Beginning

Welcome to my blog, thank you for stopping by. If this is your first time to my blog, it's nice to meet you. If you've been here before, welcome back.

My writing journey has begun. The road will have some bumps and detours. I only hope that the first hill is not too high, and the journey is long.














Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Still In The Dark!

Bear with me!  Still in the dark!

     I am making this quick post to let you know that I am still in the dark at home.  I am using a friends computer to make this quick post to say "I have not dropped off the face of the earth!"  I hope power will be restored soon and I will be back posting and visiting all your blogs.  Thank you for sticking with me. - Maeve

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (37)

Wreath
Wreath

Written by:  Judy Christie

     Wreath Wisteria Willis just lost her Mother, the only person she had in this world. Wreath is sixteen, by law, too young to be on her own and has no one to turn to. She peers from out of view of others, while they take her Mother’s body away, turns and flees before she is caught. Wreath has a plan, she made a list (as she always does), she is heading to Landry, where her Mother grew up. Here she will: 1) find a place to live, 2) buy cheap food, 3) finish high school, 4) get a job, and 5) go to college.


     Can a young girl survive, alone, still manage to finish high school and fulfill her and her Mother’s dream that she should go to college? Wreath makes a few friends, not totally allowing them into her inner circle of secrecy. She also wants to protect the people she has come to care about. Wreath learns to trust and blossoms, allowing herself to be loved and at the same time, changes the lives of the people who have come to need and love her, as well. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. I had the great pleasure of reading/reviewing this advanced copy.  This is one book to add to your TBR list, make sure you find room in your calendar and your heart for this wonderful read, it is being published by Barbour Books, and hits the stores in October, 2011.

Wreath Cookies

(Makes 15 cookies)

Ingredients:

For Cookies:

¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, lightly beaten

For Lemon Glaze:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 2 cookie sheets

2) In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the butter until light. Beat in the flour. Set aside.

3)In a small heavy saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar and simmer over low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. In a slow, steady stream, pour the mixture into the flour mixture. Beat in the egg. The dough will be stiff. Gather the dough together and knead on a lightly floured board or pastry cloth until smooth and pliable.

4) Pinch off teaspoonfuls of dough and roll each piece into a very thin pencil shape, about 5 inches long. When all of the pencil shapes have been formed, form ropes by attaching two "pencils" together at one end and rolling and twisting them together for a braided look, then form into a circle and seal the seam. Set about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

5) Bake in the center of the oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden color and firm.

6.) While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk or beat together the confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons juice. Of necessary, add more juice by the teaspoonful until the glaze is smooth and of spreading consistency.

7.) Using a spatula, remove the hot cookies to wire racks. While the cookies are still hot, spread the glaze over the tops. Let stand on the racks until completely cool.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (36)

No Room for Dessert

No Room for Dessert

Written by:  Hallie Durand
Illustrated by:  Christine Davenier

     No Room for Dessert is about Donahue Penelope Schneider, a girl so sweet they nicknamed her Dessert. Dessert is the oldest of four siblings, and she is feeling left out and forgotten by her parents. Dessert sees an opportunity to change all that, when her teacher suggests an invention contest. Nothing goes as Dessert plans. Will she ever get the attention of her parents?


     Dessert is such a fun character. Dessert’s parents own a fondue restaurant. This makes for some fun background to the story. All of the characters in this story are a little quirky and Dessert is so much fun. The illustrations are nicely done. I found the book very entertaining.

     Because of the background of this book and that Hallie Durand likes to visit fondue restaurants to do “research”, I chose this recipe:

Butter Cookies With Chocolate Fondue

Butter Cookie Ingredients:
1 stick of butter
1 cup cup flour
5 tablespoons of sugar
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla
½ teaspoon of cinnamon

Butter Cookie Directions:

     Mix ingredients together and roll into balls. Press down with a fork. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Fondue Ingredients:

1 pound of semisweet chocolate, well chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of espresso powder
have an additional ½ cup of heavy cream on hand to add if the fondue begins to thicken in the fondue pot.

Fondue Directions:

     Use a double boiler or add a couple inches of water to a saucepan and place a glass bowl on the top of the sauce pan. Make sure that the glass bowl is big enough so that it does not touch the water.

     Add chocolate and cream to the glass bowl. As the water starts to simmer stir the chocolate and cream until almost all the chocolate is melted. Turn off heat and add vanilla and espresso. stir until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to fondue pot.

Get ready to Dip!

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (35)

Mallory's Super Sleepover
Mallory's Super Sleepover

Written by:  Laurie Friedman
Illustrated by:  Jennifer Kalis

     Mallory wants to celebrate having just turned ten, by having a sleepover. Mallory and her best friend begin making the plans. Mallory’s parents want her to have a small sleepover, but her best friend Mary Ann has other ideas. Mallory is too excited to say anything. The two girls plan to have a water balloon fight, tell scary stories and have a cupcake decorating contest. The big day is finally here. No one listens to Mallory when things begin to get out of hand. What will happen? Will Mallory have the best sleepover ever, or will it be the worst one ever?


