Another year has come and gone and with that I like to look back on the resolutions I have made and see how many I have accomplished and how many I have failed miserably at lol
Did you make any resolutions/goals for 2013? If so did you accomplish most of them or did you fail miserably like I seemed to do lol
Regardless, 2013 is over and with 2014 comes another year to make new goals, new memories, and a whole new chance to improve on things you may have not accomplished in 2013.
I love simple recipes, the kind that takes only a matter of minutes to throw together but produces amazing results every time. Even better, a recipe that can make a variety of cookies using only 1 dough. I have shared this recipe in the past on my blog, but thought I would share it again and all the amazing types of cookies that this one basic recipe can produce.
Ingredients Needed: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup butter 1 egg 1 1/2 cups gluten free Bisquick Add Ins -mini peanut butter cups -Hershey Kiss -M&M's -Sugar for rolling dough in
You can also choose chocolate chips/chunks, peanut butter filling, reese pieces, butterscotch or peanut butter chips, peanut butter m&m's, etc
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
***Steps 1-3 are for all cookies
1. Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and the egg in a bowl until combined.
2. Gradually add in the Bisquick until combined
3. Refrigerate dough for 60 min (if in a hurry just pop in the fridge for 10-20 min, your dough will simply be a little softer when you roll into balls, but will turn out fine)
3. Roll your dough into balls (I like to use a mini ice cream scoop to do this step) and then roll into granulated sugar
**This is where the recipe differs for each type of cookie you are making
For the Reese Cup Cookies:
Place your dough balls in a mini muffin tin and bake for 8-10min or until brown
Once cookies are done, immediately press a Reese Cup into the cookie
Once cookies have cooled, remove from muffin tin
For the Hershey Kiss Blossoms:
Place your dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10min or until brown
Once cookies are done, immediately press a Hershey kiss into the cookie
Once cookies have cooled, remove from cookie sheet
For Peanut Butter Cookies:
Place your dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10min or until brown
Once cookies have cooled, remove from cookie sheet
For Peanut Butter Cookie w/ Add Ins (choc chips, m&m's, etc)
Place your dough balls on a cookie sheet and gently press in add ins
Bake for 8-10min or until brown
Once cookies are done press in more add ins if needed
Once cookies have cooled, remove from cookie sheet
So there you have it folks, 4 easy cookies all from 1 simple recipe. This is a real time saver when you need to bake cookies but are crunched for time. You get 4 cookies without the mess of 4 recipes and not only will you save money but save time too!
So what are for you waiting for, go eat those cookies you just made!!!
For whatever reason, this year it just does not feel like Christmas. I am still amazed that Christmas is right around the corner. With that being said, the stores seem to be busier then ever with last minute shoppers struggling to find the right gifts for those on their Christmas list.
So, I thought I would help out all you last minute shoppers with a couple budget friendly gift ideas. You can watch the video here to see two very easy movie themed gift baskets OR check out the list below for some more budget friendly gift ideas.
Here is my Top 10 budget friendly gift ideas that can be grabbed last minute and would be great for anyone on your list.
5. A warm throw/blanket, I suggest a fun holiday print, like this one ($8.88 at Walmart)
6. A soft pair of slippers, I suggest these, they are the softest slippers EVER ($26.99 at Target)
7. A gift card, I suggest one from Amazon, that way the recipient can buy what they want. Amazon even has a cool feature where you can email the recipient the gift card (e-gift card) or you can choose the option to print one out yourself. You can also find Amazon gift cards at most stores that sell gift cards, ie. Walmart/Target, etc
8. Home made cookies, muffins, or loaves of bread.
(Tuck a homemade loaf of bread in a basket with some jam/jellies
OR
Pop some homemade muffins in a basket w/ a bottle of champagne and orange juice and add some wine glasses and you have a cute morning breakfast for a couple (you can find wine glasses at the dollar store)
9. Stationery Kit, for those who love writing letters and cards. Snag a cute stationery kit like this one ($4.97 at Target) Add in some nice quality pens and a book of stamps (usually $9)
10. A nice photo album, everyone likes to take photos. I suggest something like this OR this one ($10.79 and $15.99 at Target)
I recently teamed up with Jen from How Jen Does It and we decided to share two amazing recipes that would make wonderful breakfast ideas for Christmas morning.
