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.  :)

salted caramel bars

I got this recipe from my mom, who got it from our friend (and amazing cook) Natalie Harris.  Whenever my mom makes these I get (a little too) excited.  They are so good... and so bad.  But mostly SO GOOD!

Combine the following to form a soft dough:

4 sticks butter, softened
1 c sugar
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
2 tbsp vanilla
4 c flour


When soft dough is formed, put 2/3 of it into a 9 x 13 greased pan.  Press gently into pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.  When done let cool for an additional 15 minutes.


Melt together the following ingredients then pour over cooled crust:

1 14oz bag caramels
1/3 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla


Drop remaining dough on top.  Sprinkle with coarse salt (1 tbsp).  Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

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

artichoke dip

This artichoke dip (not to be confused with spinach artichoke dip) is amazing.  I got it from a past roommate who made it for a party.  When you read these ingredients, you might not think this recipe will taste good.  I assure you, it. is. so. good.  Perfect party dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or little bread slices, etc.  Enjoy.

Artichoke Dip

1 cup mayo

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

8 oz. cream cheese

1 can cut artichoke hearts (not marinated)

Blend all ingredients except artichoke hearts together.  Gently fold in artichoke hearts.  

Bake in glass pie pan for 45 mins at 325 degrees. 

sweet potatoes with pecan streusel

I made this sweet potato souffle for Thanksgiving last year, and it was a hit.  Absolutely delicious!  I found the recipe via Pinterest HERE.  I made a few alterations to the recipe (i.e. subbing pecans for walnuts as my family is allergic).  I will definitely make this many times again!

Ingredients:
3 sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch salt


For the streusel:
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)


Directions:
Microwave the sweet potatoes on high for 13-15 minutes.

Once sweet potatoes are cooked, slice in half and scoop out the centers into a bowl leaving a 1/4 inch border of sweet potato with the skin. Mix in brown sugar, butter, salt and cinnamon until smooth. Using a large tipped pastry bag, pipe filling back into sweet potato shells (or spoon it back in).

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for streusel except marshmallows and mix together until butter starts to warm and ingredients start sticking together. Top the filled sweet potatoes with the streusel and bake 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle on marshmallows.  Continue to bake for five minutes.  Serve warm.

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!