Dessert Recipes

Making Christmas Center Piece Cakes

2008-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Step1

Decide how large a centerpiece you want. Do you want 1 center tree or more? 1 cake mix will make 4 to 6 trees, and 1 cake mix will make 60 to 75 mini cupcakes. If only using 1 or 2 trees, I suggest using 1 cake mix. Make the number of tree cakes you need. Now use the rest of the batter to make your mini cupcakes using the baking cups to line your pan with. This helps with clean up later and it's easier to get the cupcakes out of the pan. Cool all completely on a wire rack.

Step2

Prepare your tray or cake plate by covering with a thin layer of white icing for snow, doilies, or some wrapping paper or foil. Ice the tops of all your mini cupcakes white.

Step3

Tint enough icing green to ice your trees. Position the tree cakes on your display platter. Ice trees with green icing using leaf tip. It's best to start at the bottom and work up. This will give you the layered look. Tint the rest of your icing yellow, red, blue, and any other colors you would like.

Step4

Using the writing tip, pipe small dots on trees in different colors for ornaments. I pipe a larger dot on top in yellow for a star. Pipe bows on top of each cupcake. You can use any colors for the bows that you like. Arrange cupcakes around trees as mini presents.

Step5

Optional: Sprinkle with sparkling sugar or shimmering dust to make glisten. Or sprinkle with snowflake candy sprinkles.

How to make Christmas Cherry Cookies

2007-12-12T23:23:00.001-08:00

Things You'll Need

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups
3 cups maraschino cherries

Step One

In two bowls, separate the eggs, with yolks in one bowl and whites in the other.

Step Two

In a mixer, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until well blended.

Step Three

Add the syrup and egg yolks and continue beating.

Step Four

Stir in flour. Once that is done, chill for at least an hour and a half.

Step Five

Shape into balls and dip into egg whites. Place them on a cookie sheet and make an indentation. Place a cherry in each cookie.

Step Six

Bake in oven at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden.

Step Seven

Remove from oven and let cool. A very delicious treat indeed!

Tips & Warnings

You can roll them in pecans or walnuts for added texture.

How to make Yorkshire Pudding

2007-12-10T18:07:00.001-08:00

Things You'll Need

Flour
Milk
Eggs
Oil
Medium Mixing Bowl
Whisk or Fork or Hand-Blender
Non-Stick or Glass Pan (6x8 = 4 servings, 12x9 = 6-8 servings, muffin tins)

Step One

Use two people per serving per cup of flour to determine pan size and number. If using muffin tins, do not use baking cups in this recipe. The muffins are great because the pop-up, and you can fill them with crème or custard for a delectable dessert for after dinner!

Step Two

Coat pan(s) with Oil, leaving a tiny layer of oil on the bottom.

Step Three

Place pan(s) with the oil in oven at 350 degrees while oven is pre-heating.

Step Four

While oil is heating in the pans …

In mixing bowl, add flour, milk, and egg(s) (depending on number of people, see Step 1)

Step Five

Mix all ingredients until smooth, you may leave a few little lumps, it won’t hurt too much. Thickness should be a little thinner than pancake batter, but not as thin as crepes.

Step Six

Take the pan(s) out of the oven; oil should be getting bubbly and hot.

Step Seven

Pour the flour, egg, and milk mixture into the pan(s), filling 2/3 full.

Step Eight

Place the pan(s) back in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes (35-40 minutes for higher altitudes).

Step Nine

Pudding should be light golden brown on top, and crispy around the edges. Center should “poof” up, and may settle once taken out of the oven.

Tips & Warnings

Leftover bread is great with honey for dessert or breakfast with a glass of milk!
Muffins will have an air pocket in the center, to fill with your favorites, or eat with your main course as your bread.
Enjoy with ribs, chicken dishes, meatloaf and pasta too!
Your family will love it and request it often!!

How to make Strawberry Pie

2007-11-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

1 cup sugar
1 lb strawberries, washed and sliced
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 pre-baked pie shell
Whipped cream

Step One

Combine strawberries and sugar in a medium size mixing bowl and let it sit for a few hours until juicy.

