Baking - Home-Ec 101

Coffee Grounds Are Not Instant Coffee

Dear Home Ec 101, If a baked recipe calls for instant coffee, can you substitute the instant for regular brewed coffee and keep the same consistency and taste of the baked item? If so, what would be the ratio for the substitution? I want to make something that calls for instant coffee but was floored …

Triple Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Heather says: Welcome to the penultimate episode of cookie-a-day. Today I have another recipe from Kendra. (Why have friends if you can’t abuse them?) I hope y’all have enjoyed this series, it’s definitely been a challenge sometimes. Thank you to everyone who contributed recipes. If I didn’t get to them this year, it won’t be …

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies Recipe

Heather says: Many thanks to my friend Kendra for providing today’s cookie and picture. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – softened 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar 3/4 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract …

Baking Tips from a Diabetic

Dear Home Ec 101, Do you have recipes for diabetics? Any sugar free cookie recipes? I try to make sugar-free cookies without using any artificial sweeteners and it’s harder than it looks most of the time. I have a few recipes that I do, but I am always on the lookout for more. Signed, ~Baking …

Honey Butter Star Cookies Recipe

Heather says: This is just a simple tweak on a basic butter cookie. It was going to be more complicated, until I was distracted while measuring. Also my stars didn’t always look like starfish, but my four year old used my new cookie cutter with his playdough. Instead of getting mad I went with the …

Chocolate Cookies With Peanut Butter Chips Recipe

Heather says: Tonight was tree decorating night, so while I wrestled with the lights (I’m picky, so it is my job) Mr. Heather whipped up a batch of cookies. These are good without being overwhelming either on the chocolate or peanut butter side. Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups unsalted butter 2 cups granulated sugar 2 large …

Heather says: While I will always prefer the beer battered and deep fried fish, this version is a close second and is much healthier. Nearly any white-fleshed fish will do: cod, walleye, or whiting for example. If you would like the chips done completely in the oven, follow the directions for these potato wedges, omitting …

Chocolate Crinkles or Black and Whites Recipe

Heather says: As you can tell this fun little cookie has several names – chocolate crinkles, black and whites, krinkles, or kringles. Soft and chocolatey, the powdered sugar adds a nice counterpoint, both with color and taste. It makes an attractive addition to your holiday baking. Chocolate Crinkles Cookie Recipe [There is a printable recipe below …

Keeping All Those Cookies

Dear Home Ec 101, When should one begin their holiday baking if they want to give out cookie platters the week before Christmas? Last year I did all my baking in 2 days and it nearly killed me, but I don’t want to do it too far in advance or the cookies won’t be fresh. …