More Christmas Cookies

Getting a little burnt out on the Christmas cookies... :)

From December 2010

It's that time of year - COOKIES!

I've started making cookies for the holiday season. Have you? Here's what I've got so far....

Of course, classic Chocolate Chip Cookies:

From November 2010

From November 2010

Some Spritz cookies, almond and chocolate:

From November 2010

From November 2010

From November 2010

And some classic Snickerdoodles...

From November 2010

From November 2010

More to come!

National Chocolate Cupcake Day

So last Monday, October 18, was National Chocolate Cupcake Day.  To celebrate, I made some chocolate cupcakes, of course!  Sadly, they were not my best work.  While they look delicious, the taste was kind of sad.  The cupcakes themselves were just kind of boring.  Like they came from a box or something.  Which was surprising since Sarah and I sampled the batter, and it was so yummy!  I read that cupcakes often come out dry because of their small size, so I'm on the hunt for a moist, yummy, chocolate cupcake recipe.  The frosting recipe came from King Arthur Flour's website.  The frosting was really good, but the combination was just too rich.  I'll keep this frosting recipe in mind for a lighter cake in the future.  Here are the pics!  

Do you like the cupcake liners?  They are Martha Stewart Crafts Halloween Blood Splatter Cupcake Wrappers by Martha Stewart Crafts.  They are very spooky and fun.

While these cupcakes aren't my favorite, I'm glad I got some practice in!  Sarah asked for some Red Velvet Cupakes for her birthday.  So I'll be whipping them up today. 

A Chronicle of my Baking Adventures

I love to bake.  However, my repertoire is limited and safe.  Without being too Julie & Julia, I’m on a never ending quest to broaden my baking skills away from Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies (not that I don't loooove a chocolate chip cookie).  My basic objectives include: 

·         Using new ingredients

·         Trying new techniques

·         Learning from the masters

·         Sharing with my friends

I hope you enjoy! 

Here is a picture of some Oatmeal Cookies from The Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health cookbook.  They are my absolute favorite oatmeal cookie.  Instead of raisins, cranberries are used which adds a much more intense flavor.  The recipe is less sweet than the traditional oatmeal-raisin variety, allowing you to really appreciate the flavor of the cranberries, walnuts, and of course, chocolate.