Step Two

Drain off juices into a saucepan after several hours. At this point, the strawberries and the juices are separate.

Step Three

Bring the strawberry juice to a boil by placing over a medium-high flame.

Step Four

Add the other ingredients. Stir in the water, butter and cornstarch to your saucepan on the stove. Reduce the flame to medium-low heat.

Step Five

Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after covering the sauce pan.

Step Six

Stir in the previously separated strawberries when your sauce has cooled slightly.

Step Seven

Place in a pre-baked pie shell. You may use a pre-baked pie shell available in your grocers freezer, or even a graham cracker pie shell, which is also available at your local supermarket, or of course bake your own. Place the strawberry mixture into the pie shell, cover with whipped cream, place in the fridge and serve cold.

How to make Blueberry muffins

2007-11-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

Measuring Spoons
Wire Cooling Rack
Muffin Pans
Rubber Spatula
Groceries
Measuring cups
Whisk
Mixing bowls
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. allspice
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. melted butter
1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Step One

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step Two

Generously butter a standard 2 1/2-inch muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

Step Three

Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl, stir together and form a well in the center.

Step Four

Beat the egg and milk together in another bowl, then beat in the butter.

Step Five

Pour the wet ingredients and the blueberries into the flour and stir the mixture together slowly only until everything is combined. The mixture should still be lumpy, not smooth.

Step Six

Divide batter between muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full.

Step Seven

Bake about 20 minutes or until the tops turn golden.

Step Eight

Let the muffins cool in the tins about 5 minutes, then remove them to a rack to finish cooling.

Tips & Warnings

A standard muffin tin holds a dozen muffins, each one 2 1/2 inches in diameter. You can bake these muffins in smaller tins; just decrease the cooking time and check closely for doneness.
It's important to let the muffins cool in the tins for a few minutes because they'll steam when they leave the oven, and this steam helps moisten them. But too much steam will turn them soggy, so remove them when they're still hot and finish cooling them outside the tins.

How to make Apple Pie

2007-11-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

4 TB flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Cinammon
1 Tablespoon Sugar
5 Granny Smith Apples
Frozen Deep-Dish Pie Crust
Beaters
Oven
prep time: 20 min
cook time: 45 min

Step One

Preheat the oven to 400. Place an oven shelf on the bottom rack of the oven.

Step Two

The apples. Slice the apples into eight slices each. Be sure to cut out the seeds from the middle part of each slice. Peel the apples. Place the apples evenly in the deep dish pie crust.

Step Three

The ingredients. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Pour 4 TB flour on top of the heavy cream. Pour ½ teaspoon of cinnamon on top of the flour.

Step Four

Mix the ingredients. First, mix the ingredients by stirring with a spoon. Then, take some beaters, and “whip” the mixture for about 2 minutes or until the mixture begins to harden.

Step Five

Gently pour the mixture onto the apples in the pie crust. Distribute evenly over the apples.

Step Six

In a separate container, mix 1 Tablespoon sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir together until evenly mixed. Place a thin layer evenly on top of the pie.

Step Seven

Cook the pie. Place the pie on the bottom rack of the pre-heated oven. Cook for about 45 minutes. [Cooking time will vary according to oven.] Remove when edges are golden brown.

Step Eight

Cool the pie. Remove the pie with an oven mitt. Place on a cooling rack for about 20-30 minutes. Cool the pie until the mixture that you placed on top begins to harden. If you cut the pie too early, the pieces will not maintain a shape.

Step Nine

Serve with one scoop ice cream.

