Chocolate, Almond, Apricot Amaretto Log Cookies

Chocolate, Almond, Apricot Amaretto Log Cookies.

This is one of my favorite cookies. The recipe was a finalist in the Dallas Morning News / Central Market Holiday Cookie Baking Contest in 2010.
I created a Bar version of this cookie. I've re posted it at the end of this recipe. It contains 1/3 C Amaretto Liqueur, which you could add to this recipe too. I add it to the Butter and Condensed Milk mixture.`

Chocolate, Almond, Apricot Amaretto Log Cookies:

This makes about 6 - 8 logs and 1 dozen cookies per log.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Waxed Paper
Aluminum Foil


1 pound of Raw Unsalted Almonds with skins on, roasted. (directions to follow)
1 - 14 oz. can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/4 pound (1 stick) Butter, melted
1/4 tsp Vanilla
Optional - 1/3 C Amaretto Liqueur
2 - 7 oz. packages of Maria or Mari Lu vanilla cookies, roughly broken.
1 pound of Turkish Apricots, roughly chopped.
2 - 14 oz. packages of Dark Chocolate Candy Melts or Chocolate Chips.

Roast Almonds at 350 degrees in a single layer on a Sheet Pan, lined with Parchment Paper. Cool completely.

In an 8 quart bowl or a Stock Pot:
Condensed Milk
Butter
Vanilla
(Amaretto Liqueur if desired)
Whisk well.

Add:
Cookies
Whole Almonds
Apricots
Mix well, by hand  (I use my hands at this step) and form into logs on pieces of waxed paper.
Logs will be approximately 6" long and 1 1/2" in diameter.
Begin by forming a ball and transferring to paper forming into 6 - 8  densely wrapped logs.
Freeze until solid, at least 24 hours.

Melt Chocolate in a microwave safe bowl according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
Remove logs from the freezer, one at a time. Unwrap and place on individual pieces of Aluminum Foil.
Brush each log ,covering completely with melted Chocolate in several coats. (I use a pastry brush)
Wrap the logs in the foil and refrigerate until chocolate is hardened.
Remove from refrigerator, peel away the foil and slice with a serrated knife to form 1/2" cookies.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



Chocolate, Almond, Apricot Amaretto Bars.

This is an original recipe based on another one that I make into a log.
This is a No Bake Recipe.

I've entered both in the Dallas Morning News/Central Market
Holiday Cookie Baking Contest.
The log recipe made the finals two years ago.


1 - 12 ounce box of Vanilla Wafer cookies
1 - pound of Almonds ( with skins on ),roasted. ( I roast them on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 10 minutes)
1 - pound of Dried Turkish Apricots
1/4 pound of butter, melted
1 - 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
6 ounces of semi sweet chocolate chips. I use Ghirardelli.
6 ounces of dark chocolate chips. I use Ghirardelli bittersweet.
1/3 C Amaretto
1/4 tsp Vanilla

Vegetable cooking spray
1 - 9 x13" Casserole Dish
Aluminum foil

Finely chop the wafers in a food processor
Roughly chop the almond by hand.
Roughly chop the apricots by hand.

In a large stock pot or 8 quart bowl:
Mix the wafers, almonds and apricots together by hand until well combined. I use my hands for this step.

Whisk melted butter and condensed milk together.
Stir in Amaretto and vanilla.
Add this to the cookie mixture and combine well.
Press the mixture evenly into the casserole dish.
Cover with foil and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Melt semi sweet chocolate chips in a microwave and spread over the cookie mixture.
Refrigerate 15 minutes or until firm.

Melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave and spread over the first layer of chocolate.
Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes or until firm.

Cut into squares to serve.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Texas Hill Country Bread

Texas Hill Country Bread.
This recipe has many titles and many options for added ingredients.
I may have something similar to this one already on the blog but I can't remember what I called it. Here's another adapted recipe.

I found my previously posted recipes. It's called Tex - Mex Pull Apart Bread. I posted it at the end . It's very similar to this new one.