     I enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked the scrapbook part in the back and the good wishes that Mallory extends to the readers, at the end. The story and the illustrations are played out beautifully in this story.  This is a definitely good read for the kids. There is a message to the story about doing the right thing even if it is not what everyone else wants to do.  This book is an Advanced Reader/Review Copy. 

Cupcake Cookie Recipe
(They are made in candy liners and look like miniature cupcakes)


Ingredients:

3 cups graham crackers, finely crushed ( about 40 crackers)
1 cup whipping cream, unwhipped
2 cups miniature chocolate chips
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 lb butter, softened
1 cup pecans or 1 cup walnuts, chopped
vanilla frosting or chocolate frosting

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together.
Fill small candy liners (smaller than the smallest cupcake liners) with dough.
Place side-by-side on cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Cool and frost with white or chocolate frosting.

You can use sprinkles to make them more festive.

Don't Forget The Milk!  
Enjoy! 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (34)

Horrible Harry
Goes Crazy
Horrible Harry Goes Cuckoo By Suzy Kline
Written by:  Suzy Kline
Pictures by: Amy Wummer

     It is a horrible day for Harry. He is starting to go stir-crazy because the weather is still cold and icy and they are not going to have recess outside. He starts to play pranks and getting into trouble. After a scuffle with Sid, Harry and Sid are both sent to the principal’s office. This is all too much for Harry! Will Harry be able to behave or will he go ‘Horribly Cuckoo’? A solution comes to solve Harry’s problems from an unexpected source.


     Horrible Harry is a popular children’s book series. These books are written from the point of view of Harry’s best friend, Doug.  This is a fun book to read.

Cuckoo Pineapple Cookies


Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
9 oz. crushed pineapple
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

     Cream together the shortening, sugar, and egg. Add crushed pineapple, flour, soda, salt, and nutmeg. Spoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!


I'm going to be a Platform-Building Campaigner

Rachael Harrie has put together a terrific campaign: Third Writers’ Platform Building Campaign. Although this is Rachael Harrie's third campaign, it is my first time joining.  I haven't done a campaign before and I am both excited and nervous.  I hope I can keep up with all of the other bloggers.  From what I have read it's a great way to get connected with other writers/bloggers.  I am looking forward to dropping by the other blogs and getting in touch with bloggers, struggling writers and published authors.


The campaign runs from August 22nd until October 31st. The list closes on August 31st, so if you would like to join up here is the link to do so:


http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/2011/08/third-writers-platform-building_02.html

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (33)

Hunter Brown and the Eye of Ends
Hunter Brown and the Eye of Ends

by:  The Miller Brothers

     Hunter Brown and the Eye of Ends is the third book and conclusion in a series. Hunter can’t remember his last trip to Solandria or what happened. He is now returning to Solandria to search for his missing father whom he has not seen in three years. Hunter tries to piece together the pieces of the puzzle of his past. Tonomis, named the Watcher is keeping a close eye on his every move. What began as a simple search for memories quickly leads Hunter into a scary hunt.


     At first, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this story. But, after getting into it, I found that it is told at a good steady pace. Hunter is a character that you enjoyed getting to know while reading this story. Hope you enjoy it, too.

Mystery Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pepper (mystery ingredient)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

     In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add the brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the egg mixture. Stir in raisins and walnuts.

     Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until surface cracks. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Don’t Forget The Milk!

Enjoy!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (32)

Number The Stars
Number the Stars
Written by:  Lois Lowry

     I have recently read Number The Stars by Lois Lowry. This book is about a ten year old girl named Annemarie Johansen and her friend Ellen Rosen. The story told about the Nazis “relocating” the Jews living in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the year 1943 during World War II. Annemarie, with the help of her family try to save her best friend Ellen and Ellen’s family, who are Jews from being discovered by the Nazis. That is how Annemarie becomes involved in some scary encounters while trying to save Ellen’s life.


     Lois Lowry dives into the thoughts of a ten year old girl to tell this tale and does it beautifully. This story shows that there was pride and human decency during a time of terror and war. I am glad I read this book, I hope that you will, too.

Star of David Cookies
(you will need a 6 pointed star cookie cutter available at http://www.amazon.com/)

Ingredients:


1/2 cup (1 stick/4 oz/113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup finely ground walnuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Assorted colored icings, sprinkles and colored sugars

Directions:
     Beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, honey, egg and vanilla in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Stir in flour, walnuts, baking powder and salt until well blended. Form dough into ball; wrap in plastic wrap and flatten. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

     Preheat oven to 350°F.  Lightly grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough, small portion at a time, to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface with lightly floured rolling pin. (Keep remaining dough wrapped in refrigerator.) Cut dough with 2-1/2-inch to 3-inch 6-pointed star cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

     Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cookies stand on cookie sheets 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

     Decorate cookies with colored icings, sprinkles and colored sugars (blue and white are the most traditional colors, but you can use your imagination when decorating cookies).

     Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Don't Forget The Milk! 
Enjoy!

