Christmas Goodies – Reindeer Cookies

When I first saw these Reindeer Cookies on Pinterest, I knew I had to make them this holiday season. 

Source: buddingbaketress.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

 

And luckily my mom had a cookie swap a couple weeks ago so it was the perfect opportunity.  I couldn’t find mini M&M’s at my local supermarket so I decided to use chocolate chips for the eyes instead.   

These are actually very easy to make – I used a basic peanut butter cookie recipe and then rolled them into one inch balls like you normally would do.  Then you pinch the bottom of the ball, place it on the cookie sheet, and gently flatten the entire cookie so you end up with an upside down triangle shape.  I did one batch first to see how they would bake and I was happy with the shape so I continued the process for the rest of the batch.  Though, comparing the inspiration cookies to mine, I may try to make them puffier next time and I’m not sure if I would make them as long. 

As soon as they come out of the oven, you want to immediately stick on the pretzel ears, then the eyes (don’t press down too much or else the chips will melt), and then the  red M&M nose.  So cute and this would be great to do with kids.

And now I know why I gained 2 pounds in a week…ohhhh Christmas cookies!

Inspiration – Halloween Treats

Found these on Be Different, Act Normal today:

image source

The melted green chocolate blobs totally remind me of The Wizard of Oz (can I just saw how scared I used to be of the flying monkeys in that movie????) 

Not sure if these would work for a party, but they would be very cute for favors or something for kids to bring to class to share.  I’ve never been much of a Halloween fan but I just love these cute little hats.  Find out how to make them at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.

Recipe – Mint Chocolate Oreo Cake

I made this cake awhile ago and just keep forgetting to post the recipe.  The cake uses the “diet” recipe concept, and the “frosting” is actually vanilla pudding mixed with some peppermint extract that’s colored a bright green for a minty hue.  Crush some Oreos, sprinkle on top, and you’re good to go!  It’s incredibly simple to put together – perfect for a last-minute party or occasion you need to bring a dessert to. 

I will be honest – I did not actually try the cake.  I made it for Hubby to bring to work when they did a potluck lunch and I left it in the pan it was baked in, so I didn’t even get to sneak a piece before I sent it off.  However, all his co-workers were raving about how good it was, and since there were no leftovers brought back home to me, I’m thinking that’s a good thing :)

Mint Chocolate Oreo Cake

Ingredients:

• Box of Devil’s Food cake mix
• 1 can diet cola
• 2 egg whites
• 1 package Oreo cookies
• 1 package fat-free vanilla pudding mix (5 minute kind)
• 1  1/2 cups cold milk
• 1-2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract (adjust to how strong you want the minty flavor)
• 3-5 drops of green food coloring (adjust to how green you want the pudding to be)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Let’s Get Baking!

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan generously with the non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, diet cola, and egg whites according to the cake box directions (usually on medium speed for 2 minutes).  Pour mix evenly into the greased pan.  Bake according to cake box directions (usually 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• While the cake is baking, whisk the pudding mix and milk together in a medium bowl until blended (usually about 2 minutes).  Put the pudding mix in the fridge to help it set.
• After the cake is finished baking, let it cool for at least 20 minutes.  While waiting for the cake to cool, put about 2/3 of the package of Oreo cookies into a large ziplock bag.  Crush with a potato smasher, rolling pin, or your hands :)
• Take the pudding out of the fridge, add the peppermint extract in and mix well.  You may need to add more depending upon how minty you would like the flavor to be.  Then add 3 drops of green food coloring to the pudding.  Mix well.  Again, you may need to add more drops if you would like the color a deeper green.
• The pudding will be thick at this point (it should have been setting in the fridge for at least 25 minutes).  Using the back of a large spoon, spread the pudding over the top of the cake. 
• Evenly sprinkle the crushed Oreos over the top of the cake.  Enjoy!

Mmm look at all those Oreos!

 

A couple notes - I made this cake the night before and I’m assuming the Oreos got a little soggy while chilling in the fridge on top of the pudding cake.  It may actually be better that they were softer, but that might be a change you would like to make.  You would just need to crush the Oreos ahead of time and then add them to the top right before serving.  Also, I left the cake in the pan after it cooled so it was easy for transportation and then the pudding could continue to set on the cake overnight.  Not the prettiest presentation option, so I think I would try baking this in a glass pan next time.

Sharing at: Tatertots & Jello, Be Different Act Normal, I Heart Naptime 

Inspiration – Milk & Cookies Party Theme

Came across this adorable idea for a Milk & Cookies themed baby shower…

source for all above pictures

Even though this was for a baby shower, I think the theme could also be a cute birthday party idea for a little kid or maybe even an adult who loves cookies :)  And look at these Rice Krispie treat bars – smart way to eat them without getting the sticky stuff all over your hands!

Go to From Glitter to Gumdrops to see more of this wicked cute shower.

Peppermint Whoopie Pies

I remember last December as just being extremely busy. We moved into our townhouse and then a few weeks later the holidays hit and in January we had our housewarming party. That party was easy in terms of hosting – chips, store-bought dip, veggies, and some appetizers from Trader Joe’s.

Comparing last year’s party to the holiday one we had a few weeks ago in terms of the food we served is pretty different. This year I went all out and probably shouldn’t have bought half the stuff I did and then attempt to make it all. Most of it did get eaten, don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I can’t use parties as an excuse to try a bunch of new recipes at once. I need to make an appetizer for dinner one night for the two of us to share or maybe bring something to a friend’s on the weekend if we hang out. This will be way more cost-effective in the long-run :)

Anyways, back to the party and the recipes I tried out. My favorite was the Peppermint Whoopie Pies, though Hubby is not a fan of minty flavored stuff. I LOVE anything mint so I was pretty excited to try these out. Chocolate + peppermint + some fun sprinkles = a good time

I got this recipe from one of my favorite food blog – The Girl Who Ate Everything. I love love love her recipes – they’re not too difficult, don’t use a lot of weird ingredients, and each one I’ve tried has come out pretty close to perfect. I followed her recipe almost exactly, but added another teaspoon of peppermint extract to make the frosting extra minty.

I call them whoopie pies because they are quite large…they’re definitely not oreo-sized. You will be full after having just one of these things, trust me! I guess for next time I will make the cookies a little smaller and try flattening them a little more so they’re thinner. Technically they are not soft like whoopie pies typically are but you get the idea.

Also – I will definitely put the frosting in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let it thicken a little before frosting the cookies. It was slightly soupy (but that could be because I ran out of confectioner’s sugar and was about 3/4 of a cup short), and I think it would be easier to assemble them if the frosting is slightly thicker. All in all, a great holiday dessert – received lots of compliments on them so I will definitely be making them again next year!