beat briefly until combined. Add about half of the chocolate mixture, beat briefly until combined. Repeat, adding flour, chocolate, then flour, do not overbeat. Transfer batter into large pastry bag with a plain tip, pipe into mini-cupcake pans with mini-cupcake liners, about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Frosting Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Frosting Instructions

Heat cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted and cream bubbles around saucepan edge. Place peppers and chopped chocolate in a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and butter over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for about 30 seconds then start whisking it until smooth. Set aside mixture and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, it should reach piping consistency within an hour or two. Place frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe onto cupcakes.

Espresso Cupcakes With Espresso Frosting

2007-05-03T18:52:00.000-03:00

Heavenly. Delicious. Sinful. Coffee and chocolate, together... what more could a girl ask for? Courtesy of 52 Cupcakes.

Cupcake Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup self-rising cake flour
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 tablespoon espresso powder
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
1-2 tablespoons milk

Cupcake Instructions

Beat together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour, cocoa, and coffee powder, mixing well until batter is smooth. Add the melted chocolate. Add milk to reach desired consistency. Pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees about 20-25 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool in tin for 10 minutes, then remove to rack and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

Frosting Instructions

Place butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Add espresso powder. Mix thoroughly. Spread over tops of cooled cupcakes.

Fairy Cakes With Lavender Frosting

2007-05-02T16:55:00.000-03:00

I am not a huge fan of fussy work in the kitchen. At all. But I love to bake things that look complicated and impressive, but really aren't! This is an easy old recipe for a plain white cupcake and a recipe from marthastewart.com for lavender icing. Please, allow your friends to be impressed.

Fairy Cakes Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup caster (superfine) sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk

Fairy Cakes Instructions

Blend together butter and sugar. Add eggs, beating well after each addition. Add flour and mix well. Stir in vanilla. Stir in milk, slowly, until desired consistency is reached. Pour batter into 12 lined cupcake tins. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from cupcake tin as soon as possible. Allow to cool completely before icing.

Lavender Frosting Ingredients

1/3 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
3 cups icing sugar
Violet gel paste food color

Lavender Frosting Instructions

Bring milk and lavender just to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat an allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and discard lavender. Beat in icing sugar. Add food coloring until desired color is reached. Spread immediately over cupcakes.

Cupcake Month

2007-05-01T16:26:00.000-03:00

Cupcakes are my favorite of all the baked goods. In my opinion, cupcakes are the perfect baked good. So, with that in mind, here comes cupcake month!

Pumpkin Spice Bread

2007-04-30T16:17:00.000-03:00

This recipe is so tasty that you had better only make it when no one else is home.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoons ground allspice
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
2 cups canned pumpkin
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup apple butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cranberries

Instructions

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, maple syrup, apple butter, canola oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. The batter will be stiff. Add cranberries. Pour batter into a greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Lemon Loaf

2007-04-27T17:21:00.000-03:00

This is a nice lightly flavored loaf.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, and 1 egg. Beat in second egg. Blend in milk. In a second bowl, thoroughly stir flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon rind. Pour into creamed margarine mixture and stir to moisten. Spoon into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool in loaf pan for 10 minutes before removing. Heat lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour over loaf.

Zucchini Loaf

2007-04-21T17:16:00.000-03:00

Another old favorite, this is a nice, moist loaf.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups grated zucchini
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Cream together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Set aside. Mix together flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add gradually to creamed mixture, blending well. Set aside about 1/2 cup of flour mixture. Add zucchini, raisins, and walnuts to batter and pour reserved flour over top. Mix lightly. Pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 300 degrees for about 90 minutes.

Cinnamon Loaf

2007-04-17T16:45:00.000-03:00

Another family favorite.

Ingredients

1/4 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Cream together margarine and sugar. Add eggs and beat until well mixed. In another bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add to margarine mixture alternately with milk. Pour about a third of the batter into a greased loaf pan. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on the loaf batter. Pour remaining batter into pan and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.

Pumpkin Raisin Loaf

2007-04-12T11:40:00.000-03:00

This is definitely one of my favorites.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup raisins

Instructions

Place flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs, pumpkin, and oil. Stir until mixed. Add raisins and stir. Bake in a greased loaf pan for 75 minutes.

Nutmeg Bread

2007-04-08T21:36:00.000-03:00

This is an old standby.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar
1 cup raisins
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg

Instructions

Cream together margarine and sugar. Add egg. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk. Stir in raisins. Pour into greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes.