One option is the addition  of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. I use a vegetarian version.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1- un greased Bundt Pan, your choice of design. I spray mine with a cooking spray.

The following are pictures of 2 options of biscuits.

16 TBS Butter (2 sticks), melted
1 1/2 C Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Blend
1/4 C Shredded  Mozzarella Cheese
1 - 10oz jar of Sliced jalapeno's, drained
1 tsp dried Cilantro
2 - 12 oz. tubes of refrigerated biscuits, each biscuit cut into quarters

In a large bowl:
Butter
Mexican Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Jalapeños
Cilantro

Add biscuit quarters and toss well to coat.
Arrange the biscuits in the pan
Bake for 30 minutes
Invert onto a serving platter and serve hot.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!


Tex - Mex Pull Apart Bread:

1/2 C butter, melted
1 1/2 C Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Blend
1/2 C Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1- (10-12 ounce jar) of Pickled Jalapeno Nacho Slices, drained
1 tsp Dried Cilantro or Dried Coriander Seeds
6 Green Onions, sliced. Use all of the onion.
2 - 12 ounce tubes of any refrigerated biscuits, each biscuit cut into quarters.

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, mix well
Fold in the biscuit pieces until well combined.

Place the mixture in a Bundt Pan ( your choice of design). coated with vegetable spray
Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

Invert onto a serving platter and accompany with your favorite Salsa for dipping.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

The perfect Icing Technique to Flood Icing for Sugar Cookies

Here's a video demonstrating how to ice the perfect Sugar Cookie. Achieve perfectly frosted cookies with this technique from Whitney Wright, the Deputy Food Director of Southern Living.

icing-sugar-cookies-video

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Maple Pecan Cake

I have many recipes for fall inspired cakes. This is a simple cake with a lot of flavor.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 8"X 8" pan brushed with Pan Release Mix. (equal parts of Crisco, Vegetable Oil and Flour) I start with 1 C of each, mixed well and refrigerated in a jar. I always have it available for all of my baking needs. It's a fool proof release and works with the most intricate Bundt Pan designs!

1 2/3 C Flour
1 C packed Brown Sugar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 C Pure Maple Syrup
1/3 C Vegetable Oil
1 tsp White Vinegar
1 C chopped Pecans
Confectioner's Sugar for dusting.

Serving Options:
Whipped Cream
Vanilla Ice Cream


In a Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment:

Flour
Brown Sugar
Baking Soda
Salt
Maple Syrup
Oil
Vinegar
Beat to combine well.

Fold in Pecans, by hand.
Spoon into the pan.
Bake for 35 - 40 minutes.
Remove the pan and place it on a rack to cool completely.
Dust with Confectioner's Sugar.

Serve with Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Molasses Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast, My favorite Christmas Morning French Toast recipe and Praline French Toast Casserole

We have our favorite Christmas Morning French Toast . I'll repost it at the end of this one.

Molasses Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast.

Here's what you'll need:
1 - large non stick skillet, cast iron skillet or cast iron griddle.

2 - 8oz. packages of Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature.
1/4 C Molasses
1/2 C Chopped Pecans
6 Large Eggs, beaten
1/4 C Whole Milk
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 Loaf of Cinnamon Raisin Bread Bread cut into 1/2" slices.
Butter for grilling.
Confectioner's Sugar for Dusting.

In a Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment:
Cream Cheese
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Slowly add Molasses.
Fold in Pecans, by hand.
Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl:
Eggs
Milk
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Vanilla
Whisk well, by hand.
Set aside

Spread 1/2" thick layer of Molasses Cream Cheese on 6 slices of the Bread.
Top each slice with another piece of Bread.

Melt 1 TBS of Butter in the a skillet or on a griddle.
Dip each sandwich in the Egg mixture to coat each side.
Grill them until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.

Wipe out the skillet or griddle and repeat with each sandwich, adding additional Butter as needed.
Slice the toasted sandwiches on the diagonal to serve.
Serve warm, dusted with Confectioner's Sugar.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



This is one of our favorite Christmas Morning Recipes.