My recipe, a cinnamon roll cake, takes on the sweeter route while Jen's is more a traditional breakfast. Both would make a delicious breakfast that anyone would love to wake up to on Christmas morning.
The breakfast I chose was a recipe I had seen floating around Pinterest and really wanted to try. You can find the full recipe for the cinnamon roll cake HERE.
Check out my video, where I share how to make an ooey gooey and delicious cinnamon roll cake
Check out Jen's video where she shares a delicious sausage egg casserole that is a passed down family tradition that she makes for her family every year on Christmas morning.
Do you make your family something special for breakfast on Christmas morning?
UPDATED: The winner has been chosen, and a big congrats to Lisa Jones. Winner has been notified via email. Thank you to all who entered. I look forward to 2014 and hosting more giveaways!
Giving back is the true meaning of Christmas and something I enjoy doing each year. However, I understand that many people, like myself, have a budget to keep in mind. However, I have found that doesn't mean you can't give back.
In this video I share 3 ways to give back during the holidays that don't cost a ton of money.
...and while were at it, here are 10 more ways you can give back without breaking the bank.
1. Bake some cookies for your neighbor
2. Give toys or clothes your kids outgrew to someone in need
3. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or food pantry
4. Volunteer at your local human society (you can also drop off pet food, toys, or blankets to help keep the animals warm during the winter months)
5. Babysit for a friend so they can run errands without having to bundle up a child and take them into crowded stores.
6. Make a freezer meal for someone (this is great for new parents, or a neighbor)
7. Volunteer at a retirement home (sometimes sitting and talking with someone can really brighten their day)
8. Pay it Forward (pay for someones coffee or meal when standing in line or going through a drive through)
9. Leave coupons by products in a store for someone else to use (aka coupon fairy)
10. Join the Big Brother or Big Sister program and volunteer your time with a child
It is important to remember that it is not always about the BIG things.
Sometimes the smallest things, the ones that are given with an open heart and full of love, matter even more.
I hope you enjoyed my last segment where I showed how to create cute and inexpensive gifts for everyone from your mom, to your best friend, to the cute kid you babysit for. Are you ready for even more d.i.y gift ideas? If so toss on an apron and step into the kitchen, it is time to make some edible gifts.
All items needed to make the following 5 gifts can be found at your local dollar store or already in your home
Gift #1: Brownie Mix in a Potholder
Items Needed:
-pot holder
-cookie mix (or any mix of your choice)
-spatula (or any kitchen utensil of your choice)
-cookie cutter
-ribbon
Total Cost: $4
GIFT #2: Hot Cocoa in a Cute Mug
Items Needed:
-Cute mug of your choice ( I chose a festive Santa one)
-Hot Cocoa packet
-Candy Canes
-Marshmallow dipped in white chocolate and candy cane pieces (optional)
Total Cost: $3 approx.
GIFT #3: Snowman Soup
Items Needed:
-Cellophane bag of some sort (Ziploc bag will work as well)
-Candy Cane
-Hot Cocoa Packet
-Mini Marshmallows, Hershey Kisses, or M&M's (optional)
-Snowan Soup Topper (I found mine HERE but there are plenty online or make your own)
Total Cost: Varies. but we will say under $1
GIFT #4: Homemade Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Items Needed:
-Festive Tin (mine fit 4 pretzel rods perfectly)
-Pretzel Rods
-White Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Bark
-Candy Canes Crushed
Total Price: Varies but we will say under $3
GIFT #5: "Gourmet" Treats
Items Needed:
-Pretty box or Tin
-Mini Muffin Liners
-Graham Crackers
-Marshmallows
-Chocolate chips or Chocolate bark
-Candy Canes crushed
-Additional Extras: I used coconut and crushed pretzels
-Mold (I used a heart mold that I picked up at the dollar store during Valentines Day)
Total Cost: Price varies depending on how many you make and what toppings/extras you choose
Mine Cost Approx: $3-4
Well there you have it, 5 cute, edible, but very inexpensive gifts that you can make yourself for family and friends. These are great gifts to have a child help with, especially crushing the candy canes and pretzels and drizzling/dipping with the chocolate.
I would love to hear from you what your favorite edible gift ideas are OR what has been the best food related gift you have received?
Alright everyone, it is time for some more baking. So bust out the Christmas music, toss on a festive apron, and lets make some cookies!