Step Ten

Add to the holiday spirit by serving the slices of apple pie on paper plates decorated with the holiday spir

How to make Pumpkin Pie

2007-11-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

pie pumpkin
1 12 oz. can of evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 large eggs
1 9-inch pie shell
For pie shell:
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firm unsalted butter
1/3 cup ice water

Step One

Cute your pie pumpkin in half and remove the stem. Scoop out the seeds and extra string. Place both halves on a foil lined baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake your pumpkin at 350˚ for about 1.5 hours or until tender. Scoop out the flesh, which should be quite soft and puree the pumpkin using a hand or regular blender

Step Two

After your pumpkin has been prepared, combine together the sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger and salt. In a separate bowl beat eggs and stir in your dry ingredients as well as your pumpkin. Mix well and slowly add in the evaporated milk while you stir. Make sure the filling is blended and smooth. Preheat your oven to 375˚

Step Three

For your pie shell, combine your flour and sugar together and cut your butter into the flour-sugar mixture. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. Pour in the ice water a little at a time (on low speed) until your mixture begins to clump and hold together. Remove the formed dough from the mixer and sprinkle a bit of flour before wrapping in plastic wrap and refrigerating for an hour. Remove the dough after it has set in the refrigerator and roll out the dough using a pie crust bag or placing it in between wax paper. Place the dough in your pie pan and shape the edges however you like. You can also use scissors to cut off the top edge. Pour your pumpkin mixture into your pie shell.

Step Four

With your oven already pre-heated, bake pie in the middle of the oven for 50 to 65 minutes. Cool and serve with whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon on top. You have just made pumpkin pie from scratch!

Tips & Warnings

If you would really like to make full use of your pumpkin, why not bake the pumpkin seeds! Remove the string from the seeds, run them under water and put them in a plastic bag. Add about 1 teaspoon of oil (olive oil or grapeseed oil are healthy alternatives) and shake vigorously until all the seeds are coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast them in a 375 degree oven for 12 minutes or until brown. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

How to make Chocolate Chip cookies

2007-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

A preheated oven (to 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
Two cookie sheets
Two mixing bowls
One wooden spoon and one wire whisk (two wooden spoons will work if you haven't got a whisk)
At least one cooling rack
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown Sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Two eggs
2-3 cups of semisweet or milk chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or mini chocolate chips (or a combination of the three!)

Step One

To start, read through the recipe entirely, making sure you've got all the ingredients and equipment necessary. This eliminates hectic trips to the grocery store in the middle of mixing. Be sure you understand all the instructions. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step Two

In one of the mixing bowls, place the flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a wire whisk (or wooden spoon) to combine the ingredients. Your goal in this step is to spread the salt and baking soda evenly throughout the flour, so don't be afraid to stir thoroughly.

Step Three

In the second mixing bowl, place the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Use a wooden spoon to cream these ingredients together. Alternatively, place the ingredients in the bowl of an tabletop mixer (like a KitchenAid), and use the paddle attachment to mix. When you mix, the sugar crystals are cutting into the butter and creating pockets of air, which will ultimately make your cookie lighter and more tender. The mixing process will take a few minutes; the resulting mixture should be light colored and fluffy looking.

Step Four

When you've finished mixing, add the eggs, one at a time, being sure to incorporate the first very well before adding the second. In a cookie recipe, eggs add tenderness and act as a binding agent, holding the flour and butter together. When you mix, you're incorporating more air, so the mixture will become lighter and fluffier looking.

Step Five

Add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture in two additions, mixing until just incorporated after each addition. When you add the flour in a cookie dough, the gluten proteins found in the flour begin linking together to form strands. While gluten strands are good in that they provide structure to your cookie, too many of them will make the cookie tough and unpleasantly chewy. You don't want to form extra gluten strands by mixing more than is necessary.

Step Six

Add the chocolate chips, chunks, or mini chips. This dough works best with 2-3 cups of chocolate, so pick your favorite (or a combination!) and add as much as you'd like.

Step Seven

Scoop the dough by the heaping tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet (usually 9-12 cookies will fit on a sheet). Bake the cookies until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. You may need to rotate the cookie sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning. A good test to determine doneness is to gently pick up the edge of one cookie with a metal spatula; if the bottom of the cookie bends, then it is done. If the cookie breaks instead of bending, it needs more time. When the cookies have finished baking, cool them for 5 minutes on the sheet, then remove and cool completely on a cooling rack. Serve warm or cool with a big glass of milk!