Books With Cookies And Milk 31

Painfully Ordinary
Painfully Ordinary by Stephanie Amox: Book Cover
Written by:  Stephanie Amox

     This is a paranormal/fantasy read. Caitlin and Leah see themselves as painfully ordinary. These two girls know each other well enough, that they could be twins. Until, Caitlin discovers her true identity which changes everything. Discovering just how different she is provides Caitlin lots of dramatic scenes. Caitlin discovers that she is a pixie.  How many girls can bring on a thunderstorm when they are angry?


     Caitlin’s family both blood and magically related are protective of her. She must learn to embrace her birth right and trust in her friends or she risks endangering them all. The various friendships and relationships are believable. There is some exhilarating reading here with some creepiness. 

Chocolate Pixies
(one of my favorite cookies)

Ingredients:

1 Half Stick of butter
4 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Powdered sugar

Directions:

     Melt butter and chocolate in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (8 to 10 minutes). Cool completely (30 minutes).


     Combine melted chocolate mixture, 1 cup flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in remaining flour and nuts. Cover; refrigerate (2 hours).

     Heat oven to 300°F. Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until set.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (30)

SILLY TILLY
Written by:  Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by:  David Slonim

     Tilly is a one-of-a-kind silly goose.  She makes the other barnyard animals laugh with her silly antics.  She takes a bath in apple juice.  She tries to ride the famer's cat.  Is Tilly too silly.  The other barnyard animals start to complain.  Silly stops entertaining them with her antics.  Soon the animals realize it has been a long time since they had a good laugh.  They urge Tilly to go back to her old ways.  Eileen Spinelli's story and David Slonim's illustrations are a perfect match!

Barnyard Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon almond extract

3/4 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 tablesppons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup rice krispies

Directions:

     Beat together until fluffy almond extract, shortening, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract and egg.
     In separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda.
     Add flour mixture to other ingredientsand blend well.
     Stir in chocolate morsels and cereal.
     Place rounded tsp of batter on cookie sheet.
     Bake @ 350 degrees 9-11 minutes.


Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (29)

JACKSON JONES, BOOK 2
Written by:  Jenn Kelly
Illustrated by:  Ariane Elsammak

     To cool off after his brother colored all over his writing notebook, Jackson is left with the task of cleaning out the pool. It would have been a simple job to do if a freak storm had not come along and carried Jackson and the patio umbrella away. Jackson lands in the branches of a very large tree and can’t seem to find his way out. Here he meets a social misfit troll named, Stimple. Stimple has nose hair all the way down to THERE! There are other quirky characters, such as a squawky chicken named Miss Flaversham , a red-eyed rat and a thousand squirrels.


     The story introduces new words with the explanations, for the reader to learn, right there in parenthesis. One of the ones that I liked was Dèjá Vu (explanation: Which Means You’ve Totally Been There Before).

     Before Jackson can go home, he must discover what it really means to put down roots. This story has been imaginatively written and played out.

     In her acknowledgements, Jenn Kelly wishes someone peppermint mochas so, here is a recipe for Peppermint Mocha Cookies:

Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Ingredients:

2 sticks real butter, softened
½ cup sugar
1 ¾ cups brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons peppermint extract OR 10 drops peppermint oil
3 eggs
½ cup instant coffee crystals
3 ¾ cups plain flour
1 cup cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 package Nestle chocolate chip mint pieces
1 package Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips (for garnish)
½ pound White Chocolate Almond Bark (for garnish)

Directions:

     In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Whisk to blend, then set aside.

     In another large mixing bowl, cream together butter and shortening. And the sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Next add the vanilla, peppermint extract or oil, and the eggs. Mix well. Then add the flour/cocoa mixture a cup at a time and mix well. Fold in the Nestle chocolate mint chips. Use a 2 oz cookie dough scoop to place cookie dough on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cookies cool before garnishing. I like to slightly flatten cookies with a spatula while they are warm to remove some of the air, which makes them a little moister, in my opinion.

     To decorate cookies, heat the white chocolate almond bark according to package directions. Spoon melted bark into a disposable cake decorating bag and slightly snip off the tip. Pipe the melted almond bark over each cookie. Sprinkle the Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips over melted white almond bark before it hardens. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container until ready to serve. YUM!

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (28)

JAMBERRY

By:  Bruce Degen

     This story is about a young boy and his bear friend.  The two romp through a world filled will all kinds of berries.  The boy and the bear feast on all kinds of berries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and more.  This is a book with fun illustrations and rhyme.  Bruce Degen did a wonderful job with this story!  If you love berries, you’ll love this story.

Berry Jam Cookies
Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 egg yolks
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup fruit preserves, any flavor

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

     In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and egg yolks. Mix in flour a little bit at a time until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Use your finger or an instrument of similar size to make a well in the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with 1/2 teaspoon of preserves.

     Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Books With Cookies And Milk (27)

The Mystery of the Blue Ring
(The Polk Street Mysteries)

Written by:  Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by:  Blanche Sims

        Second grader, Dawn Bosco wants to be a detective.  She puts her skills to the test when her former best friend, Emily loses her birthday ring with the blue stone.  Some of the kids in the class think that Dawn is a suspect and might have taken the ring.  Dawn is determined to solve the mystery of the missing ring and clear her name.  Intially she thinks she discovered who might have taken the ring, but discovers it is the wrong ring because Emily's ring had a crack in it and this one did not.  Will Dawn find the missing ring and get her best friend back?

Orange Lunch Box Cookies

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup sugar

Directions:

1. Cream margarine or butter, add brown sugar gradually. Add unbeaten egg, grated orange rind and vanilla. Beat well.
2. Add flour sifted with baking powder and salt. Mix well. Chill dough until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
4. Mix granulated sugar and nuts. Roll dough into small balls the size of walnuts. Flatten on greased cookie tin and sprinkle with sugar and nut mixture. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on racks.

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (26)

Carrying Mason

Carrying Mason


Written by: Joyce Magnin

     Luna’s best friend, Mason was killed in an accident and she wants to be a pallbearer at his funeral. Luna is thirteen and has learned a lot in these few years of her life. Mason was Ruby Day’s only child. There was no one else to take care of Ruby Day. Luna decides that she wants to honor Mason’s memory by moving in with his mentally disabled mother.

     Luna’s parents are not sure, that it is a good idea for Luna to go and take care of Ruby Day, at her young age. But, they support her in what she feels she needs to do. Taking care of Ruby Day isn’t easy. Ruby Day does have a job at a grocery store and she goes to work every day. Things seem to be going along fine, until Ruby Day’s aunt appears at the door.

     Aunt Sapphire wants to take her back to the home and it doesn’t seem like there is anything to stop her. Luna discovers why the aunt is so persistent in shipping Ruby Day off. There are some secret papers that have been all taped up, probably by Mason himself. Could these papers help to stop the aunt’s persistence?

     I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story.

Oatmeal Raisinette Cookies
(A Comfort Food Cookie)
Yields 3 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 ¾ cup rolled oats (you can use quick cooking oats, but I like the rolled oats better)
1 ½ cups (11oz bag) of raisinettes

Directions:

     In a large bowl cream the butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs. Add in the vanilla.

     In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk to combine. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Stir in the oats and raisinettes.

     Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on a parchment lined (or greased) cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let these cool for 5 minutes in the pan before you remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (25)

Go Back to Bed!
Go Back To Bed! by Ginger Foglesong Guy
Written by:  Ginger Fogelsong Guy
Illustrated by:  James Bernadin

     It is bedtime for Edwin Dupree, but Edwin is not ready to go to sleep.  He makes up excuse after excuse, not to go to bed.  He creeps downstairs and says he is hungry.  There he discovers his mother has been baking, he imagines that the things she has been baking turns into a room full of treats for him to eat.

     Next, he is thirsty and imagines that the living room is transformed into a water park.  There is bobsleeding with penguins when it is too hot, and a hunt for his teddy bear in a forest before he is able to settle down.

     The thought of going to bed is a problem for many children and here is a wonderful tale, with beautiful illustrations, for this tale so well played out. 

Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookies
(nicely played out recipe)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 (13 ounce) package Rolo candies
4 squares white chocolate, melted

Directions: 

     Preheat oven to 375F degrees.  Cream together the butter and the sugars.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Add in vanilla.  Combine flour, cocoa and baking soda and stir into creamed mixture.  Shape a spoonful of dough around each Rolo.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes.  Cool.  Drizzle with the melted chocolate.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

(Note:  There are two posts today.  I did not have an opportunity to post yesterday!)

Books With Cookies And Milk (24)

Ruthie And The Hippo's Fat Behind
Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind
Written by:  Margot Finke
Illustrated by:  K.C. Snider

     This story is a humorous rhyming picture book.  Rutie had to move from her old home and left her best friend behind.  She is not happy!  Ruthie's mood changed overnight.  The moods grew big and ugly, like a Hippo's fat behind!

     She must now fit into a new school and make new friends, and she isn't happy about having to do so.  Ruthie is becoming rude and acting out.  To find out what changed everything for Ruthie, you will have to read this story.  Author, Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and K.C. Snider's illustrations are wonderful!

Hippo Butt Cookies
(Easy Fun Shaped Cookies)

Ingredients:

1 heart shaped cookie cutter
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 can vanilla frosting
Purple food coloroing.  (if you do not have that mix 4 parts pink with 1 part blue to get the purple).
1 tube of black or brown decorating gel for outlining and tail.

Directions:

     Combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.  Cream together butter and sugar.  Beat in eggs one at a time and then add vanilla.  Gradually add flour mixture until well blended.  Cover and keep in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
 
     Preheat oven to 350F degrees.  Roll dough out onto a lightly floured survace.  Cut out into heart shapes, then cut off bottom point 1/4 way up from tip, straight across.  You will now have a straight edge for the "top of the butt" and two humps at the bottom for the "butt".  Place shapes onto greased cookie sheets.  Bake 6-8 minutes or until very lightly browned.  Remove from cookie sheets and cool. 