Banana Loaf

2007-04-05T13:15:00.000-03:00

This recipe works well with old or bruised fruit. Banana loaf freezes very well.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup ripe mashed bananas
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Sift together dry ingredients. In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add beaten eggs. Blend in bananas and lemon juice. Add the dry ingredients slowly to the banana mixture, combining thoroughly. Bake in a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan for about 75 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing.

Loaf Month

2007-04-02T11:26:00.000-03:00

This doesn't sound as tasty as, say cake month or cookie month, but I make a lot of loaves. They are easy to make, freeze really well, and are good to have on hand for unexpected company.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

2007-03-30T23:12:00.000-03:00

This is one of those rare treats that I don't often make because when I do, we always seem to eat it in one sitting. Recipe courtesy of The Canadian Baker.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 1/2 cups hot water

Instructions

Combine the flour, sugar, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Add the milk, melted butter and vanilla and stir well. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round pan. Mix together the brown sugar, walnuts and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa. Sprinkle over the batter. Carefully pour hot water over top. Do not stir. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Glazed Lemon Cake

2007-03-28T20:54:00.000-03:00

This is a nice light cake. It goes very well with tea in the afternoon. Also, you can serve the cake with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

Cake Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 cup flour
2 teaspoon baking powder

Cake Instructions

Beat butter and sugar until creamy and blended. Add egg yolks, one at a time , beating well after each addition. Beat in 1/4 cup lemon juice and lemon peel. In medium bowl whisk together flour and baking powder. Fold into butter mixture. In clean medium bowl, beat egg whites until firm but before peaks form. Stir one-fourth of egg whites into butter miture to lighten batter, then gently fold in remaining egg whites. Spread batter in a greased fluted 4 1/2 or 5 cup pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 5 minutes before removing from pan. Glaze while still warm.

Glaze Ingredients

1/2 cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Glaze Instructions

Whisk together icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Pour over warm cake before serving.

Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

2007-03-26T16:46:00.000-03:00

This is definitely a classic.

Cake Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
3 cups finely grated carrot
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Cake Instructions

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and oil and thoroughly mix. Add eggs one at time mixing well after each. Add grated carrots and mix until batter becomes smooth. Fold in raisins and nuts. Bake in a greased 9 by 13-inch pan at 350 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before icing cake.

Frosting Ingredients

8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla
5 cups icing sugar

Frosting Instructions

Cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and beat well. Beat in icing sugar until desired consistency is reached. Spread over cooled carrot cake.

Devil's Food Cake With Chocolate Frosting

2007-03-24T09:03:00.000-03:00

This is another recipe from marthastewart.com. I had an old family recipe, but I have to say, Martha did it better.

Cake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup whole milk

Cake Instructions

Sift cocoa powder into a medium bowl; whisk in boiling water. Set aside to cool. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl; set aside. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in sugar until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition; mix until well blended. Mix in vanilla. Whisk milk into reserved cocoa mixture. Add flour mixture to butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the cocoa mixture. Butter and dust 3 8-inch round pans with cocoa. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees 35 to 45 minutes. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes before removing. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level. Place the first layer on the cake plate. Spread the top of the first layer frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat process with more frosting. Place the remaining layer on top of the second layer, bottom side up. Spread entire cake with remaining frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

24 ounces semisweet chocolate
4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon light corn syrup

Frosting Instructions

Put chocolate and cream into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat; stirring constantly until thick, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in corn syrup. Transfer to a large, wide metal bowl. Refrigerate until frosting is cool enough to spread, about 2 hours, checking and stirring every 15 minutes. Use immediately.

Apple Cake

2007-03-20T20:54:00.000-03:00

Very tasty and very easy.

Ingredients

5 apples
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with cinnamon and set aside. Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the middle and pour in vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Pour half of batter into a greased and floured tube pan. Layer with apple slices. Pour remaining batter over apple slices. Bake at 375 degrees for 60-75 minutes.

Coffee Cake

2007-03-18T08:47:00.000-03:00

This is a nice easy and very popular recipe from my seventh grade Home Ec. class.

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Cream together sugar and shortening. Beat in egg. Add dry ingredients to batter alternately with milk. Mix in vanilla. Pour batter into a greased tube pan. Top with mixture of melted shortening, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan.

