Fabulous Fall Cookie Recipe

I can't wait to try this recipe from Picky Palate !!! It looks so easy and yummy! Please check out the website for some other fabulous recipes!



Pumpkin Spice Blossoms

1 Spice Cake Mix 18.25 oz
14 oz can Libby’s Pumkin
½ Cup sanding sugar
1 bag Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Kisses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer beat the cake mix and pumpkin until well combined, about 45 seconds. With a cookie scoop, scoop dough and roll top half in sanding sugar (dough is sticky) then place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until cooked through. Quickly transfer to a cooling rack and immediately press kisses into the center of each cookie. I immediately place cooling rack into the fridge for 15 minutes so the kisses don’t melt. I tried both ways and it melts down if just left at room temperature. Enjoy!
About 36 cookies

Update: I have everything I need to make these except the Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses.... apparently living within driving distance of Hershey, PA doesn't mean anything!!!

Happy October!

I could blog about a billion different Autumn thoughts and memories today as I am feeling rather nostalgic, but I'll just stick to a project and recipe. First, the recipe, which you absolutely must make sometime this month. We always have it several times in the Fall, but always while carving our pumpkins for Halloween. It is soooo good and my family can't get enough!

Caramel Apple Cider

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

6 c. fresh apple cider

whipped cream for serving - optional

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Place the cream and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Stir in cinnamon and cider. Heat through until cider begins to steam. Serve hot with a dollop of whipped cream. (You could probably double or triple the batch and keep warm in a slow cooker on low/warm for a party).

Now for the project. This cute little pumpkin light was made by my dad ~ he is the best at woodworking and makes the most amazing things! Excuse my directions ~ I'm sure they aren't the best, but hopefully you will get the idea.

Jack-O-Lantern Jar

Supplies:

Lamp Light Kit (includes cord, socket w/ spring clip, switch, and bulb)

Metal cutting shears (and gloves to protect your hands!)

Quart canning jar with lid (seal & ring)

Orange spray paint (suitable for glass)

Black paint (suitable for glass)

Small craft paint brush

Raffia

Spray the inside of the canning jar with the orange spray paint. Allow to dry completely. Using the black paint & brush, paint a jack-o-lantern face on the outside of the jar. Allow to dry completely. Using the metal shears, cut a hole the size of a quarter in the seal for the lid. Make sure to wear safety gloves so you don't cut you hands on the metal! Place the seal on the jar and secure with the ring. Tie a raffia bow around the ring (you can secure this with hot glue if you wish). Place the socket w/ spring clip into the hole in the lid. The spring clip will keep it on the lid. Plug in and turn on! You're finished!

Recipe Of The Week ~ Indoor Smores

I just made these for Maddie's last Brownie troop meeting and they were a big hit! Be prepared to give out the recipe!

Indoor Smores

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) bag chocolate chips
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 box graham crackers, each cracker sheet halved crosswise

Put chocolate chips into a large saucepan with condensed milk. Stir constantly over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows. Put 2 tablespoons of mixture on a graham cracker half and top with another graham cracker half. Continue with remaining mixture and graham crackers. Let stand until set, about 2 hours. Store covered at room temperature.

Recipe Of The Week ~ Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

If you love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, this recipe is for you! It is so easy and yummy! I have no idea where this recipe came from originally, but kudos to whoever came up with it!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

2 sticks butter, melted
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
3 c. powdered sugar
1 c. peanut butter
12 oz. package chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Press into a 9x13-inch pan. Melt chocolate chips in microwave for 60-90 seconds; stir until smooth. Pour over graham cracker mixture and let cool in refrigerator. Cut into bars once chocolate has set.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I have been wanting to make my own vanilla for a very long time now, I was just looking for the right bottle. I know, sounds crazy, but I want it to look good as well as taste good! Anyway, I finally found a fabulous bottle at Target perfect for my vanilla venture! According to The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten, my homemade vanilla will keep for years and years, I just need to feed the "brew" by adding more vanilla beans and vodka when it starts getting low. I am so excited and can't wait to bake my first batch of whatever with my vanilla!

Recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract

Tall glass bottle (with lid that seals completely)

One dozen vanilla beans

Vodka (I used Grey Goose, but you can use anything)

Make sure your bottle is clean and dry. Split vanilla beans lengthwise and place inside the glass bottle. Pour vodka into the bottle making sure all beans are completely covered. Store the bottle out of direct light and away from heat. Let the beans marinate in the vodka for at least one month before using. The extract will become more flavorful the longer it marinates.

Random Thoughts About Collecting.... And A Bonus Recipe!!

I love fireplaces.... the ambiance, the smell, the popcorn popping, the Smore making, and so much more! Sadly, I have never in my life lived in a house with a fireplace (not holding any grudges, Mom and Dad). But alas!!!! I now have TWO!!! Visions of many fall and winter evenings are dancing in my head! A little bit of firewood and we'll be ready to go!

Of course, now that I have two fireplaces, I have to decorate the mantels. Easier said than done as I consider myself "home decor challenged". I am tempted to just hang Christmas stockings and garland, but I think my family would object. Anyway, in my dilemma I have consulted many websites on mantel decorating. All use terms that are foreign to me such as the "Three to One" method. What?! Most did suggest, however, displaying some of the things you collect. OK. Easy enough. So I thought. Then it occurred to me that I really don't have a collection of anything. As a kid I collected stickers, buttons, and erasers, but what do I collect as an adult? I have a few cherished seashells from my Grandpa and Grandma, but they are currently in my master bathroom with the pink toilet (another story for another day). Am I missing out on life by not collecting anything?

Then, today in my kitchen, I had a moment of clarity. I do have a collection. Not a collection I can put on my mantel, but a collection none-the-less.

"Hello, my name is Connie, and I am a Cookbook-aholic".

Oh, yes, it's true. I am obsessed with cookbooks. I love them all. None of this looking up recipes on the web for me! I have to flip through the pages and look at the pictures. I stopped counting my cookbooks when I reached 75, but I'm guessing I have close to 125. And that doesn't even include the little recipe books by Pillsbury and Betty Crocker that you pick up at the check out line. And how about all of my issues of Cooks Illustrated?! Wow. I have a serious problem! But, on my defense, I actually use them regularly as I love to cook and bake. Trying a new recipe is so exciting!

So, my search for the perfect mantel continues. I will gladly accept free decorating advice from those less decor challenged. For now, I will share a yummy recipe I found on the back of Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw. I LOVE salads, and this is quickly becoming my favorite "take to a summer picnic" dish. It might actually replace my Strawberry Spinach salad....

Sweet Broccoli Salad

4 c. Mann's Broccoli Wokly
2 c. Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw
1 c. red onion, slivered
3/4 c. real bacon bits
1 c. slivered almonds
1 c. Craisins

Dressing:
1 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. white vinegar

Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Keep chilled. Lightly blanch Broccoli Wokly in boiling water for about one minute. Remove and immediately rinse in cold water. Let cool. In a large bowl, combine the Broccoli Cole Slaw, red onion, bacon bits, almonds, and Craisins. Add blanched broccoli. Toss with dressing to coat. Keep chilled.

The World's Best Hot Chocolate

1 (15 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (4 oz.) bar German baking chocolate
6 c. milk

Break chocolate into small pieces and put into a large saucepan with condensed milk. Stir constantly over low heat until chocolate melts. Add milk and continue cook over low heat, stirring constantly. Serve hot with whipped cream. For a little more flavor, add 1 shot of your favorite flavored coffee syrup or liquor to each mug before pouring in the hot chocolate.