Frosting:

     Mix the frosting with the food coloring and spread on top of each cookie in a thin icing.  Next outline the outside edge with the brown or black writing tube and squiggle on a tail in the center.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (23)

American Dream: The New World, Colonial Times, and Hints of Revolution



Written by: Colleen L. Reece, Norma Jean Lutz, Susan Martins Miller

     Maybe, I am partial to this book being a descendant from The Mayflower, myself. I am a descendant of Myles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. Myles Standish’s son married John Alden and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden’s daughter. The stories in this book are historical fiction. There are many famous names worked into the stories. The children in these stories may be fiction but the other people are real.

Sarah’s New World: The Mayflower Adventure by Colleen L. Reece

John and his sister, Sarah are ready for their voyage from Holland to go to the New World, America. Soon it is discovered that the ship that they are traveling on is not seaworthy and they are moved onto the Mayflower. On board there are food shortages and sea sickness. Follow the adventures of John and Sarah as they travel to the New World.

Rebekah in Danger: Peril At Plymouth Colony by Colleen L. Reece

     Rebekah is eleven and traveling on board the Mayflower to the New World. Rebekah, along with the other children see many hardships, sickness and even death. It is not an easy life they lead, they work hard to build their new life in the New World.

Maggie’s Dare: The Great Awakening by Norma Jean Lutz

     Maggie is thirteen and she is not sure how she feels about the slaves her friends own. Maggie sees and learns the difference between peer pressure and doing what is right as she follows her heart.

Lizzie and the Redcoat: Stirrings of Revolution in the American Colonies by Susan Martins Miller

     Lizzie lives in Boston at a time before the Revolutionary War. She shows compassion beyond her years for a British soldier when he is injured. Lizzie must decide where she stands. Can she see past the hatred others have for the redcoats and help this British Soldier?

     You will be transported back in time while reading the stories told in this book.


Molasses Cookies
(While researching my family tree, I discovered that Molasses Cookies were a favorite among the Mayflower voyagers.  )
(This recipe has a special ingredient if you are making a batch for adults, this ingredient allowed the cookies to be kept in barrels on board the ship for a long period of time and still remained moist and delicious, - so, I have read.)

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
3/4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon salt
7 cups flour
2 cups dark molasses
1 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ginger
For Adults: 1/4 cup rum/For Children: ¼ cup water

     Cream shortening and sugar until light. Dissolve salt in water and mix with rum (water). Add baking soda to molasses. Sift flour with spices. Add liquid ingredients alternately with flour mixture to creamed mixture. Stir well between additions. Dough should be sticky. Chill overnight. In the morning, flour board and rolling pin. Roll dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with cutter (each cookie should be the size of the inside of a coffee cup.) Bake in 375 degree oven from 10 to 12 minutes.

Don’t Forget The Milk!

Enjoy!





Saturday, August 13, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (22)

Franklin Goes to School

Franklin Goes to School

Written by:  Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrated by:  Brenda Clark

     Are you getting ready for back to school!  Here is a cute little story about Franklin the turtle and his first day at school.  Franklin was worried about starting school. The first morning he woke up really early and packed his pencil case with a ruler, pencil, eraser, and 12 colored pencils.  Beaver can read, Rabbit can write.  Franklin is worried because he can't do either of these things.  Mr. Owl, the teacher (perfect character choice) notices that Franklin is worried and talks to him about it.  Read how Franklin doesn't need to worry about school anymore and read what he teaches the teacher!

Turtle Cookies

Ingredients:


1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
36 pecan halves
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 3/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Directions:

     Cream butter or margarine, gradually add brown sugar, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

     Add 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and vanilla; beating until well blended.

     Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture, mixing well.

     Chill dough at least 1 hour.

     Arrange pecan halves in groups of 5 on ungreased cookie sheets, resembling head and legs of turtles.

     Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and dip bottoms in remaining egg white. Press gently onto pecans to resemble turtle bodies. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Spread frosting on top of cookies.

     To Make Frosting: Combine chocolate squares, milk and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine in a small saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts. Remove from heat. Add approximately 1 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar; beat until smooth.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!


Friday, August 12, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (21)

Itsy Mitsy
runs away

Itsy Mitsy Runs Away

By:  Elanna Allen

     This book is so adorable.  Itsy Mitsy has had enough of bedtime.  Tonight she is running away.  She wants to go some place where there are no more bedtimes, ever!  This is such a fun story that will pull young preschoolers.  As each page turns, there is more and more opportunity for laughter.  Read how Mitsy packs to run away, packing a snack for Mister Roar and her dog, Pupcake. (how cute is that?)  With some help from her Dad, Mitsy might want to run away tomorrow night, too!


Itsy Bitsy Chocolate Chip Cookies


Ingredients:

5 ounces good-quality semi-sweet chocolate bar
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup walnuts, very, very finely chopped (by hand)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw sugar


Directions:

     Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Line a couple baking sheets with parchment paper.