Ingredients Needed:
Cookies:
-1 cup softened butter
-1/2 cup granulated sugar
-2 egg yolks
-2 tsp vanilla
-2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
Icing:
-1/2 cup powdered sugar
-1/2 tbs water
-food coloring (optional)
***Add more water or sugar to get the right consistency. It shouldn't be too runny nor too thick but a nice medium. Remember you can always add more but you can not take away.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
For the Cookies:
-Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy
-Add egg and mix
-Add vanilla and mix
-In a separate bowl combine flour and salt
-Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients a little at a time and mix
-Chill dough for 10 minutes
-Roll dough into balls (I used a Tbs to form my balls but you can use your hands)
-Place balls onto greased cookie sheet
-Bake for 10-12 minutes (until bottom of cookies start to brown)
-Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, to form indents in the center of all cookies.
-Once cookies are cool, fill with icing and let icing harden. ENJOY!
For the Icing:
-In a bowl mix together the powdered sugar, water, and food coloring. Add more water or sugar if necessary until you reach desired consistency.
Trying to stay on a budget? Not sure what to get for a co-worker or neighbor? Maybe you are going to a party and want to bring a hostess gift or your child wants to give a gift to a friend. Try out these 4 d.i.y gifts that cost under $5. All supplies needed can either be found at the dollar store, or ones you probably have on hand already.
GIFT #1: HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP
Supplies Needed: Borax, Washing Soda, & Bar Soap
Combine 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup washing soda
Add in 1 bar of soap (grated)
Mix together and pour into sealed container
Use 1 tbs per load
GIFT #2: BATH BEADS MIXED DRINK
Supplies Needed: Drinking Glass of Choice, Bath Beads, Loofah, Straw
I am your Kitchen Angel I'll watch over all you do, Baking all those goodies, And snitching one or two! And if you ever tire of me, Or some help is what your wish is, Just untie my little ribbons, And I'll help you with the dishes!
GIFT #4: HOMEMADE PLAY DOUGH
Supplies Needed: Flour, Salt, Cream of Tartar, Boiling Water
Oil (I used Vegetable), & Food Coloring (optional)
I hope you enjoyed these 4 easy gifts you can make for the holidays and that you give them a try.
Here are a few ideas for how to give them as a complete gift:
1. Along with the homemade laundry soap, you could include homemade all purpose cleaner, a homemade glass cleaner, some pretty rags & place everything in a cute basket.
2. Place a magazine, some lotion, and a candle along with the bath beads mixed drink.
3. Include some kitchen utensils, a cute cookbook, and the dishtowel angel to make a complete gift OR how about some fresh baked cookies or bread included with the dishtowel angel.
4. Make the homemade play dough in multiple colors. Include a small rolling pin and some cookie cutters.
Stay Tuned for more D.I.Y gift ideas. Next week I will be sharing D.I.Y food related gifts!
It's that time of year again! Time for some Holiday baking. So, lets bake some (non-traditional) but still yummy browned butter cookies with a fluffy delicious caramel icing.
Ingredients Needed:
Cookies:
-1/2 cup butter (NOT Margarine)
-1 cup brown sugar
-1/4 cup milk
-1 egg
-1 3/4 cup flour (I used Gluten Free Pantry All Purpose Flour)
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/8 tsp salt
Caramel Icing:
-1/2 cup butter (NOT Margarine)
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1/8 cup milk
-1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
-Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Continue to cook and stir constantly until butter is a light brown/ amber color *
(Mine took about 4 minutes, but be careful not too cook too long or it will burn)
-Transfer to a bowl and let cool about 10minutes
-In a large mixing bowl combine brown sugar, milk, egg, and browned butter. Stir until combined.
-Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a small cookie scoop) onto a greased cookie sheet.
-Bake 9-11 minutes or until edges start to turn brown (mine took about 9 minutes)
(rotate cookies half way through baking)
-Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
-Once cookies are cool add the caramel icing. ENJOY!
*Butter is browned when it turns a light brown/amber color and will have a slight nutty smell to it. Be careful not to burn. When butter starts to turn color take it off the heat immediately as it browns pretty quickly once it starts turning color.
For the Icing:
-In a saucepan melt butter over medium high heat.
-Once butter is melted, stir in brown sugar
-Heat to a boil and add in the milk
-Bring the mixture back to a full boil
-Remove mixtue from heat and pour into another bowl
-Let cool at least 30 minutes
-Slowly stir in powdered sugar
-Ice your cookies!
**Any remaining icing can be store in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for later use