Hot Milk Cake

2007-03-15T08:21:00.000-03:00

For many years, this recipe was my arch nemesis. I would stand next to my grandmother in her kitchen, and mimic her movements exactly. The result? Her cake would be delicious and mine would weigh a ton and have a rubbery layer on the bottom. The trick, I think, is to heat the milk just to boiling and beat the pants off the batter. Very good with chocolate frosting. Good luck...

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon butter

Instructions

Sift together pastry flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat well. Slowly add sifted ingredients. Heat milk and butter in a saucepan just to boiling. Add to batter and combine well. Bake in a greased 8-inch pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lunar Cake

2007-03-12T17:28:00.000-03:00

A delicious cake made with rhubarb. If you are using frozen rhubarb, allow to drain in a colander before using.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups chopped rhubarb
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Cream together 1/2 cup margarine, sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda, reserving 2 tablespoons flour to sprinkle over rhubarb. Add to margarine mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Sprinkle reserved flour over rhubarb. Add rhubarb to batter. Spoon batter into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Mix together remaining margarine, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread over top of cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Hawaiian Wedding Cake

2007-03-10T13:23:00.000-04:00

This is a recipe from my mother-in-law. It has been a favorite in her family for many years. It is a very dense cake, and keeps extremely well in the fridge. This cake can be frosted, or served with ice cream or whipped cream.

Cake Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 19-ounce can crushed pineapple
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Cake Instructions

Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl, in the order given. Pour the mixture into a greased, floured tube pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 cup margarine
2 cups icing sugar

Frosting Instructions

Beat together cream cheese and margarine. Blend in icing sugar, slowly, until desired consistency is reached. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Brown Sugar Angel Food Cake With Hot Fudge Sauce

2007-03-07T13:48:00.000-04:00

This is a marthastewart.com recipe. It can be a little fussy, but is well worth the effort. The cake can be served with ice cream, and with or without the fudge sauce.

Cake Ingredients

14 egg whites
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)

Cake Instructions

Beat egg whites and sugar until foamy. Add cream of tartar. Beat at high speed until the egg white mixture is stiff and glossy. Fold in flour in three additions. Spoon batter into an ungreased10-inch angel food pan with a removable bottom. Run a knife through the batter to remove air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Invert cake pan onto a cooling rack and allow to stand 1 hour before removing. To remove, gently run a knife around the edges of the pan.

Hot Fudge Sauce Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup light corn syrup

Hot Fudge Sauce Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and corn syrup just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until melted. Serve immediately. Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Cake Month

2007-03-03T17:26:00.000-04:00

That's right, March is cake month.

Chocolate Coconut Bars

2007-02-28T19:18:00.000-04:00

Another recipe courtesy of marthastewart.com.

Ingredients

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pecan pieces
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter until combined. Evenly press onto bottom and up sides of a 10 by 15-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until firm at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool about 20 minutes. Sprinkle cooled crust evenly with pecans and chocolate. Pour condensed milk over the top, spreading to cover completely. Do not let drip over edges. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake until coconut is toasted, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tweed Squares

2007-02-26T17:05:00.000-04:00

These are my all time favorite square. They are fussy, and my mom used to make them for me every year for my birthday.

Square Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons sugar
1 square semi-sweet chocolate

Square Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together margarine and sugar. Add flour, and baking powder. Mix well. Add vanilla. In another bowl, beat together egg whites and 2 tablespoons sugar until they form stiff peaks. Reserve egg yolks for frosting. Grate chocolate and fold into egg whites. Add to batter and fold in, combining well. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

2 egg yolks
4 tablespoons margarine
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1 square semi-sweet chocolate

Frosting Instructions

Combine egg yolks and margarine. Beat until smooth. Add icing sugar and beat in until icing is desired consistency. Spread over squares. Melt chocolate and drizzle over frosting.

Chocolate Chip Squares

2007-02-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

These are tasty. You can frost them if you like, but we always had them with ice cream on the side.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Beat together margarine, brown sugar, and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, combining thoroughly. Add flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing well. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Pour into a greased 9-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25030 minutes.

Molasses Bars

2007-02-17T09:16:00.000-04:00

Another tried and true, never fail family favorite.

Square Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup hot coffee
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Square Instructions

Cream together margarine and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Add molasses, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Add half of hot coffee. Mix well. Mix together flour and baking soda. Add half to molasses mixture. Add remaining coffee and then remaining flour mixture, beating well to combine after each mixture. Pour into a greased 9-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

1 1/2 cups icing sugar
3 tablespoons margarine
5 teaspoons orange juice

Frosting Instructions

Beat together margarine and orange juice. Add icing sugar and beat until smooth and of a spreadable consistency. Spread evenly over cooled squares.