How to make ice cream cake

2007-11-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

3 round cake pans
Ice cream
1 pint heavy whipping cream
A few tablespoons of sugar
A tablespoon of vanilla
Wax paper
Cake mix or cake ingredients
Utensils, bowls, etc. for preparation

Step One

Decide what kind of ice cream cake you want to make. You can use any combination of cake and ice cream flavors. Chocolate cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream is always a crowd pleaser.

Step Two

Go to the store and buy the ingredients listed above. This can be done in days before making the cake. Just make sure that nothing expires before you plan to make the cake.

Step Three

You'll need to create a mold for the ice cream. Let the ice cream thaw a bit. Line one of the round cake pans with wax paper. Once the ice cream has thawed enough to handle, fill the round cake pan with ice cream. Cover it with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least a few hours (This can be done a few days ahead).

Step Four

Prepare the cake. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in your recipe. If you don't know what temp to use, 350 degrees should work fine. Mix the ingredients together then place them in the 2 remaining round pans. Bake the cake until it is done (you should be able to insert a toothpick and nothing gooey sticks to it). When it is done remove it from the oven and cool on wire racks.

Step Five

Prepare the whipped cream. Put the heavy whipping cream, vanilla and sugar in a bowl. You can adjust the amounts of vanila and sugar to your taste preference. Use an electric mixer and make the whipped cream. Once you are done let the mix chill in the fridge for a bit.

Step Six

Assemble the cake! Place one of the cakes on a platter. Take the ice cream out of the round pans and put on the cake. Put the last piece of cake on the ice cream. Ice the cake with the whipped cream that is in the fridge.

Step Seven

Decorate the cake however you want and you are done! You will need to store the finished cake in the freezer until you are ready to serve it to your guests.

How to make peanut butter Rice Krispies Treats

2007-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

saucepan
1 cup Karo syrup
Margarine
1 cup Peanut Butter
5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Large spatula
Buttered knife
11-by-9-inch pan

Step One

Boil together in a saucepan 1 cup of white Karo syrup and three tablespoons of margarine. Bring the mixture to a slow boil so as not to scorch it. If you prefer to use butter, use half margarine and half butter since butter burns faster. Use unsalted margarine or butter since the cereal has adequate sodium in it.

Step Two

Turn the heat off from under the mixture, leave the pan on the stove and then stir in the peanut butter. Use creamy peanut butter and not crunchy peanut butter. Creamy offers a smoother texture in the Rice Krispy treats. Choose your favorite peanut butter brand when you make peanut butter Rice Krispy treats.

Step Three

Mix together briefly thoroughly the syrup, butter and peanut butter. Be careful to not over mix as this will dry out the mixture.

Step Four

Fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the syrup, butter and peanut butter mixture using a large spatula.

Step Five

Spread the mixture out flat into an 11-by-9 pan, or a pan of your choice that will allow the mixture to be at least ½ inch high.

Step Six

Allow the Rice Krispy to cool completely before slicing. Slice the treats using a buttered knife. Cut diagonal first then horizontal to achieve squares approximately 2-by-3.

How to make Strawberry Shortcake Muffins

2007-11-13T17:53:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

yellow cake mix
heavy whipping cream
sugar
vanilla extract
strawberries
cupcake pan

Step One

Line cupcake tins with paper cupcake cups. Bake cupcakes according to directions on the box. You can really use any type of cake mix for this; get creative!

Step Two

Make the whipped cream with 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract. Whip the cream until it makes firm peaks. Add the sugar and vanilla, and whip further until the cream is sweet.

Step Three

Cut the tops off of the muffins/cupcakes. Allow to cool fully, then put a dallop of whipped cream on the bottom part, top with the muffin top, put more whipped cream on the very top, and add a few slices of strawberries.

