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Biscotti: Vanilla, Cranberry, Almond

Heather says: This is a great use for that half bag of dried cranberries leftover from Thanksgiving. Biscotti was originally created to be a sturdy baked good that would travel well; this was way before Tupperware. It’s a dunker’s delight and should be enjoyed with tea or coffee. Cool these completely before storing in a …

Chocolate Pudding

Heather says: Did you know that pudding doesn’t have to come from a box? No, I’m serious. On the difficulty scale I’d put it slightly above total n00b. That’s novice for those of you who have managed to retain your brains and don’t surf the web all day. I’m teasing, don’t get touchy. Ingredients: …

Got the Burnt Brownie Blues

Dear Home Ec 101, I love making brownies; it makes the house smell so good! I’ve got everything in my cupboard; I’ll try to make them tomorrow. Got a question for you all, when I make brownies, often the outer edges are done way before the center is; the edges are overcooked and the center …

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Cookies: Which Cookies Ship The Best

Hey ladies! I’m planning on baking some cookies and shipping them as Christmas gifts. I’m thinking I’ll make some chocolate cookies, chocolate no-bakes, and snickerdoodles. Do you think these will travel well? If not, can you give me some suggestions? Thanks! Signed, Cookie Monster’s Sister Ivy says: It’s true, some cookies travel better than others. …

Swingset Mama’s DVD Winner

Heather says: Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s giveaway. The winner, by random number generation is: Congratulations Stacy. The e-mail demanding kindly asking for your shipping address is from me, not some crazy stalker. Well, as long as it starts with Heather. Those of you who didn’t win can buy the CD for 15% off …

Brownies – Basic Recipe

We know it seems like a stretch, but you really don’t need a box mix to bake brownies. In fact, you may already have everything on hand. Why not surprise a neighbor if you can’t eat a whole batch? It’s not like you’ll make an enemy offering chocolate. From Scratch Brownie Recipe [There’s a printable …

Confessional Sunday (Slightly Late Edition)

Ivy says: Let’s hear how your Thanksgiving went! Was it fabulous, or were there some mishaps? Mine was fab, since I went to my mom’s and all was taken care of. We brought a pie, which my cousin had brought down from Indianapolis (sugar cream pie, apparently you can only get them in Indy, unless …

Thanksgiving 2008: It’s Time to Use It or Lose It

Heather says: It is time to use ’em or lose ’em. Here are some guidelines, and recipes for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Substitute turkey in any of the chicken recipes below. Turkey should be frozen or used within 2 – 6 days. Frozen cooked turkey should be used within 2 months and should be cooked …

Sweets for the Season 2008: Simple Chocolate Drops

Heather says: Home improvement was the name of the game today at my house. Today we’re dipping into the archives. Drop cookies refer to the method they are placed on the cookie sheet. Some are rolled into balls, other pressed into circles, still others are rolled out and cut into shapes. These are scooped and …

Sweets for the Season 2008: November 28

Heather says:

Last year from Thanksgiving to Christmas we posted a cookie recipe each day. This year we’re calling it Sweets for the Season and will be including some favorites from last year and new goodies such as fudge and candy. Stock your pantry with baking supplies and get ready to dive in. These recipes will be geared for the novice baker and candy maker with clear directions.

We’re starting with a classic chocolate chp.

These chocolate chip cookies call for real butter, a splash of milk, and extra vanilla. For variety consider adding chopped walnuts or M&Ms.