Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Recipe: Everything Cookies

These are basically oatmeal cookies, but with some improvements and additions. They vary a little every time I make them, since I usually use what's on hand, so this recipe can be tweaked to your taste.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Dash of cinnamon
-
1 stick of unsalted butter
½ cup coconut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
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½ package chocolate chips
¾ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
½ cup chopped nuts
3 cups oatmeal or other rolled grain

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°f
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter, coconut butter, and the sugars. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the maple flavoring and vanilla extract.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and dash of cinnamon.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until fully combined.

4. Add the oatmeal (rolled rye and barley are great, too!) and dried fruit, followed by the chocolate chips and nuts.

5. Make golf ball-sized balls of cookie dough and place 1 to 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack or plate and let cool.

Notes:
These can be dairy-free by using all coconut butter instead of regular butter, but make sure the chocolate chips are dairy-free, too!
Needless to say, if you have a nut allergy, leave out the nuts!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Stocking Stuffers: $10 and under

stocking stuffers



I labeled this set as "stocking stuffers", but really, most of them would make fine gifts as well. Especially if you are on a tight budget like I am!

1. Forever 21 Make-up Bag $5-$10
The bag shown has already sold out, but Forever 21 is always a great place to find cute things for cheap!

2. H&M Cotton Mini $6
I have a few of these myself. They fit great, come in tons of colors and are super cheap! They're also pretty versatile. Add some flexibility to anyone's wardrobe for just $6!

3. Forever 21 Nail Polish in Sunset $3
Nail polish is always a fun and affordable gift. Check out Forever21 for a million great colors.

4. iTunes Card $10+
iTunes cards make the best gifts! Just like everyone needs food, everyone needs music as well. Hit up Target or Best Buy for one of those 3-packs and you have a gift for your cousin, your dad, and a stocking stuffer for your significant other.


5. Crate and Barrel Snowflake Soap $1.50
This snowflake soap makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. Throw in a soap dish and you've got a great little gift set! Has a soft, clean scent.

6. Miniature bottles of liquor $1-$8
Even though neither my husband nor I drink, little bottles of alk-ee-hall always sound like fun gifts. I haven't included a link for this one, because there isn't really a place online I would recommend buying these. Instead, visit your local liquor retailer for fun, adult-only stocking stuffers.

7. Cooperative Eyeglass Case $10
This is another great gift that can be used by anyone. Check out Urban Outfitters for more styles.

8. Theo Chocolate Bars $3-$4
I've saved the best for last: Theo Chocolates! Made here in Seattle, this has got to be some of the best chocolate in the World! Creamy and rich instead of waxy and bitter, nothing beats their dark chocolate. They use only organic, fair trade chocolate and have the most delicious selection of flavors. The one shown here is Bread and Chocolate and contains crunchy little bits of french bread.

Well, that's it for the gift buying guides! Keep an eye out for some homemade gift ideas in the next few weeks!
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