Step Four

Place the muffins on a cake stand for a festive presentation

How to make Strawberry Shortcake

2007-11-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

Groceries
Wire Whisks
Copper Bowls
1 recipe shortcakes (see Related eHow)
10 c. sliced strawberries
1 c. granulated sugar
1 pint chilled heavy whipping cream
2 to 3 drops vanilla extract
Optional garnish: Mint leaves

Step One

Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl. Toss with the sugar, adding a little bit at a time, so each slice is coated fairly evenly. You may not need all the sugar.

Step Two

Chill the strawberries for about half an hour or longer. The sugar will draw out some of the berries' moisture, forming a syrup.

Step Three

Place the chilled cream in a bowl and add the vanilla.

Step Four

Whip the cream with a whisk, and pay attention as it starts to build in volume. Stop whisking when the whipped cream is light and airy but still loose. It should not be too stiff, and can even be slightly pourable.

Step Five

Reheat the biscuits, if desired.

Step Six

Use a serrated knife to slice each biscuit in half horizontally.

Step Seven

To serve, place a biscuit half on a plate, top with a generous spoonful of strawberries and syrup, then place a dollop of whipped cream on top. Put a berry piece on top of the cream to look pretty.

Step Eight

Serve immediately. The biscuit will soak up the strawberry syrup, which helps make this dessert luscious, but if left too long the biscuit will become soggy.

Step Nine

Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

Very fresh, sweet strawberries are the key to this dessert. Find the best you can, cut away the green tops and any white parts, and slice them fairly thick or quarter them so they'll have some texture.
You can sweeten the cream slightly if desired, but the dessert is better balanced if the cream is unsweetened. The berries are already mighty sweet, and cream has some natural sugar.
This dessert can be made with virtually any berry or juicy fruit.
If you have to hold the whipped cream in the refrigerator and it falls, you can rewhip it.
Don't chill the strawberries and sugar for more than a few hours, or the berries will get mushy.

How to make Cappuccino Cheesecake

2007-11-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

1/2 c. melted butter
3 oz. chopped semisweet chocolate squares
1 3/4 c. crushed chocolate wafer cookies
1 c. sugars
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. instant espresso powder
1 1/2 lb. cream cheeses
3 eggs
2 tbsp. coffee liqueur
2 tbsp. water

Step One

Mix the melted butter and crushed cookies together well.

Step Two

Place a round of parchment paper in the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, then pack the crust mixture on the bottom and sides. Use the flat bottom of a glass to press the crust flat. Chill while making the filling.

Step Three

Heat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Step Four

Place the chocolate, 2 tbsp. water and espresso powder in a double boiler or small saucepan over low heat. Melt and stir until smooth.

Step Five

Stir in coffee liqueur, then cool.

Step Six

In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese and vanilla, by hand or with an electric mixer, until smooth.

Step Seven

Add the sugar and flour and beat just until incorporated. Add the eggs and coffee/chocolate mixture and beat until combined.

Step Eight

Pour mixture over the crumb crust, then bake for 1 hour or until just set. (See tips for doneness.)

Step Nine

Let cool completely at room temperature before chilling.

How to make Cheesecake

2007-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

Wooden Spoons
Drinking Glasses
Rubber Spatula
Groceries
Mixing bowls
Zesters
Wire Whisks
Had Mixers
Springform Pan
Paper Liners
1 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. melted butter
1 1/4 lbs. cream cheese
1 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon peel zest
1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. sugar
1 tbsp. flour
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp. heavy cream

Step One

Stir the crushed crackers, cinnamon and melted butter together well.

Step Two

Lay a circle of parchment paper in the bottom of a 9- or 10-inch springform pan. Pack the crust mixture in the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a glass to press the crust flat.

Step Three

Heat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Step Four

Bring the cream cheese to room temperature.

Step Five

Place the cream cheese, zest and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat by hand or with an electric mixer until just smooth.

Step Six

Add the sugar and flour gradually and beat just until incorporated.

Step Seven

Add the eggs, yolk and cream and mix thoroughly.

Step Eight

Pour the filling over the crust and bake for approximately 1 hour.