     Finely chop the chocolate bar into 1/8-inch pieces, more like shavings really. Try to avoid big lumps and chunks, which make flattening out the cookie dough later more difficult.

     In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, walnuts, and shaved chocolate. Set aside.

     Using a mixer (or by hand) beat the butter until fluffy. Beat in the sugar and mix until it is also light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Beat in the molasses, then the egg, mixing until both are well incorporated, scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Beat in the vanilla. Add the flour mix and stir by hand until the ingredients barely come together into a uniform dough.

     Scoop out the dough in exact, level teaspoons. I then tear those pieces of dough in two before rolling each 1/2 teaspoon of dough into a ball shape. Place two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each dough ball into a thin, round patty with two fingers and then sprinkle the top of each cookie with a pinch of raw sugar. Bake for 7 minutes or until cookies are golden. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack.

Makes about 12 dozen tiny, bite-sized cookies.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (20)

Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown

Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown (A Is for Amber)
Written by:  Paula Danziger
Illustrated by:  Tony Ross

     A messy desk never bothered Amber before, but now that there is a treat involved from the "Deskarina" (the desk fairy), she may just change her mind to keep her desk clean.  After being passed over for the special treat and watching the other students receive their award, Amber is going to give it a try and keep her desk clean.

     Amber discovers that she can put her trash in the garbage can, instead of her desk.  Now things are organized and easier to find.  This is a cute imaginative book on a daily issue with students and their messy desks.  This book made me laugh.

PB&J Cookies


Ingredients:

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup honey
2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 cup (about) fruit jelly, jam, or preserves

Directions:

     Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

     In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt until evenly mixed. Add peanut butter and butter. Using a mixer, blend on medium speed until crumbly, about 3 minutes. Add honey and milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. Mixture will be very thick.

      Roll dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Using your thumb or finger, press an indentation into the center of each ball, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Fill each cookie with jelly, jam or preserves. (A recycled plastic honey bear squirt bottle works well for this purpose.)

     Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Let baked cookies cool 10 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely. Store peanut butter and jelly cookies in an airtight container.

Yield: about 4 dozen cookies
Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (19)

I, Emma Freke
Written by:  Elizabeth Atkinson

     Emma is 12 years old, almost 6 feet tall, and was given the name of Emma Freke at birth. You would think that her mother would at least have sounded out her name before actually giving it to Emma!


     Emma is out of place and invisible at school. Her mom decides to give her a thoughtful gift this year for her birthday, Home-schooling at the public library. She also receives an invitation to a Freke family reunion in Wisconsin. There she gets to meet the family of the father she never met.

     This is a fun story of a young girl how thinks she is a freak. Read how Emma desperately tries to grow into herself and whether or not she is a “freak” or even a “Freke”. I, Emma Freke is about just enjoying who you areand letting go of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I hope you do, too!


Thin Mint Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter, separate from the other

Directions:

     Beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, mint extract and chopped mint leaves. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt together in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients mixture in parts, about 1/3 at a time and beating well after each addition. Divide the cookie dough in half. Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the thin mint cookie dough up from the long end into a long, tight roll about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 5-6 hours). When you’re preparing to bake, put your rolls of thin mint cookie dough in the freezer.

     Get out your cookie sheets and preheat your oven to 350 degrees. After a half hour or so, pull out your cookie dough rolls and slice them 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick with a sharp knife. If you had trouble rolling your dough into a long roll and your cookies are a little thin, feel free to squish your disc down a bit if you like. Bake about 10 minutes minutes.

     While the cookies are cooling, melt your butter and chopped chocolate in a double boiler, stirring semi-constantly to avoid it scalding or burning. While the cookies are warm but nearing room temperature, plop them in the chocolate mixture and turn over once or twice to coat completely, then cool on a wire rack with waxed paper below it to catch the drippings, or directly on wax or parchment paper if you want.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (18)

B is for Bufflehead

B is for Bufflehead
Photographs and Text by:  Steve Hutchcraft



     This is an ABC Photobook.  Fly through the ABC's with your child.  There are beautiful pictures of all types of birds/ducks, etc., with funfacts to entertain and educate.  Bufflehead is one of the featured ducks in the book, it is also one of the smallest ducks around.  See why the Bufflehead and many others get their name.  A fun to learn and read book.

Sunflower Seed Cookies 
(This cookie is a chewy, nutty, buttery, brown sugarish delight.)

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup raw sugar
1 cup of butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups quick oats
1 cup sunflower seeds

Directions:

     Place first 5 ingredients in your mixing bowl. Add next 4 ingredients. Mix. Now add the oats and seeds. Drop by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 12 minutes for a softer chewier cookie, or 15 minutes for a crispier cookie.

p.s. You could easily add chocolate chips or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries to this recipe.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (17)

Bed Hog
Bed Hog
Written by:  Georgette Noullet
Illustrated by:  David Slonim
Published by:  Marshall Cavendish Corporation

     Now, how can you resist reading this book, once you have looked into Bailey's eyes.  Bailey is the family dog, and is just looking for a comfortable place to sleep.  Every night, Bailey travels from room to room.  He starts with Brother's room, here Brother tosses and turns.  He moves onto Sister's room, she is surrounded by her stuffed animals, and it goes on from there.  Finally, Bailey returns to Brother's room and settles back in.  The illustrations are wonderful, in this almost-wordless book. 