Butterscotch Squares

2007-02-15T18:05:00.000-04:00

These are a tried and true family favorite.

Square Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Square Instructions

Melt together margarine and brown sugar in a saucepan. Remove from heat. Add eggs. Blend in vanilla. Slowly add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups icing sugar

Frosting Instructions

Heat margarine, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar in a saucepan until brown sugar dissolves. Beat in icing sugar until mixture reaches a good spreading consistency. Spread over cooled squares.

Orange Delights

2007-02-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

These are deceptively simple. The recipe makes a 9 by 13-inch pan of squares. They freeze really well.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar
4 heaping tablespoons Bird's Custard Powder
Juice and rind of one orange
1 1/2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons margarine
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
3 cups dessicated coconut
1 cup margarine

Instructions

Make filling first: Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, custard powder, orange juice and rind, and hot water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil until thick. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons margarine. For the base, blend together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and dessicated coconut. Cut in margarine until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Set aside 1 1/2 cups base mixture. Press remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Pour filling over base. Top with reserved base mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Mississippi Mud Bars

2007-02-08T19:26:00.000-04:00

This recipe is from an old book I found kicking around at my grandmother's house a few years ago called "Cookies By The Dozen." She never made them in my time, but the page looked well worn and had some notes scribbled the margins, so I presume these were a favorite at one time.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecan pieces

Instructions

Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, and salt; fold into batter. Line an 8-inch pan with foil and spay with no-stick spray. Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Meanwhile, combine peanut butter and oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat, stirring, just until softened. Pour peanut butter mixture over hot cake. Sprinkle peanut butter covered cake with marshmallows and return to oven to bake for 3 more minutes or until marshmallows puff. Sprinkle puffed marshmallows with toasted pecans.

Frosting Ingredients

2 cups icing sugar
Pinch salt
1/4 cup margarine
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting Instructions

Place icing sugar in a medium sized bowl. Add salt and stir. In a small saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Stir in cocoa and 1/4 cup of the milk and heat just until mixture begins to boil. Pour hot mixture into sugar. Beat on high speed of electric mixer until smooth and glossy. If frosting is not pourable, add remaining milk. Beat in vanilla. Pour over puffed up marshmallows. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Easy Brownies

2007-02-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

This is the easiest recipe for brownies in history of brownies. It is a very basic recipe that can easily be modified... you can add nuts if you like, or as we like to do, add chocolate truffles placed in the unbaked batter at even intervals for a nice chocolatey treat. You can frost them or serve them warm with ice cream.

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Beat together brown sugar and eggs. Beat in vegetable oil an vanilla. Mix in cocoa, flour, and baking powder. Pour into a greased 8-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Marshmallow Cakes

2007-02-03T19:46:00.000-04:00

These are one of my very favorite desserts. Ever. My grandmother used to make them quite often when I was small, especially on my birthday.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
Food coloring
Fine coconut

Instructions

Mix together margarine, brown sugar, flour, and baking powder. Press into the bottom
of a 9-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Dissolve gelatin in cold water. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, boil together sugar and boiling water. Boil until it spins a thread, about 5 minutes. Add gelatin, vanilla, and vinegar. Beat together. Add a few drops of food coloring. When thick, spread over cooled base. Let set, cut, and roll squares in coconut.

Square Month

2007-02-02T11:52:00.000-04:00

February is square month at Everything Baked. I'll share some tried and true recipes, as well as some new creations that I'll be trying.

Spicy Oatmeal Cookies

2007-01-31T21:21:00.000-04:00

These are one of my favorite cookies. They are quick and easy to make, and the recipe yields about 5 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/3 cup molasses

1 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup raisins

2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

Cream together margarine and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add molasses and mix well. Add dry ingredients and combine thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

2007-01-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

Another spin on a traditional oatmeal cookie. I use Skor bits... delicious! The recipe calls for you to roll the dough into logs and cut, but these also work well as a drop cookie.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup margarine
3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup toffee pieces

Instructions

Sift together flour and baking soda. Set aside. Cream together margarine, sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Slowly blend in sifted flour mixture. Add rolled oats, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and toffee pieces, stirring well after each addition. Roll dough into logs. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into 3/4 inch slices. Place discs on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Fat Archies

2007-01-25T15:29:00.000-04:00

These are a nice moist cookie with a cakey consistency. Very tasty.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups flour

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cinnamon, salt, eggs, molasses, and ginger. Mix well. Add shortening and beat together. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, and add to molasses mixture. Mix in flour until well combined. Place dough in fridge until firm. Roll out dough fairly thick, cut, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Yum Yums

2007-01-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

True to their name, these cookies are yummy! They spread out quite a bit while baking, so leave plenty of room between cookies on the cookie sheets.

