FOOD AND FRIENDS

Welcome......

One thing that moving makes you do, is sort!! As I was perusing my old cookbooks, I came across a tattered, paper spiral bound cookbook, that was gifted to me in 1992 from "my Ohio bestie" Pam. 

We moved to Ohio from Western NY in 1988, and became neighbors with Pam and her family who had moved from Illinois. We were two of many transplants in Springboro that bound together, forming the greatest circle of friends, with many of us remaining friends to this day!

THRIFTY VALENTINE IDEAS

Welcome to Foodie Friday friends!

The New Year is shaping up to be a busy one. With the house moving along nicely we should have some concrete poured within a couple of weeks.....that is if inspections along the way don't hold us up. I know the importance of the inspections, but the excitement to physically see those studs started is killing me!

In the meantime, I'm seeing RED everywhere, in a good way of course! I thought I'd better jump on the Valentine wagon. Since time is so precious now-a-days here's a couple of quick and thrifty ideas I've created to share with you that hopefully, will save you time and money.

First of all look at these sweet little cookies, great for a sweet gift......

Besides using limited ingredients, and being the easiest cookie I've ever made....aren't they the cutest little dollops?

All you need is:

1 Box of Strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
Red sugar sprinkles
Heart shaped jelly bean candies ( I just used Starburst jelly beans---the recipe originator used Gimbal's, however, I could not find that brand....I think for future purposes old fashioned candy hearts would be great too!)

The recipe may be found by clicking the link below:
http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2016/01/valentines-day-cookie-recipe.html

When I think of  Valentine's Day I think chocolate (or sweet) and flowers....pretty traditional right? So let's talk about flowers.........red roses in particular. 

No longer is it necessary to order or purchase flowers from a florist. It's so great now to be able to go to the supermarket or big box stores and find quality, inexpensive, beautiful flowers.

So I headed to my local grocery store. I found a beautiful bouquet of red roses, ON SALE! Score!! Then I decided not to display them in just one vase, but to pull out the crystal vases, all gifts from hubby's travels to Ireland! I chose various sizes and played with them. 

This is my result......beautiful, simple and elegant!

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a little something sweet and the beauty of a red rose! 

Wishing you all a very sweet and beautiful Valentine's Day!

Kathleen

IT'S FOODIE FRIDAY---DECADENT TEXAS SHEET CAKE COOKIES

I believe that most of us at some point or other have sampled a Texas Sheet Cake. As I recall we were living in the mid-west when we tried it for the first time. I remember this huge sheet pan filled with a delicious chocolate cake, and a gooey chocolate frosting with nuts in it. The texture was light, and a bit airy, and the frosting was gooey.....so yummy!

I have always wondered if the name Texas Sheet Cake came from the state of Texas. We all know that everything is "bigger" in Texas. As I started browsing for a bit of history, I found all kinds of stories but nothing concrete. FoodTimeline.org gives credit to Lady Bird Johnson........but who knows if this is true. All I can say is, that is one fine cake! 

Can you imagine a Texas Sheet Cake cookie?  Little bite size delectable delights. When I found the recipe, I just had to try it. I can tell you they are worth every calorie. The recipe only makes about 15 tablespoon sized cookies, but believe me, that will be enough.......unless you are feeding a bunch of ranch hands.

TEXAS SHEET CAKE COOKIES
The recipe states it makes 24 cookies. I used an actual tablespoon measuring spoon and my recipe made 15.  The recipe did not call for nuts.

Cookies
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Icing
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
3 Tbsp. milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

HOW TO MAKE

Cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat
2. In bowl of stand mixer beat butter and sugar together until light, scraping sides frequently.
3. Add in egg and vanilla and continue mixing until incorporated. Mix in baking powder and salt.
4. Turn mixer to low and slowly add in flour. Dough will be thick.
5. In a microwave safe bowl heat chocolate chips on high in 30 second increments until melted,
stirring after  every 30 seconds.
6. Mix melted chocolate directly into cookie dough until evenly mixed.
7. Drop dough by a measured tablespoon sized mounds onto baking sheet. Bake 5-8 minutes
until cookies just appear set.(Time depends on your oven.) They will still be very soft on the inside. DO NOT over bake!
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Icing
1. In a medium saucepan combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk over medium heat whisking
until melted together. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar.
2. Pour icing over cookies and allow to set before serving.

NOTES
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. I personally think they would be great in the frig also!

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as my family did. Thanks for sharing Foodie Friday with me today!

                                                  Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend!

                                                  Kathleen


****A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO COOKIES AND CUPS BLOG for the recipe.

***We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave your comments. See you Monday!