chocolate shortbread cookies

Rich, rich chocolaty, salty, sweet cookie goodness.  Enjoy!

Mix together the following ingredients to form a dough:

2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 c sugar
2 c flour
1/4 tsp salt


Grease 9 x 13 pan.  Press just a little more than half of the dough into pan to make a thin crust.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  Let cool.


Melt together the following ingredients, stirring while melting:

1 c milk chocolate chips (you'll need a whole bag overall for the recipe)
1 small can sweetened condensed milk


When melted, pour over crust.  Add remainder of chocolate chips from bag and stir into remaining dough.  Push on top of melted chocolate mixture just enough that a little bit of melted chocolate pokes through the top layer of dough here and there.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.


*I don't have a photo of these so the image in this post shows the general idea.  :)

golden grahams s'mores

My mom is famous for this recipe.  Whenever there's a party at Melanie's house, a camping trip, a party that Melanie is taking treats to, a missionary package sent, etc., these are a staple.  Thus, to me, they are a sentimental treat (and so yummy to boot!).  Enjoy.

Golden Grahams S'mores 

Ingredients:

1 small box Golden Grahams cereal
1/2 stick butter
1/4 c karo syrup
1 large bag of mini marshmallows
1 bag milk chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:
Grease a 9x13 pan with butter or margarine
Melt butter and karo syrup together on low heat
Add chocolate chips and 2/3 of the bag of marshmallows, continue to melt on low
Add 1 tsp vanilla
Remove from heat
Add cereal and remaining marshmallows, stir until coated
Press into pan and let set

world's best chocolate chip cookies

This recipe comes from a high school friend, Lauren Pitt.  I make these ALL the time and they are quite honestly the BEST chocolate chip cookies I've ever had!  They're the perfect ratio of salty and sweet.  Mmmmm.


2 c shortening (I use butter flavored Crisco, it's the secret)
2 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla*
5 c flour
2 tsp salt*
2 tsp baking soda
1 bag chocolate chips (Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips work best)


In an electric mixer cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla til fluffy.  Mix in salt and baking soda.  Slowly add flour.  Don't over-mix.  Mix in chocolate chips by hand.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes (until barely brown - do NOT overbake).  Immediately remove from pan and let cool.


*When I make these I am generous with the vanilla and salt.  I probably do about 3 tsp each rather than 2.  Makes them extra delish.

homemade oreos with cream cheese frosting

 I promise these are the best homemade oreos you will ever have.  They fly off the plate.


Oreo cookies:

2 boxes devils food cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines brand)
1 1/2 c crisco (butter flavored)
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients in mixer until well blended.  Roll into small balls and place on un-greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes.  You'll know to take them out when they appear to begin to crack slightly.  Remove from pan and let cool before frosting.


Cream cheese frosting:

8 oz cold cream cheese
5 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp vanilla
2 c powdered sugar

Beat first three ingredients, then gradually add the powdered sugar.  Add food coloring if desired.  So good on these homemade oreos!