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 cups raisins
1 cup margarine
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

Place water and raisins in a saucepan. Boil until all water is gone. Watch carefully as the water will evaporate quickly and the raisins can stick to the bottom of the pan. Let cool completely. Cream together margarine, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Add raisins last. Mix well. Drop by heaping teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten with a fork dipped in water. Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.

Pumpkin Cookies

2007-01-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

These are a very simple and very tasty drop cookie with a cakey consistency.

Ingredients

1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 1/2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raisins

Instructions

Beat together shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla, lemon juice, and pumpkin, stirring until well combined. Add flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well. Add raisins and stir until mixed. Drop by teaspoonful on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Cowboy Cookies

2007-01-16T14:59:00.000-04:00

These are another childhood favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Cream together shortening, brown sugar, sugar, and eggs. Add all dry ingredients and blend well. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Apple Currant Cookies

2007-01-12T19:00:00.000-04:00

These cookies take some time to make. There is a long list of ingredients, but they are delicious. These cookies turn out best when baked on a silicon baking sheet or parchment paper.

Ingredients

1 cup apple cider
1 cup currants
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup apple butter
1 egg, room temperature
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3-4 tart cooking apple.
Sugar for dusting

Instructions

Heat cider in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Place currants in a bowl and pour the cider over them. Allow to sit at least 10 minutes. Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add apple butter and beat until well blended. Add egg and mix well. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Using a large grater, grate one apple into batter. Stir well. Place batter by heaping teaspoonful on lined cookie sheets. Core and very thinly slice remaining apples. Place one apple slice on top of each cookie and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Snickerdoodles

2007-01-08T20:51:00.000-04:00

These just might be my favorite cookie of all time.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Blend in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Shape by rounded teaspoonful into balls. Mix together remaining sugar and cinnamon. Drop balls of dough into cinnamon mixture and roll until coated. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Lunch Box Cookies

2007-01-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe on a piece of paper in a bag full of recipes in my grandmother's house. It had to be revived... these cookies are delicious.

Ingredients

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup coconut
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Cream together brown sugar and shortening. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and coconut. Mix well. Roll by teaspoonful into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press down with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-01-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

This is definitely a favorite. When my brother and I were small, we lived in the country and our mom was a stay at home mom. There were many days we would come home from school to the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. They are best served warm with an icy cold glass of milk. This recipe lends itself well to doubling.

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Cream together margarine, brown sugar, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix in salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Add chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonful on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

2007-01-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

This recipe is a great way to get rid of overripe bananas. Very tasty and very easy.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Cream together the shortening and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, banana, oatmeal and nuts. Mix well. Add dry ingredients, mix well and drop by the teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until edges turn lightly brown. Cool on wire rack.

Cookie Month

2007-01-01T10:27:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year! January is Cookie Month here at Everything Baked. I'll post some of my favorite tried and true cookie recipes that are sure to please even the fussiest cookie connoisseurs.

Breakfast Pull-Aparts

2006-12-24T10:19:00.000-04:00

This is a Christmas morning favorite in my family. Very easy, as it uses prepared bread dough. This recipe needs to be started the night before.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
20 frozen bread dough buns
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup glazed cherries, halved
1/3 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a small pot. Stir cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Dip frozen dough buns in melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. Place 10 in a greased bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the almonds and cherries. Repeat with remaining buns. Mix corn syrup and remaining butter. Drizzle over buns. Cover with a damp tea towel and let sit over night. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Mint Chocolate Brownies

2006-12-23T10:14:00.000-04:00

York peppermint patties are the secret ingredient here. From cooks.com.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, melted
3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
5 eggs
2 cups flour
1 cup Hershey cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
24 small York peppermint patties

Instructions

In large bowl, stir together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, stir until blended well. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Blend well. Reserve 2 cups of batter; set aside. Spread remaining batter in prepared pan. Arrange peppermint patties in single layer over batter, about 1/2 inch apart. Spread reserved 2 cups of batter over patties. Bake in a greased 9 by 13-inch pan at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes.

