Snickerdoodles

Out of all the cookies I've baked, Giada's Peanut Butter Cookies with Blackberry Jam are definitely my favorites.  My second favorite cookies are my latest batch-- Snickerdoodles.  This is subject to change, but, right now, I am loving them.  It also helps that they are only 80 calories each...80 calories of deliciousness.

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients
makes 20 cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with a wooden spoon.  Using an electric mixer, add egg and vanilla.  Gradually add the flour mixture until combined.  The mixture may seem crumbly; at this point, use your hands to squeeze and combine the dough.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and line them up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Place about 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12 minutes, until slightly crinkly. Allow cookies to cool on wire racks.

White Wine Sangria

White Wine Sangria

Ingredients

• 2 peaches
• 1 green apple
• 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1.5 liter bottle Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 bottle dry champagne (no shame in Andre!)
• 1 cup peach liquor
• ice

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, add the white wine and peach liquor.
2. Slice the peaches, apple, and lime and add to the pitcher.  Add the lemon juice.
3. Stir with a long wooden spoon and keep in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
4. Right before serving, add the bottle of champagne to the pitcher.  Stir with wooden spoon.  Serve with ice.

See also: White Wine Sangria 2 and Red Wine Sangria

Hershey's Pretzels

These tiny treats are perfect for parties, whether you're the hostess or the guest.  Everyone loves them, and everyone should know how to make them!








Hershey's Pretzels

Ingredients

• Hershey's Hugs
• Snyder's Snap Pretzels
• milk chocolate m&m candies

Directions

1. Preheat oven 300 degrees F.
2. Line pretzels on a baking sheet and place an unwrapped Hershey's Hug on each pretzel.
3. Bake for 6-7 minutes.
4. Remove pretzels from oven and immediately press an m&m candy into the center of each Hershey's Hug.
5. Let treats cool to room temperature.  They taste best after being refrigerated! 

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Original recipe from Joy the Baker

These are so easy to make, but simplicity goes a long way.  A slightly crumbled texture, but still soft and tasty!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
makes about 20 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
2. Using a wooden spoon, combine peanut butter and sugars in a medium bowl.  
3. Using an electric mixer, add baking soda and egg to the mixture.
4. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Use a fork to make a criss-cross pattern that flattens the dough slightly.
5. Bake cookies for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

Red Wine Sangria

Red Wine Sangria
makes about 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 bottles Spanish table wine
• 1 cup apricot brandy
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pomegranate-cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• orange and apple slices

Cut half the orange in half.  Use one half for garnishing slices and the other half for its juice.  Pour the wine into a pitcher or jug.  Add the brandy, juices, and simple syrup.  To make the simple syrup, boil equal parts (1/4 each) of water and sugar; allow it to cool before adding to your mixture.  Cut an apple into slices and add to the pitcher.  Stir together with a wooden spoon.  For best results, chill for 24 hours.


See also: White Wine Sangria and White Wine Sangria 2