Lavender Cookies

My lavender is blooming! I had dreamed of growing lavender that I could harvest for years so when hubs and I retired to a rural town in NW Texas I started my first plants.  I was very excited and made my first batch of home grown lavender cookies.  The cookies are lightly sweetened and have a soft lavender fragrance perfect for a special party or a private moment with hot tea. (Recipe below)

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar Cookies

Yesterday was a windy bleary day so I headed to the kitchen and baked.  I chose to update an old recipe that I believe originally came from BHG.  It combines my favorite pecan pie, sugar cookie and chocolate.   They are super easy to make and delightfully delicious. Hubs liked them so much I thought I might have to hide them!  P.S. look for more delicious chocolatey recipes in the Ultimate Chocolate Recipe Challenge at the bottom of this post.

Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Cookies

I got up early this morning to bake delicious coffee flavor cookies for an exchange at a family party today.  I know, I know…I waited a little long to get busy baking but I hosted a party for friends at my house last night and there just hasn’t been enough time. I tell you all that so you will understand how simple and easy this recipe is. 

Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Cookies Recipe

Beat together till fluffy, about 30 seconds:

• 1 stick of softened butter
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons finely ground espresso beans
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder

Beat in

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 Tablespoon Hazelnut syrup

Add

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup milk

Roll 1/2 of the dough at a time on floured surface about 1/4” thick.  Place cut out cookies on ungreased cookie sheet with a little space between each cookie.
Bake in pre heated oven 350° F for 8 minutes.  Cool cookies then dip the tops in semi-sweet chocolate or use a rubber spatula to smear it on the cookies.  Allow cookies to stand until chocolate is firm.

Chocolate topping for dipping cookies:

• 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate pieces
• 1 Tablespoon shortening

Microwave 1 1/2 minutes and stir vigorously until all melted together.


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“Almost Home Made” Baklava Mini Pies

I came across a wonderful recipe in my old cardboard box this week while we were iced in for 4 days.  It looked simple enough, I had the ingredients and one of my favorite desserts is Baklava.  As a matter of fact there was a former co-worker that made it on my birthday the years we worked together.  I miss her and her Baklava.   I suppose that is another factor in choosing this recipe to adapt to my own style and needs.  This is another one of those almost home made versions that even my non baking friends will be able to whip together and have others sing their praises.  Have at it girls, I won’t tell how easy it is!

 

Fall leaf cut out cookies

My sweet big girl grand came by for a surprise visit today.  I love when she does that.  I had been sitting here contemplating some fall cookies when she knocked at the door, so we made them together.  There is nothing better than grandkids making cookies with grandma. [satisfied sigh]  She made half the cookies with the smallest (two bite size) cutters.  We ate a couple right off the cookie sheet - who doesn't love a warm cookie?  I put all the small ones she cut out in a Mason jar so she could take them home with her.  I really loved the smile she gave me when I did that. [another satisfied sigh]

Cranberry Pumpkin Cookies + pumpkin pie spice and allspice recipes

I started out with Ranger cookies in mind but was missing some key ingredients so plan B…check the fridge for what I DO have.  There sits a half can of pumpkin puree.  So, here goes… basic cookie recipe substituting pumpkin for the liquid, changing up the spices and using some dried cranberries.  Dang, that worked pretty well I will have to make some for the Thanksgiving dessert table.  So, now I can share. ♥

Blushing Leprechauns–Kool-Aid cookies

If you are looking for a special treat for St. Patrick's Day try these blushing leprechaun cookies.  Bright green lime flavored icing on a cherry flavored cookie are perfect for a fun holiday or baby shower dessert.  More modern than a traditional scone, they are lightly sweet and the kool-aide provides a puch of cherry lime.

The pink and green cookies came about for my niece’s baby shower.  I wanted more than a colored cookie,