Chocolate Date Squares

2006-12-22T19:51:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe in a Company's Coming Christmas collection. They are very easy to make, despite the somewhat lengthy list of ingredients, and are always popular.

Square Ingredients

1 egg
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped dates

Square Instructions

Beat egg in large bowl. Add margarine, sugar, brown sugar, salt, flour, and baking soda, combining well after each addition. Add milk and orange juice, combining well. Add walnuts, chocolate chips, and dates. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons margarine, softened
1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 teaspoon dry orange rind

Frosting Instructions

Beat together margarine and orange juice. Add icing sugar until desired consistency is reached. Stir in orange rind. Spread over cooled squares.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

2006-12-21T21:31:00.000-04:00

A very tasty and chewy spice cookie. This is a family favorite. These keep very well in an airtight container.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups shortening
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool. Add sugar, eggs, and molasses. Beat well. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to molasses mixture. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight. Form chilled dough into balls. Roll in sugar. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Chocolate Caramel Brownies

2006-12-20T16:41:00.000-04:00

This is a somewhat fussy recipe and a little time consuming, but I guarantee it will be time and effort well spent. This recipe is courtesy of allrecipes.com. It uses a chocolate cake mix, which saves a little time. These brownies are fantastic on their own, or with a little vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Ingredients

14 ounces caramels
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 (18.25 ounce) package German chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Peel caramels and place in the top of a double boiler. Stir in 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Heat and stir until all caramels are melted. In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Place 1/2 of the batter in a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Place the remaining batter into the fridge. Remove brownies from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Drizzle caramel sauce over chocolate chips. Remove brownie mix from refrigerator. Using a teaspoon, make small balls with the batter and press flat. Very carefully, place on top of the caramel sauce until the top is completely covered. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

2006-12-19T22:35:00.000-04:00

Delicious and very easy to make... and eat! From allrecipes.com.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside. Cream together butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan. 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.

Chocolate Mint Mousse

2006-12-18T17:58:00.000-04:00

This is a recipe I took from epicurious.com. I made it last year for a potluck, and it disappeared in about 10 minutes. My advice: if you are taking this to a potluck, take two. I made it in one large bowl instead of stemmed glasses.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups heavy cream
Pinch of salt
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Heat 1/3 cup cream in a saucepan over low heat until hot. Whisk in chocolate with a pinch of salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Beat remaining cup cream with peppermint extract in another bowl until it just holds soft peaks. Add cooled chocolate mixture and beat until mousse just holds stiff peaks. Fold in 1/4 cup candy and spoon into 4 stemmed glasses,or a nice serving dish, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup candy. Chill until cold, about 1 hour.

Chocolate Ball Crisps

2006-12-17T12:26:00.000-04:00

Another wonderful, delicious, and very simple Christmas recipe!

Ingredients

1/4 cup margarine
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup icing sugar
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 block Perowax

Instructions

Combine margarine, peanut butter, icing sugar, and Rice Krispies. Roll into balls. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt chocolate chips and Perowax. Place balls in slightly cooled chocolate. Remove with slotted spoon and place on waxed paper to cool. Keep covered and refrigerated.

Cholate Mint Wafers

2006-12-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to lie, these cookies are a lot of work, and very time consuming. But my oh my, are they ever worth the effort! This is a great recipe, from marthastewart.com.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 cup cocoa
1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons flour
Icing sugar, for dusting
1/4 cup heavy cream
12 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

Cream together butter and sugar until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Add egg, and continue mixing until well combined. In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and flour. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, and continue mixing, until just combined. Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a small disc; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. *The dough can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Place the chilled dough on a work surface lightly dusted with icing sugar. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, cut out the cookies, and place on cookie sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool. Meanwhile, make the ganache. In a small saucepan, bring cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Finely chop 6 ounces of chocolate, and add to hot cream. Stir with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add peppermint extract. Let cool slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer ganache to a pastry bag. Pipe out quarter–size amounts of chocolate, about 1 teaspoon each, onto the center of half the cooled wafers. Top with the remaining wafers. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 10 minutes. Melt remaining chocolate in the top of a double boiler over medium heat. Let cool slightly. Dip one side of the cookie sandwich to coat. Remove excess chocolate by scraping the cookie against the side of the bowl. Return to the refrigerator until chocolate is set, about 10 minutes.