     This is a great bedtime story!


Honey-butter Biscuit Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
5/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups all purpose flour.

Directions:

     Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Cream butter, honey and add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder and mix well; gradually add flour and mix until semi-soft dough forms.  Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

     Bake for 10 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.  Remove from oven and immediately remove from cookie sheets.

     Let cool and serve warm or cold.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (16)

Pearl

Pearl by Jo Knowles
Written by:  Jo Knowles
Published by:  Henry Holt

I SO recommend this book!

     When I heard that this book was coming out on July 19th, I made sure I was at the book store to get it!  I knew it was a must-read, and I read this book in ONE sitting! 

     Bean, whose real name is Pearl, is the main character of the story.  Henry is her best friend.  Bean and Henry spend their summer watching Soaps.  The characters are great, and realistically flawed.  Bean's mother is usually suffering from a hangover and Henry's mother has not left the house in years. 

     Bean's grandfather is the only father figure she has known.  When Gus dies, Bean struggles with the unusual reaction her mother has; she seems happier.  Bean is shocked to discover that the Gus she knew and loved was not the Gus that her mother knew.  Gus' death opens a can of worms and family secrets spill out.  There were twists and turns that kept me guessing and wondering what would come next.

     If you want to know what happens to Bean and Henry, you must get this book for yourself.  I loved it!

     On this post, I have an additional note:  I have been privileged to attend two SCBWI events where Jo Knowles was speaking.  She is warm, engaging and grounded.  Jo puts her heart and soul not only in her books, but in her speaking engagements, as well.  I have been influenced by her passion for writing.  Twenty years from now we will still be reading and learning from Jo Knowles!

Pearl Cookies Recipe
(no baking and just for fun)
Ingredients:

Wafer Cookies (your choice of kind)
Pink Icing
White Icing
Black gel frosting (to dot eyes)
Yogurt Covered Peanuts

Directions:Take one wafer cookie and smear pink icing on it.

Put your Yogurt covered peanut on the pink icing.
Take your other wafer cookie and put two dots of white frosting for eyes.
Then put 2 dots of black gel on eyes.
Then stick your other cookie on top and stick it in the icing a little bit. So it looks half open like picture above.

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (15)

The Clearing
By:  Anne Riley

     "The Clearing" is so amazingly written - it is a must read for both the young adult and adult.  You can feel the energy in this book right from the start.  This novel is full of suspense.  The characters are well thought out with strong voices.  There are two central characters in this story, Natalie who is bullied and humiliated by others had her boarding school, and Liam who is full of mystery. 

     The clearing is an area in the woods, near the school.  It holds mysteries from three hundred years past.  The story pulls the reader in, allowing them to visualize the clearing and the stories it holds.  Liam helps Natalie travel to the "other side".  Read as Natalie must face the truth about her past and her struggle to save her future. 

     I have been fortunate enough to have an autographed copy of Anne Riley's, "The Clearing".  Even if I wasn't given this wonderful story, I would have bought it for myself.  Anne is truly a gifted writer.  I highly recommend this novel.

     Anne, thank you for this wonderful gift!

Rocky Road Cookie-Bars
(no bake - makes 40)

Ingredients:

1 bag chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups salted peanuts
1 package miniature marshmallows.

Directions:

     In a heavy saucepan, over low heat melt chocolate chips with condensed milk and butter.  Remove from heat to cool lightly.  Set aside.

     In a large bowl combine peanuts and marshmallows, fold into chocolate mixture.

     Ina 13"x9" pan lined with waxed paper, spread mixture evenly.  Chill for 2 hours or until firm.

     Remove, peel of wax paper and cut into squares.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

    

Friday, August 5, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (14)

The Hiccupotamus
By:  Aaron Zenz
Published by:  Marshall Cavendish

     A Hippo with a bad case of the hiccups!  This is a fun read a loud book to a child.  Clever Rhymes and cute illustrations. 

The Poop Cookies
(no-bake)
Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
Waxed paper

Directions:

     In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

Don’t Forget The Milk!

Enjoy!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (13)

Faith And The Camp Snob

Faith and the Camp Snob

Written by: Jen Jones

Published by: Capstone

     This is the first volume in the Team Cheer Series. The story describes Faith’s experiences at Cheerleading Camp. Faith doesn’t think she is a typical cheerleader. There is one girl at camp who is a total snob and she gives Faith a hard time. Faith wants to fit in and prove to the squad she belongs there.

     I really like the way the book is set up with “Cheerleading Scrapbook” pages in between each chapter. There are plenty of cheerleading phrases with a glossary at the back for reference.  I thought the book was really well written and very entertaining.

