I want S'more Cookies!

My mom asked me to make a dessert for her co-workers BBQ tomorrow.

Me: "What should I make?"

Mom: "Make chocolate chip cookies or something."

Well, if you know me, I can't bake something just simply. I need to step it up just a bit to make it interesting (but still simple!) So I looked around at what I had on hand and what did I find?

My husbands stash of marshmallows, *ding!*

S'more Cookies!

Super easy and gooey (and impressive enough to be served to my mom's co-workers). I have a good feeling about these cookies since just posted a picture of my creation on Facebook and within an hour I had comments from tons of cookie monsters!
For the chocolate chip cookies, I never stray from the Nestle recipe on the bag. I have tried about 10-20 different recipes of people trying to improve on this classic cookie. And, for some reason this recipe is just easy, never fails, and always tastes amazing.

For this recipe you'll need:

• chocolate chip cookies (see recipe below)
• large (or jumbo) marshmallows (1-2 per cookie)
• scissors
• 8 oz chocolate chips
• 2 tbl shortening
  

Nestle Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies (straight off the bag)

• 1 c unsalted butter
• 3/4 c sugar
• 3/4 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 c flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 c semi- sweet chocolate chips
  

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees
2. Cream butter, sugars and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
3. Add chips, mix well
4. Drop by tablespoon onto wax lined cookie sheets, cook 9-11 mins until edges are light brown.
   
5. While cookies are baking cut your marshmallows in half (or if using jumbos 3rds) crosswise.
   
6. Remove partially baked cookies and immediately place marshmallows on top of hot cookies, cut side down.
7. Return to the oven for 1-2 mins until marshmallows begin to puff up. Take cookies out of the oven and let cool 2 mins, then press down slightly to flatten marshmallows. *If you cut your marshmallows into 3rds and you have an open cut that is tacky to the touch, spray the back of a rubber spatula with Pam and use that to press the marshmallows down.
8. Cool on cookie sheet, then move to a paper towel lined wire rack to cool completely.
9. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally. Spoon a teaspoon of melted chocolate over the top of the cookie or drizzle with a squeeze bottle.
10. Let chocolate candy set 30 mins.
    
11. If there are any left over and you want to store them away, I would recommend you place wax paper between cookies because these are so gooey :)

I hope you enjoy the cookies. Fun spin on the classic s'mores and the unfailing chocolate chip cookie.

Maybe next time a smear of peanut butter somewhere?

Twine-y Accents (Decorative Balls 1)

If you're like me, I love little accents tucked around the house. I'm attracted to the symmetrical type of styles. I like multiples of things, square type furniture, things organized and in their proper place. I have A LOT of baskets lol.

Sounds a bit boring, but I also like to balance things out with spherical shapes (still symmetrical mind you :)) to soften the look of the room and even the yard.

I am totally in love with decorative balls. Glass, twine, wood, carved, wicker...you name it. But I am also not going to pay the outrageous price for some of them. So I decided to make my own. This is one of many decorative ball attempts I'm going to be making.All you need for this project is:

• Regular white craft glue
• Twine (Micheal's in the jewelry section)
• foam balls of assorted shapes (Micheal's, clearance section!)
  
• safety pins
  

Starting at the top of the ball (anywhere can really be the top, but I look for the hole), pin the end of the twine in place and circle around it with a small line of glue. Follow the line with the twine, pressing down lightly to smooth along the ball.
Slowly work all the way around the ball, circling with glue then following with the twine. I occasionally stick a pin into the twine if it looks like it won't stay down on the glue (added security is always good).

When done it should look something like this:
Wait about an hour or until the glue seems dry and the twine doesn't move at all. Remove the pins and place where you'd like. Trays, bowls, along mantles are popular.

Stick a hook eye into the side and make it an ornament.

Change the twine from plain, to glittery coiled ribbon and make something completely different if you have more vibrant decorating tastes.

Mine are on top of the DVD tower right now. It's pretending to be my mantle since I don't have a fireplace. I love the look, especially next to the contemporary globe.
I also love these balls because I'm not scare of my baby playing with them. They weigh practically nothing and can be tossed around or rolled and put right back on the shelf.

Hope you enjoy the little tutorial and make some of your own.

Chai Spice Cake

Tonight I was in the mood for something warm.

I am just itching for Fall to begin with the browns, oranges and yellows. Summer is drifting away and I want to get all cozy again (even though it was 100 degrees outside today).

I decided to experiment and make a cake (yummy comfort food) and one of my favorite drinks, chai. This is what I came up with, and I have to say I probably will be making it again!
Chai Spice Cake

1 box of Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake
3 eggs
1/3 c of vegetable oil
1 1/4 water (ingredients as directed on the box)
2 envelopes of Bigelow Vanilla Chai
1/2 tsp of ground ginger
1/4 tsp of ground cloves
1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
2 tbl of Molasses

Glaze
2 c powdered sugar
1/4-1/2 c of milk
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Bake as directed on the cake box. Cool completely and drizzle glaze over the top.

Grab a knife, fork, a plate and serve yourself.

We're not fancy here.

This cake is yummy as is, but I'm always wanting to experiment! Next time I'll try maybe a cup of pureed pumpkin or 1/4 c of lemon juice for a kick... What do you think?

Hope you like my little experiment, I sure am. It's yummy.

Enjoy!