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies

2006-12-15T13:36:00.000-04:00

These are a very tasty drop cookie. These cookies come out much better when baked on parchment paper or on a silicon baking sheet.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 pound tart dried cherries
Coarsely chopped toasted almonds

Instructions

Beat together butter, brown sugar and salt together until mixture is creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg is added. Stir in milk. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, combining well. Stir in oats and cherries. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours. Drop chilled dough by tablespoonful about 3 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes, or just until cookies puff and are light golden brown.

Ginger Cupcakes With Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting

2006-12-14T23:07:00.000-04:00

All I can say about these cupcakes is yum. I made them once, for a Christmas party, and they disappeared rather quickly! This recipe was discovered on 101 Cookbooks.

Cupcake Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped candied ginger
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk

Cupcake Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together flour, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt. Stir in candied ginger. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Scoop mixture into lined muffin tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 23-28 minutes. Allow to cool in muffin tin for 10 minutes before removing. Allow to cool completely before icing.

Frosting Ingredients

This recipe doubles nicely, if you like lots of frosting!

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cup icing sugar, sifted
1/4 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt

Frosting Instructions

Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add icing sugar slowly until desired consistency is reached. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Spread evenly over cupcakes.

Applesauce Spice Cake With Brown Sugar Icing

2006-12-13T16:38:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe while pouring over my grandmother's old cookbooks for the 1940's. The icing has a very think and fudgy consistency, so spread it over the cake while it is still warm.

Cake Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup buttermilk

Cake Instructions

Beat together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir into butter mixture alternately with applesauce and buttermilk. Make 3 additions dry ingredients and 2 of the wet ingredients. Pour dough into greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees about 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack.

Icing Ingredients

1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Icing Instructions

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil jut until blended, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir milk and vanilla into butter mixture. Beat in icing sugar until smooth and spreadable. Allow to cool for 1 minute. Spread icing over top of cake. Allow icing to drizzle over edge.

Butter Pecan Coils

2006-12-12T20:27:00.000-04:00

These are deceptively simple and very tasty. A holiday favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 egg white, beaten

Instructions

Beat together butter, icing sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in flower in two additions to make a soft dough. Stir in 1/2 cup of the pecans. Divide dough into quarters. Shape each quarter into 8-inch log. Spread remaining pecans on waxed paper. Brush each log with egg white.
Roll logs in pecans. Wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. With a sharp knife, cut logs into generous 1/4-inch slices. Arrange on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees until firm and just beginning to turn golden, about 16 minutes. Transfer to racks and allow to cool.

Lime Squares

2006-12-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

The lime in this recipe gives a nice twist to classic lemon squares. You can substitute the lime juice and rind for lemon, if you prefer.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons grated lemon rind
1/2 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon icing sugar

Instructions

In a bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Stir in flour. Press into the bottom of a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Prick with a fork. Bake at 325 degrees until golden, about
25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat eggs, with sugar until thickened. Add lime rind and juice, flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat until smooth. Pour over base. Bake until edges are brown, about 30 minutes. Dust with icing sugar.

Chocolate Candy Brownies

2006-12-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

You can use just about any type of chocolate-covered candy bar for this recipe. Rollos are an excellent choice as well.

Brownie Ingredients

2/3 cup butter
7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt

Brownie Instructions

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and chocolate. Set aside and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk in sugar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs one at a time. Stir in flour and salt. Scrape into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before topping.

Topping Ingredients

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup whipping cream
1 cup chocolate covered candy bars, chopped

Topping Instructions

Place chocolate in a bowl. In a saucepan, heat cream to boiling. Pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Let cool 3 minutes. Spread over brownies. Sprinkle with candy bar pieces. Cut into bars.

Fudge Meltaways

2006-12-09T09:59:00.000-04:00

A very simple holiday square.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup margarine, melted
2 tablespoons water
2 ups icing sugar
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Mix together cracker crumbs, coconut, cocoa, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in melted margarine and water. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch pan. Place in refrigerator. Mix together margarine, milk, and vanilla. Beat in icing sugar. Blend until smooth, adding additional milk if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Spread over graham cracker base. Refrigerate 1 hour and cut into squares.

The Holiday Cookie Mix Collection... Cherry Coconut Bars

2006-12-08T17:12:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite holiday recipes.