Cherry Pom-Pom Cookies
Ingredients:

1 cup flour
½ tsp. baking powder
½ cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons cherry Jello
1 (sm.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding
2 eggs, separated
3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon almond extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts
¾ cup grated coconut
1 teaspoon water
3 cups flaked coconut

Directions:

     Combine flour and baking powder. In large bowl, combine oil, gelatin, pudding mix, and egg yolks. Blend well. Add dry ingredients, milk, and almond extract. Blend well. Stir in walnuts and grated coconut. Shape in balls of 1 teaspoon each. Slightly beat egg whites with water. Roll balls in egg whites and then in flaked coconut. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet until coconut is light brown.

Makes about 40 cookies.

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (12)

Peter Nimble
and His
Fantastic Eyes
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, Jonathan Auxier, Hardcover
Written by:  Jonathan Auxier

     I had the great fortune of reading Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes! As a baby, Peter was orphaned and set afloat in a basket, blinded by a raven who had pecked out his eyes. Peter Nimble was brought into the world of thievery. The characters of the story bring added life and intrigue. Come meet Professor Cake, Miss Molasses, Sir Tode, The Missing Ones and Peg; learn about the Night Patrol. Read how Peter comes in possession of the Fantastic Eyes.


     There are obstacles, excitement and mystery, enough to carry you into the world of Peter Nimble and the world of the Fantastic Eyes. There are three pairs of magical eyes that take Peter on a journey of adventure and discovery to his true identity.

     Jonathan Auxier has crafted a tale of unforgettable adventure, you will feel you, too, have a pair of the Fantastic Eyes.

Cracked Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour

Directions:

     Mix butter, sugar and eggs on medium, blend in baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, vanilla and flour.

     Shape dough into 1” balls. Place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

     Bake at 300F degrees for 10 minutes, till tops are slightly cracked, and sides are set. Transfer to wire rack; cool.

Makes about 48 cookies.

Don’t Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (11)

It All Began With A Bean
It All Began With a Bean: The True Story of the World’s Bigg..., Katie McKy, Paperback
Written by:  Katie McKy
Illustrated by:  Tracy Hill
Published by:  Tanglewood Press, LLC

     What child doesn't think a fart is funny?  Did you know that everyone farts?  Even teachers fart.  Here is a humorous story about the world's biggest fart and how it came about.  Will this be the end of the world?  This story is cute and funny at the same time.  A clever look at one of life's embarrassing moments.

Butterfinger Cookies

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 large egg
1 cup (about 3) 2 ounce bars, coarsley chopped Butterfinger candy bars.

Directions:

     Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.  Beat sugar and salt in small bowl.  Beat sugar and butter in a larger bowl, until creamy.  Beat in egg, gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in Butterfingers.  Drop by slightly rounded tablespppon onto ungreased baking sheet.

     Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes.  Remove to racks.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Books With Cookies And Milk (10)

For the month of August, I am going to do something a little bit different.  I am going to post a daily Books With Cookies And Milk.  Everyday, I will post at least one new book.  They will be a mixture of genres.  I have read so many wonderful books and have a supply of more wonderful books to read.  I'd like to share them with you.  Of course, with each of these posts I will post a cookie recipe.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

A Kiss Goodbye
Kiss Goodbye, Audrey Penn, Hardcover
written by:  Audrey Penn
Illlustrated by:  Barbara Leonard Gibson
Published by:  Tanglewood Press, LLC

     Chester Racoon is not happy about having to move.  His Mother wants him to look at the move as if it was an adventure, but Chester has not had much success with adventures.  Chester didn't want to leave his tree.  Follow along while Chester moves to his new home and finds a new friend.  Moving isn't so bad after all!

The Kissing Hand
The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn, Hardcover
Written by:  Audrey Penn
Illustrated by:  Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Published by:  Tanglewood Press, LLC

     Chester Racoon didn't want to go to school.  He wanted to stay home and play with his friends.  His Mother told him the story of The Kissing Hand to help comfort him through his worries.  Chester finds reassurance and knows he is loved, and Chester loves back.

Chester Racoon And The Big Bad Bully
Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully, Audrey Penn, Hardcover
Written by:  Audrey Penn
Illustrated by:  Barbara L. Gibson
Published by:  Tanglewood Press, LLC

     Chester and his friends learn how to deal with a bully.  With togetherness and showing no fear they win the bully over and have him join in their game playing and find a new friend. 

     These stories are heartwarming tales.  The would be a comfort to any child in a scary situation, a move or starting school.  Audrey Penn tells the magic of The Kissing Hand in each one of these stories.  Each of the illustrators have done such a great job with the detail on each of the pages.

Mocha Logs

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teasboon baking powder
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate pieces, melted and cooled
4 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

Directions:

     In a medium bowl beat, butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.  Add sugar and coffee until combined.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  Beat in flour.

     Using a star plate in a cookie press, squeeze out 3" long strips onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Transfer to wire racks. 

     Dip ends of cookies into melted chocolate.  Sprinkle nuts over chocolate.

Makes about 72 cookies.

Don't Forget The Milk!
Enjoy!

     I love these Chester Racoon stories.  I'll have another posting about Chester later this month.