Overnight Christmas Morning French Toast:

1 (8oz) package of Cream Cheese
12 day old Croissants
18 Eggs
1 1/2 C Heavy Cream
1 TBS vanilla
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 stick (8TBS) of Butter, melted + additional for greasing the pan
Pure Maple Syrup
Confectioner'sSugar

Heavily butter a 9"X13" casserole dish.
Slice Croissants in half, horizontally.
Layer them cut side up in the dish.
Drop pieces of Cream Cheese in between the layers.

In a bowl:
Eggs
Melted Butter
Heavy Cream
Vanilla
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Whisk Well
Pour over the Croissants.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Serve topped with warm Maple Syrup and sprinkle with Confectioner's Sugar.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!



This is another Best of the Best Recipes!
What a great aroma to wake up to on Christmas morning.

Praline French Toast Casserole:

8 Eggs
1 1/2 C Heavy Cream
1/3 C Maple Syrup ( the good stuff)
1/3 C Packed Brown Sugar
10 - 12  1/2" slices of French Country Bread

Topping:

1 Stick of Butter
1/2 C Packed Brown Sugar
2/3 C Maple Syrup
2 C Chopped Pecans

(I never said it was healthy)

Generously butter a 9"X13" Casserole Dish

In a bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Heavy Cream
Maple Syrup
Sugar

Place Bread slices in the Casserole dish and cover with the Egg mixture
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator
Remove and let it reach room temperature

Topping:
Melt the Butter in a saucepan
Add Sugar and Maple Syrup and cook for 1-2 minutes
Stir in the Pecans
Pour over the Bread
Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving

In my book, I wrote WOW!

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Smoked Gouda Cheese and Sun Dried Tomato Muffins

I love these muffins. That's all!
Or maybe I should add that I love Smoked Gouda Cheese in Savory recipes.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
1 - Muffin Pan, either sprayed with a non stick vegetable spray or lined with paper liners and sprayed.
I have a cast iron muffin pan.

This recipe make 10 muffins.

2 C Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 TBS Dry Mustard
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 C Whole Milk
2 Eggs, beaten
4 TBS Butter, melted
3 TBS Minced Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil, drained.
1/4 C Chopped Chives
1 C Shredded Smoked Gouda Cheese

In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Baking Powder
Mustard
Salt
Pepper
Whisk well.

In a large Mixing bowl:
Milk
Eggs
Butter
Tomatoes
Chives
Whisk well.
Add this slowly to the dry ingredients.
Stir just until combined.

Gently fold in the Cheese by hand.
The texture of the batter should be lumpy.
Spoon into the pan.

Bake 25 minutes.
A toothpick in the center should come out clean.

Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 10 minutes
Remove the muffins to the rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

Christmas Ginger Scones

This is not an intimidating recipe. I used to think that making Scones was like trying to make French Macarons. I certainly learned that making Macarons can be accomplished, however they are still difficult. However, if you want to make homemade, tasty Scones, these are easy.

Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
A Sheet Pan lines ti Parchment Paper.

2 C Flour
3 TBS Brown Sugar
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1/2 tsp Allspice
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
4 TBS Cold Butter, cubed
1/3 C Molasses
1 Egg Yolk, beaten
1/4 C Heavy Cream
Granulated Sugar and Nutmeg for dusting.

In a large mixing bowl:
Flour
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Salt
Ginger
Cloves
Allspice
Cinnamon
Whisk well.
Cut in Butter with a Pastry Knife until it forms coarse crumbles.
Make a well in the center and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl:
Molasses
Egg Yolk
Heavy Cream
Whisk well.
Add this to the well of the dried ingredients.
Stir with a blending fork just until combined. Don't over work the dough.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead about 10 - 12 turns, until it's smooth.
Pat the dough, by hand, into an 8" Circle and cut into 8 wedges.
Sprinkle each Scone with a dusting of Sugar and Nutmeg.
Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer the Scones to the rack and cool completely.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!