Ingredients

4 cups Holiday Cookie Mix
1/2 cups margarine
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

Mix Holiday Cookie Mix and margarine. Press into an ungreased 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Mix together remaining ingredients, except nuts. Spread over baked layer. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake about 25 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely before cutting.

The Holiday Cookie Mix Collection... Chocolate Bourbon Cookies

2006-12-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

A tasty frosted cookie.

Cookie Ingredients

4 cups Holiday Cookie Mix
1 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 eggs
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
Icing sugar

Cookie Instructions

Mix together Holiday cookie Mix, nuts, margarine, vanilla, almond extract, eggs, and melted chocolate. Shape dough into balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Roll in icing sugar, if desired, or frost.

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting Instructions

Combine all ingredients. Mix well and until of a spreadable consistency. Spread on cooled cookies.

The Holiday Cookie Mix Collection

2006-12-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

Again from the Betty Crocker Christmas collection, the basic holiday cookie mix is a multi-purpose mix that can be used in a number of different recipes.

Ingredients

8 cups flour
4 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups shortening

Instructions

Mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Place in large plastic containers or bags and seal. Refrigerate until needed, up to 10 weeks. Makes 15 to 16 cups of cookie mixture.

And now a recipe that uses the Holiday Cookie Mix...

Toffee Bars

Ingredients

4 cups Holiday Cookie Mix
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
4 ounces chocolate candy, chopped (I use Skor bits)
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

Mix cookie mix, margarine, vanilla, and egg. Press into bottom of a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Layer will be light brown and soft. Remove from oven and immediately spread candy pieces over baked layer. Let stand until soft; spread over bottom layer. Sprinkle with nuts. Cut while still warm.

Cocoa Shortbreads

2006-12-05T18:22:00.000-04:00

A chocolatey take on an old classic.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine
1 1/3 cups icing sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt. In a large bowl, cream margarine. Slowly beat in icing sugar. Add vanilla. Gradually blend in flour mixture. Refrigerate dough for about 15 minutes. Roll out onto a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

Cheese Shortbreads

2006-12-04T09:15:00.000-04:00

This is kind of an odd recipe, handed down from my grandmother. They are very tasty, and excellent with tea.

Ingredients

1/2 pound McLaren's soft cheese
1 cup margarine
4 tablespoons icing sugar
2 cups flour

Instructions

Cream together cheese an margarine very well. Sift together icing sugar and flour. Add to cheese mixture. Roll dough to 1/8-inch (approximately) thickness. Cut with a small round cookie cutter. Or, if you prefer, the dough can be rolled into logs, wrapped in plastic wrap, and refrigerated for about 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator and slice. Place cookies on cookie sheets and bake at 250 degrees until light brown, about 20 minutes.

Fudgy Rum Brownies

2006-12-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

These are a really great holiday recipe with a high yield. This recipe makes a 9 by 13 inch pan. Also found in the Betty Crocker Christmas Collection.

Brownie Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine
2 cups chocolate chips
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons rum
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs

Brownie Instructions

Heat margarine ad chocolate chips over low heat in a large saucepan, stirring constantly, until chocolate is completely melted. Beat in remaining ingredients in the order given. Bake in a greased 9 by 13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

2 cups icing sugar
1/4 cup margarine
1 teaspoon rum
1-2 tablespoons milk

Frosting Instructions

Beat together margarine, rum, and milk until smooth. Slowly mix in icing sugar until smooth. Icing should be light and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled squares.

Sugar Cookies

2006-12-02T19:05:00.000-04:00

These are a multi-purpose cookie. Typically, we make them for holidays and special occasions and cut them into holiday shapes, and ice them with brightly colored icing.

Ingredients

3/4 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cream together margarine and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Sift together remaining ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Cover; chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Place dough on floured surface. Roll out to 1/8-inch (approximately) thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Chocolate Crinkles

2006-12-01T21:01:00.000-04:00

My mom found this recipe in a Betty Crocker Christmas collection. It has since become a holiday favorite amongst my family and friends.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup icing sugar

Instructions

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together margarine, sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, add cocoa. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Cover; chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Place icing sugar on a plate. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto icing sugar. Roll dough into a ball and coat well with icing sugar. Place cookies on greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for9-10 minutes, or until a slight imprint remains when cookie is touched lightly in the middle. Remove to racks immediately to cool.

Holiday Baking

2006-11-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to try and post a Christmas baking recipe every day for the month of December. Happy baking, and enjoy the holiday season!