Chocolate Chip Cookies Thick or Puffy Style

Heather says: I hope some of you are happy. Today I broke my one of my cardinal rules of cooking and not only purchased, but used and consumed shortening. It was all in the name of science mind you and the leftovers are being distributed. The first attempt? Not so great, but it was tasty …

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Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Heather says: This is a great basic muffin recipe. Swap out the blueberries for whatever fruit you’d like. Reduce the amount of milk for exceptionally wet ingredients such as mashed bananas. Simple Blueberry Muffins Yields 9 muffins 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or plain flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1.5 teaspoons baking powder …

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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heather says: It’s probably been at least five years since I’ve had Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. I’m drooling just thinking about it, but there aren’t any in our area and I never seem to remember while I’m traveling. These cinnamon rolls come pretty stinkin’ close. If you want to match their decadence you’ll have to increase …

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Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Fearless Friday

Heather says: Obligatory Fearless Friday Spiel: Fearless Fridays are an exercise in kitchen bravery. It’s not about grossout games like Fear Factor, no, Fearless Friday is trying to learn a new skill. It’s a time to stop making excuses and try to cook, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly. It’s serving a vegetarian dish …

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Pie Crust 101:

Heather says: Prior to having children I worked in the restaurant industry, but I was not a pastry chef. I learned all the other positions, but one lovely gentleman filled that role. He’d come in at 3am just so he wouldn’t have to put up with our obnoxiousness. I usually only saw him for an …

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White Bread, Basic

girlHeather says: 

At long last, the first in the series of simple bread tutorials. We are beginning with a plain white bread recipe. This version is extremely simple. It is free of most allergens (wheat being the obvious exception) so it is useful for those avoiding eggs and dairy. Nutritionally, well, let’s just say that you won’t be making great strides over store-bought, but at least there is no high fructose corn syrup. Warm up the oven, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started.

simple basic white bread

Simple White Bread

Ingredients

2 cups warm water ~110°F
1 1/2 TBSP Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil + extra for bread pan & bowl (vegetable or olive
6 cups bread flour (may be slightly less in dry climates)

Directions after the jump.

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Sweets for the Season 2008: Gingersnaps Recipe

Heather says: This recipe makes cookies that are a nice balance between crispy and chewy. If you like your ’snaps to have a sharp bite add a little crystallized ginger and even a pinch of cayenne. This version is kid friendly, but also makes a nice base for turning up the heat. Ingredients: 3/4 cup …

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