Just Stop It- Pumpkin Oat-filled Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fall is here! There is something about the change of seasons that makes me want to bake. It’s like a little celebration for Fall. “Welcome! We are so glad you are here.” Last year I made a Toffee Pumpkin Cookie and a different Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie that we all enjoyed. I wanted to try something a little different this time. These little Fall babies are full of autumn spice and happiness. We are on our 2nd batch in week two of Fall. Enjoy the changing leaves, pumpkin everything, and cooler weather. Life is worth singing and dancing about! Looking Forward!- Amanda

IMG_5857

Just Stop It- Pumpkin Oat-filled Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 t salt
1/4 t ground ginger
1 3/4 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 cups packed light-brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 t vanilla
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whip together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in egg then blend in vanilla, and pumpkin puree. With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add in chocolate chips and pecans. Let cookie dough set for 10 minutes.
Scoop dough out 2 Tbsp at a time and drop onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing cookies 2-inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. You do not want to over bake. Allow to cool on baking sheet several minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 5 dozen.

I’m a New Georgia Peach Cobbler

Well, it has been awhile! I still have been cooking, dancing, and singing in the kitchen. However, we have an addition that has joined in on the fun. My beautiful baby boy loves to bounce with Mommy in the kitchen. Also we have a new kitchen, in a new state, where our adventure has continued.
It seemed fitting to make a dessert that honors my new home. Georgia Peaches are just as sweet as all the songs proclaim them to be. This cobbler is so simple. Pop it in the oven when you begin dinner. It will be ready to make its appearance when you are ready for dessert.
Enjoy!
(Thanks for waiting patiently for new recipes! There are more to come between raising my sweet boys and setting up our new home.)

20140717-220222-79342545.jpg

I’m a New Georgia Peach Cobbler

1/2 cup sugar
Juice and rind of 1 lemon
1/4 t almond extract
2 cups sliced and peeled Georgia peaches
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup milk
2 t baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted

Combine 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, lemon rind, and almond extract in a bowl. Mix well. Sprinkle mixture over peaches. Set peaches aside.
Mix 1 cup sugar, flour, milk, and baking powder in a bowl. Melt butter in a 2 quart baking dish. Spoon the batter into the baking dish. Spread the peach mixture over the top; do not stir.
Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.
It just seems right to serve this peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.

Squares of Happiness

It would not be the holidays if you didn’t try a new recipe. This year my mom whipped up these little treats. The recipe comes from Trisha Yearwood. Trisha has become known as a sassy little thing in the kitchen.  These little chocolate and peanut butter treats are dreamy and the pretzel bottom gives a complete tasty finish.  And come on- no baking needed.  Enjoy!- Amanda

Squares of Happiness

Squares of Happiness (No-Bake Pretzel Peanut Butter Squares)

1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
2 cups pretzel rods or sticks, crushed into crumbs
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup plus 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, pretzel crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and 1 cup of the peanut butter and stir together until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking dish.
Combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and smooth; two times should be enough. Mix to blend, then spread over the peanut butter-pretzel layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Merry Christmas Cobbler

Seriously, Cobbler is just happiness.  And top it with ice cream- enough said.  Merry Christmas Cobbler is a holiday favorite in this house.  Basically if you want to taste Christmas- here you go!  Perfect to pop in the oven as you sit down to dinner and it’s ready for dessert.  Serve in fun individual containers.  (This is such a favorite that Chris requested it for his birthday in March!  And we still called it Merry Christmas Cobbler.)
Happy Christmas Eve! -Amanda

photo-105

Merry Christmas Cobbler

2 sticks of butter, softened

1 box yellow cake mix

1 t nutmeg

1/2 pecans, chopped

1 can peach pie filling

1 can whole berry cranberry

Cut butter into cake mix using a pastry blender.  Make sure the butter is thoroughly mixed into cake mix.  Add nutmeg and pecans.  Mix well.  Put peach pie filling and cranberries into lightly greased greased glass pan.  Crumble cake mixture over filling.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Serve warm topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

Pretzel M&M Hugs

Yes, they are simple!  Requiring no thought at all.  But for some reason these little no-brainers are quickly gobbled up at holiday gatherings.  Of course these have a little Christmas flair.  You can see how easily they can be used at any holiday just change out the M&M color.  Perfect treat to have the little ones help out on.  Get those little fingers busy unwrapping Hugs and arranging them on pretzels.  This time of year it’s nice to have a simple kitchen treat!- Amanda

photo-104

Pretzel M&M Hugs

60 square pretzels

60 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (almost a full bag- 12 oz package), unwrapped

60 Milk Chocolate M&M’s (for Christmas use the red and green)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Arrange pretzels on cookie sheet in a single layer then top each pretzel with one Hershey’s Hug chocolate. Bake for 5 minutes, until the chocolate is shiny and soft. The Hug will still have its shape.

Remove from oven and carefully place one M&M in the center of each soft Hug and press down on M&M to spread the chocolate. Place in refrigerator and allow to rest until chocolate has set, about 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball

Christmas time is here!  I’m always looking for a fun dessert to share at gatherings.  Every time I bring my Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball, friends are asking for the recipe.  It’s easy and makes a great presetation on your plate.  Perfect for making early and serving when it’s time for dessert.  Enjoy!- Amanda

photo-103

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball

8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 t vanilla

3/4 cup powdered sugar

6 oz. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup finely chopped and lightly toasted pecans

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove and shape into a ball. Roll cheese ball in nuts.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Serve with chocolate graham crackers.  (Regular graham crackers work too!)