My Favorite Desserts

Ask anyone and they will tell you that I am all about a healthy balanced lifestyle. But I never said I don't enjoy the sweet part either. I have always enjoyed simple pleasures in life and one of them is having dessert first, especially if I go to a bakery or unique restaurant. My favorite desserts are cookies and pies, you simply can't go wrong with either one when having any type of gathering. The trick is to use good high quality ingredients in everything you make. Like real butter, organic sugar and Lehi Roller Mill flour, just to name a few. It really does make a difference.

Soft Gingersnap Cookies

These cookies are always a hit with everyone. Whether for family or when my mom and I cater a wedding they are the first things to go. Dip them half way in white chocolate for an elegant treat.

3/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

2 1/4 cup flour ( I prefer Lehi Roller Mill Turkey flour)

2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or sugar in the raw (found in most grocery stores)

Combine butter and sugar in large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Add spices, baking soda and salt. Mix well, add egg and molasses. Add flour until just combined. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll into 1-inch balls and roll in raw sugar. Place on a greased pan and bake for 10 minutes. Makes about 32.

For dipping, place one 12-ounce bag of Guitard white chocolate chips 9per one recipe) in a double broiler on low heat (place heat proof glass bowl over pan with water in the bottom). Don't let water touch the bowl or get inside the bowl. Melt chocolate, stirring occasionally and consistently at the end until chocolate is melted and dip cooled cookies half way to coat. Place on foil lined or wax paper lined baking sheets and allow to cool and set.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

I always hesitate to make these because I eat three or four of them in one sitting before I even realize what I have done. I love that they are loaded with good dark chocolate with the hint of cinnamon, it's a fabulous combination.

1 cup butter, room temperature

2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups flour

3 cups oatmeal

2 cups good semi-sweet chocolate chips (like guitard) or one 12-ounce bag

raisins, coconut and nuts are also great options

Cream butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well and add cinnamon, soda, and salt. Add flour, mix well and then add oatmeal and chocolate chips. Roll into one-inch balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes for 12 minutes.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies

I can't take credit for this recipe. I saw it on Martha Stewart's Everyday Food show and gave it a whirl. They have been Ryan's favorite cookie ever since. I think you'll love them too, chewy on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.

In large bowl combine: 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon soda, 1 teaspoon salt and set aside.

In large mixing bowl combine: 1 cup butter, room temperature, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar (don't over mix butter). Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla.

Add flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, combining well. Add 2 cups chocolate chips or one 12-ounce bag to cookie dough. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to measure dough, place on greased rimmed cookie sheet (you will only be able to fit about six cookies on each pan). Bake 15 minutes, rotating pan half way through cooking. Let cool and enjoy.

Home Sweet Home

As a child I had a mother who was an amazing cook and I have lots of fond memories of the smell of her homemade bread and yummy foods.

My Mom is a legend in my old neighborhood. Everyone loves getting one of her great recipes. What kid can brag saying that their mother's homemade bread sold at the church youth fund raiser for $50.00 a loaf.

Now that tells you what kind of kitchen I learned in. Plus Dad is great cook and has amazing gardening skills. The fresh foods we picked from our garden was great. They made sure that I was raised with an abundances of great healthy foods.

Now that I have a family of my own I realized what a blessing it was to be raised with two parents who understood the value of good healthy foods. My Jack loves his waffles with fruit sauce, Yum! Here on this blog spot I look forward to sharing with you some of the old and new recipes that are working for me and my family.

There is power in learning and sharing and I hope that what I share here will help you create enjoyment for you and your family.