Step Nine

Check the cake for doneness. The very center should jiggle slightly. Avoid using a knife or toothpick to check for doneness.

Step Ten

Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid overmixing, which can incorporate excess air into the batter and cause the cake to rise too much during baking. The cake will then fall and crack as it cools.
While the cheesecake is cooling, wait until it is warm to the touch (but not hot), then run a knife around the rim. If the sides can pull away from the pan as the cake shrinks, it will lessen the chances of a crack.
Use a springform pan, which allows for the easiest removal of the cake. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet in the oven to capture any leaks.

How to make Sugar cookies

2007-11-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

Measuring Spoons
Cooling Racks
1/2 tsp. lemons extract
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
Oven mitts
2/3 c. softened unsalted butters
2/3 c. sugars
Measuring cups
1 egg yolks
Cookie sheets
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 eggs
Mixing Spoons
Mixing bowls

Step One

Combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Do not sift.

Step Two

Beat the butter until creamy, then add the sugar, vanilla and lemon extract and beat for 1 minute.

Step Three

Beat in the egg and yolk.

Step Four

Stir in the flour mixture only until incorporated. Stop stirring the instant the dough is uniform.

Step Five

Form into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.

Step Six

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step Seven

Divide the dough and roll it out between two sheets of wax paper; make your cutouts. Only work with a little at a time. Keep the rest in the refrigerator to stay chilled.

Step Eight

Decorate the tops of the cookies with colored sugar, sprinkles, candies and other foods that won't melt in the oven.

Step Nine

Place the cookies on a nonstick baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes, or until they just start to turn golden around the edges. If cookies turn golden before 10 minutes have passed, lower the oven temperature.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure not to skip the chilling step. This dough needs to be cold, cold, cold.
The longer the cooking time, the crisper the cookie will be.
Pure lemon oil, squeezed from the zest and available in many gourmet markets, is an excellent substitute for the lemon extract. It's better, actually, but more expensive and harder to find.

How to make Quaker Oatmeal cookies

2007-11-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

Quaker Oatmeal Kitchens has dubbed this recipe "Quaker's Best Oatmeal Cookies." Whether you make cookies or bars, this recipe is sure to please. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

1 1/4 c. softened butter or margarine
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3 c. rolled oats

Step One

Heat oven to 375 degrees F and line some cookie sheets with baking parchment - or grease some cookie sheets, or use nonstick co okie sheets.

Step Two

Beat together butter or margarine and sugars in a large bowl until creamy.

Step Three

Add egg and vanilla and beat well.

Step Four

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a smaller bowl.

Step Five

Add flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture and blend well.

Step Six

Stir in oats.

Step Seven

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheet.

Step Eight

Bake 8 to 9 minutes for a chewy cookie or 10 to 11 minutes for a crisp cookie.

Step Nine

Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then remove to wire rack.

Step Ten

Cool completely and store in tightly covered container.

Tips & Warnings

If you're on a low-sodium diet, you can omit the salt.
To make bar cookies, press dough onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cool completely, then cut into bars.
For variation, add 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts or stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips and omit the spices.

How to make Chocolate Brownies

2007-11-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Things You'll Need

Groceries
Baking Pans
Double Boilers
Rubber Spatula
Saucepans
Wire Cooling Rack
1/2 c. butter
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Step One

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step Two

Grease an 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking pan. Set aside.

Step Three

Melt butter and chocolate together in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Or place them in a microwave-safe container and heat - 2 minutes at a time at 50 percent power - until melted (check after every 2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Step Four

Stir in eggs, sugar and vanilla with a wooden spoon. Beat lightly until just combined.

Step Five

Stir in flour and nuts.

Step Six

Spread batter in baking pan. Bake 30 minutes.

Step Seven

Cool brownies on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Tips & Warnings

Don't overbake the brownies. You don't want them to be dry and crumbly when they cool.
Vary the kind of nuts you use. Try almonds or pecans as well as the more-expected walnuts.
Try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter.