Frozen Key Lime Pie

Note: I was sent some baking tools from OXO in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone.

Every December, I love to share a recipe to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, which is why I’m bringing you this delicious Frozen Key Lime Pie!

Every year, OXO supports Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and the fight against pediatric cancer.  To date there have been 14,000 grassroots fundraising events in all 50 states and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted more than $18 million to the leading pediatric cancer research centers across the country. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (CFKC) is a nonprofit founded by two OXO employees after their son, Liam, was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Through grassroots bake sales across the country, CFKC raises funds to develop new, improved and less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Liam Witt’s legacy lives on as the organization works toward a cure for pediatric cancer, helping children and families everywhere.

Here are some of my old cookie swap and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer posts, in case you’re in a baking mood (this is my tenth year participating!):

Every year, OXO supports CFKC by encouraging people to bake and share. To help inspire me to get backing, OXO sent me (paid links):

  • Steel Pie Server: Designed to cut and serve with comfort, efficiency and style
  • Glass Pie Plate with Lid: Perfect for pies, quiches, crumbles and more; easy to take from freezer to oven to table (or potluck!)
  • CFKC + OXO “Be a Good Cookie” Spatula: These silicone spatulas are the perfect size for removing freshly baked cookies, even the most delicate

For every cookie or dessert baked, OXO donates $1 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer up to $100,000, so let’s get to that Key Lime Pie recipe!

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers (24 squares)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Key Lime Filling:

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup Key lime juice
  • the zest of 1 Key lime

Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional topping:

  • 1 Key lime, thinly sliced

Continue reading Frozen Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Creme De Menthe Cookies

Note: I was sent some baking tools from OXO in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone.

It’s that time of year again – OXO’s Bake a Difference Campaign is live! Every year, OXO supports Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and the fight against pediatric cancer. Before I share my cookie recipe, I wanted to tell you a bit about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (CFKC) is a nonprofit founded by two OXO employees after their son, Liam, was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Through grassroots bake sales across the country, CFKC raises funds to develop new, improved and less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Liam Witt’s legacy lives on as the organization works toward a cure for pediatric cancer, helping children and families everywhere.

Every year, OXO supports CFKC by encouraging people to bake and share. OXO sent me a bunch of baking goodies to help me get my creative juices flowing so I can share a new cookie recipe. This year’s kit included a 3-Piece Silicone Spatula SetSilicone Baking Cups (paid link)Non-Stick Pro 2 Piece Sheet Pan Set, and 3-Piece POP Round Canister Graduated Set.

For every cookie baked, OXO donates $1 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer up to $100,000, so here is my new cookie this year to support the cause and spread the word!

Here are some of my old cookie swap and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer posts, in case you’re in a baking mood:

To help support, you can also register for the Bake a Difference campaign and host a virtual bake sale or an in-person event!

Moving to this year’s cookie: These Creme de Menthe Cookies are chocolate crinkle cookies with a chocolatey mint center. It is based off a cookie recipe I found in an Amish Community Cookbook (paid link) I’ve had for years.

Ingredients (makes about 3 dozen cookies):

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coffee
  • 1 teaspoon coffee extract (can substitute vanilla extract)
  • 1 (12 oz package) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup Andes mint baking chips (paid link)

Continue reading Chocolate Creme De Menthe Cookies

Valentine’s Day Almond Flour Brownies

I’m so excited to be a part of the 2021 Good Cookie Food Blogger’s Valentine’s event this year! The event brings a bunch of food bloggers together to post a Valentine’s Day themed recipe as a way to bring awareness and hopefully raise some money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, so I decided to make these Valentine’s Day Almond Flour Brownies.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization committed to funding new therapies used in the fight against pediatric cancer. This is an organization that I try to bring awareness to whenever I can. This is actually my 12th post highlighting them!

Cancer is the #1 cause of death of children by disease in the U.S. There are 40,000 U.S. children actively battling cancer right now. The National Cancer Institute’s budget for childhood cancer is less than 4%. It’s such a small number and that’s why I got involved. And with the ongoing pandemic, children are still being diagnosed with cancer. It’s imperative that we raise awareness and continue to raise funds to fund the ongoing pediatric cancer research!

Help us make a difference by donating to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer! Our goal is to raise at least $3000. Because  OXOMediavine  and Dixie Crystals have each pledged to match our donations raised through this campaign up to $3000! That means when we raise $1, it turns into $4!

Thank you to so many of you who have already donated, please help us reach our goal so we can get the full matching donations and help us make an even huge difference! So if you’re in a position to do so please consider donating today.

Now for the recipe. This recipe was inspired by my husband, who I’m pretty sure has never met a dessert he didn’t like. He is particularly fond of anything chocolatey and covered in sprinkles. So I decided to bake him chocolate almond flour brownies topped with heart sprinkles.

Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • sprinkles, if desired

Continue reading Valentine’s Day Almond Flour Brownies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Note: I was sent some baking tools from OXO in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone.

If you follow this blog, you know I am a huge fan of OXO-branded, well, anything. And every year, OXO helps to raise funds for childhood pediatric cancer research, supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. In order to bring awareness to this organization each year, OXO has organized food blogger cookie swaps, which I’ve participated in since 2012.

Here are some of my old cookie swap and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer posts, in case you’re in a baking mood:

This year is a bit different. Instead, OXO is sponsoring The Cookie Chain, which empowers people to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and awareness of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer by baking, sending, and sharing packaged cookies to friends and loved ones. Participants can sign up via Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for a Cookie Chain kit including cookie bags, stickers and postcards about the promotion.

source: cookies for kids’ cancer

In the hopes of getting as many people involved as possible, I jumped at the chance to set up my own Fundraising page and got to baking! To help me get my bake on, OXO sent over some of their awesome baking tools. Here are some more details on those baking tools:

  • Silicone Baking Mat (paid link): The OXO Good Grips 2 Piece Half-Sheet Pan and Baking Mat Set is the perfect pair for any baking adventure. The reusable Silicone Baking Mat replaces parchment by transforming sheet pans into a non-stick surface. The food-safe silicone and fiberglass construction resists grease and residue and fits perfectly into the Half-Sheet Pan. Dishwasher safe. The Non-Stick Pro Half-Sheet pan is made from durable commercial-grade aluminized steel with a micro-textured pattern that promotes airflow under and around food for even, consistent cooking. The two-layer scratch- and stain-resistant coating is PFOA free and ceramic reinforced for exceptional performance for years to come.
  • 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set: Non-slip bottoms ensure the Mixing Bowls stay put on countertops and feature a soft, comfortable handle that’s easy to grip. The wide lip and spout make it easy to pour ingredients. Bowls nest for convenient storage.
  • Dough Whisk: When it comes to mixing dough by hand, a spoon just won’t cut it. You need a dedicated dough whisk to cut through thick dough. The solid stainless steel wires prevent sticking while the unique shape incorporates wet and dry ingredients with less effort. The innovative handle shape and soft, comfortable grip reduce pressure on your hands to prevent fatigue while you work. Once your cookies are in the oven, it’s easy to clean dough from between the coils. Dishwasher safe.
  • Medium Cookie Scoop: This size 40 portioner is designed for easy scooping and consistent shaping. The soft grip absorbs pressure while you squeeze to smoothly release your cookie dough. Dishwasher safe.
  • Baker’s Dusting Wand: With a quick twist to open and close, and a half-solid, half-perforated globe design, the Baker’s Dusting Wand is designed to prevent clumps, dumps and powdery messes. Perforation allows for evenly floured baking pans and lightly dusted baked goods. Sized to fit in most flour containers for storage.
These baking tools were the perfect excuse to make a cookie recipe I had been eyeing up for a while now, Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies!
My recipe is based off a NYT Cooking recipe that can be found here. This recipe utilized both baking powder and baking soda so that the cookies rise and then fall quickly, created the crinkled effect on the cookies.
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 (0.67 oz) tube of red food coloring gel (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more as needed

Continue reading Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Note: I was sent a holiday cookie decorating gift basket from De’Longhi, and one to give away. All opinions are mine alone.

With the holidays upon us, it’s always nice to find extra ways to give back. This season, De’Longhi, an international leader in household appliances, is helping to give back by donating 10% of its delonghi.us sales site-wide until December 20th to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric cancer, the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. For the first time, CookiesforKids’ Cancer has launched a Challenge Gift Campaign where all of the money raised from now to December 31st will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $250K. Visit Delonghi.us to purchase products and see all of the great holiday gift ideas De’Longhi has to offer. Visit Cookiesforkidscancer.org for more information on ways to donate!

To help spread the word, De’Longhi sent me a holiday cookie decorated gift basket to help make some yummy cookies which included The Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Cookbook.

The gift box includes:

  • set of holiday cookie cutters
  • 3-pack of holiday colored icing
  • pair of cappuccino glasses
  • coffee
  • Cookies for Kids’ Cancer: Best Bake Sale Cookbook

I decided to make the cookie that started it all, a recipe for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies that was developed for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer’s first bake sale.

This recipe is legit.  They are the perfect balance of chewy, buttery, and chocolately. It’s no wonder the recipe is so popular!

De’Longhi was generous enough to also make a holiday cookie decorating gift basket for an I Can Cook That reader! More details on the giveaway after the recipe.

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb  (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Continue reading Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Apple Butter Swirled Gingerbread Bars

Note: I was sent a Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid, Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish with Lid, Brownie Spatula, and Illuminating Digital Hand Mixer from OXO. All opinions are my own. 
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, OXO donates up to $100,000 to support an organization called Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. The organization was founded by two OXOnians (OXO employees) who were inspired by their son Liam’s battle with pediatric cancer, a disease which claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides inspiration and support to allow anyone to easily get involved in fundraising to find a cure for pediatric cancer.
I’ve posted twice a year for the last few years to help bring awareness to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Click here to see some of my past posts.
Each year, OXO donates $100 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for each blogger post up to their $100,000 commitment. This year, OXO asked us to use a recipe from Dorie Greenspan’s newest cookbook, Dorie’s Cookies while using some of OXO’s great baking tools. Dorie’s Cookies includes over 200 recipes from classics to brownies to savory cookies, with some great baking tips thrown in.
 
I decided to make a recipe in the cookbook named Mary’s Maine Bars, named after a recipe developed by Dorie’s recipe tester (Mary Dodd) after a family trip to Maine. The bars are a delicious, chewy gingerbread that is perfect for the fall. One of the alternative to the recipe suggested swirling apple butter into the batter, so I tried it out!

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups (204 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (204 grams) whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) unsulfured molasses
  • ½ cup (120 ml) flavorless oil, such as canola
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 apple butter, spiced
  • Sanding or granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Continue reading Apple Butter Swirled Gingerbread Bars

Kourambiethes (Greek Christmas Cookies)

It’s time for my annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap post!

The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap hosted is by Lindsay of Love & Olive Oil and Julie of The Little Kitchen. For the past five years, the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap has helped raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national non-profit organization committed to funding new therapies used in the fight against pediatric cancer, which claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease.

 

In the past, I’ve made Hot Cocoa Cookies and Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies. This year, I went for something completely different: Kourambiethes!

Kourambiethes are Greek Christmas Cookies, but also show up for really any celebratory event, so they are an all-year kind of treat. They are nut butter cookies, typically made with almonds or walnuts, which are then rolled in confectioners sugar. The result is a shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups walnuts
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons brandy
  • 1 tablepsoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons orange flower water
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Continue reading Kourambiethes (Greek Christmas Cookies)

Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies #OXOGoodCookies

Each year in the fall, OXO adds a little sticker to select baking items to help spread the word and raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. A portion of the proceeds from each product sold with the sticker is donated to the cause.

 

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501c(3) public charity duly incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. 100% of proceeds raised by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer fund pediatric cancer research.

 

 

In addition to the proceeds from sold stickered products, OXO will be donating $100 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for each blog post dedicated to this campaign in October (up to our $100,000 commitment*.)

*In 2015, OXO will donate up to $100,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through product proceeds, bake sale matches and other fundraising efforts

 

I’ve done posts the past couple of years, including a recipe for Spritz Butter Cookies and Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.

OXO was kind enough to send me a “cookie kit” to help me make another batch of cookies for this cause. The kit included:

 

So, here is this year’s blog post for #OXOGoodCookies! I have been in a chocolatey mood since participating in #Choctoberfest last week, so why not add a bit more chocolate to our lives?

 

These cookies really bring the chocolate: dark chocolate cocoa powder gives the cookies their dark color, espresso granules enhance the chocolate flavor, and chopped hazelnuts add some crunch!

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons), at room temperature
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses added)
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso granules
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I used mini)

Continue reading Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies #OXOGoodCookies

Dark Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

This is my third year participating in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap!

In its fourth year, the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap helps raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national non-profit organization committed to funding new therapies used in the fight against pediatric cancer, which claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease.

 

In the past, I’ve made Hot Cocoa Cookies and Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies so I decided to do another spin on Chocolate Chip Cookies this year!

 

I adapted a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. She has these fantastic Soft Baked cookies on her blog, and I used her Soft Baked White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies as the inspiration for this recipe. The secret to these soft and chewy cookies is the addition of cornstarch.. who would’ve thought??

 

 

I changed Sally’s original recipe just a touch, adding dark chocolate chips instead of white, using light brown sugar instead of dark, and substituting in almond extract for the vanilla extract. If you’re looking for some baking inspiration this holiday, absolutely check out Sally’s Baking Addiction, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Continue reading Dark Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

Spritz Cookies

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Annually, OXO highlights this month with a program benefiting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, founded by two OXO employees who’s son battled pediatric cancer. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides inspiration and support to allow anyone to easily get involved in fundraising to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

 

To show support, OXO will donate up to $100,000* to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through the sales of specially marked items, bake sale matches, and other fundraising efforts.   And that’s where this post comes in! OXO sent me a set of cookie-baking tools including specially marked OXO baking products with this Cookies for Kids’ Cancer sticker:

 

OXO is donating $100 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for each blog post dedicated to this cause in September. (I made these Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies and these Gluten Free Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes last year in support of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer as well.)

But they aren’t stopping there. For every stickered item sold, OXO will donate 25 cents in support of pediatric cancer research as part of its $100,000* pledge to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Look for specially marked OXO products at participating retailers in September. (Here’s a list of OXO products that include the sticker.)
* In 2014, OXO will donate up to $100,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through specially marked baking tools, bake sale matches and other fundraising efforts. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501c(3) public charity duly incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey. Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. 100% of proceeds raised by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer fund pediatric cancer research.
So my cookie-baking set came with a Cookie Press with Disk Storage Case, as well as a Cookie Spatula and a 3 Piece Spatula Set. OXO was even kind enough to send over their newest Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons! I have never made Spritz cookies before so I was really excited to try the Cookie Press out. Although Spritz cookies are typically thought of as a holiday cookie, OXO’s Cookie Press comes with plenty of other non-winter shapes, including a Leaf, Daisy, Sunflower, Buttercup, Fleur-de-lis, Butterfly, Shell, and Heart! (More winter-y shapes include a Bear, Snowflake, Tree, and Wreath)

For my first attempt, I stayed traditional and made a traditional Butter Spritz Cookie Dough using a recipe adapted from the Food Network to make these Spritz Cookies!

Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon sized pieces
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar, for garnish
  • Food dye (optional)

note: to make Spritz cookies you need a cookie press Continue reading Spritz Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

It’s that time of year again! I signed up for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap again this year and got some great ideas for what to bake for Christmas!

In its third year, the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap helps raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national non-profit organization committed to funding new therapies used in the fight against pediatric cancer, which claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease. The swap raised $13,778.40 this year, raised through blogger participants donations and matching donations from OXO, Dixie Crystals, Gold Medal, and Grandma’s Molasses. The goal was $10,000, so to get nearly $4,000 more in donations is amazing!

So here’s how the actual swapping part of this works: I was assigned three food bloggers and made one dozen cookies for each of them. In return, I received three different boxes of cookies from other bloggers.

Last year, I received a batch of hot cocoa cookies that were SO good I was craving them again this year. So I decided to make some myself! The chocolate cookies are topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a touch of grated chocolate. I based my recipe off of Rachel Ray’s Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe.

 

 

Ingredients (get all ingredients here):

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter
  • 1 (12 oz) package of semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 3 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 6 oz of milk chocolate chips
  • 1 package of mini marshmallows
  • 1 dark chocolate bar, for garnish (optional)

Continue reading Hot Cocoa Cookies

Gluten Free Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Gluten free baking. Does it terrify anyone else? Just me? Hm.  Whelp. I finally decided it was time to conquer my fear and try my hand at it.

I was sent a copy of Kyra Bussanich’s new cookbook Sweet Cravings: 50 Seductive Desserts for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle which makes gluten-free baking seem not-so-scary. Kyra was the first gluten free  baker to win Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and has actually won twice overall so she knows her stuff! The cookbook is filled with really amazing sounding cupcakes but has a bunch of other mouthwatering baking recipes, including gluten free muffins, scones, cookies, brownies, and much more!

As I was paging through the cookbook, I came across her recipe for Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. I just had to make them!

I used a bunch of OXO baking tools to create these cupcakes including the Cupcake Corer, the 6 Piece Measuring Spoon Set, and the 6 Piece Measuring Cup Set. These tools, along with many others, can be found during the month of September with these green stickers on them:

For every specially marked item sold, OXO is donating 25 cents in support of pediatric cancer research as a part of its $100,000 pledge to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Keep an eye out for the green sticker when buying your baking tools, every little bit helps!

Now, on to the recipe. I changed the frosting but kept the rest of the recipe intact.

Ingredients:

CUPCAKES:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup tapioca starch
  • 1 cup potato starch
  • 2/3 cup white rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

VANILLA BEAN PASTRY CREAM:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package dark chocolate chips (12 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • Pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Cocoa powder, as needed
“Adapted with permission from Sweet Cravings: 50 Seductive Desserts for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle by Kyra Bussanich (Ten Speed Press, © 2013).”

Continue reading Gluten Free Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

I personally am not vegan. But as more of my friends dabble in veganism, I have been getting more requests to do some vegan friendly recipes. I’m honestly finding vegan baking to be relatively easy; most of the substitute ingredients are already in my pantry!

I received a bag of One Degree Organics Sprouted Spelt Flour along with some vegan baking recipes that sounded really tasty! I have never made a vegan cookie before so I appreciated the nudge towards trying and decided to make some Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.

Sprouted Spelt Flour works generally like normal flour, you just need to adjust your dry-to-wet ingredient ratio (less dry ingredients or more wet ingredients). Sprouted Spelt Flour contains more fiber, vitamins, and essential fatty acids than regular flour so it seems like a generally good switch to make. (I’m not giving up eating cookies, but hey, at least I’ve increased my fiber!)  🙂

 

One Degree Organics prides itself on using only organic foods grown using natural veganic methods for its grains used in its cereal, bread, and flours. The company also does not add any synthetic ingredients and practices sustainable growing methods. One Degree Organics actually includes a QR code and alphanumeric code on each package so that you can learn about where that specific product came from and the family of farmers behind it. Pretty cool right?

 

So I was really excited to use their Sprouted Spelt Flour in this recipe! Because this is my first time baking vegan cookies, I kept the recipe mostly intact. I did add some walnuts for a bit of crunch which resulted in these Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cup One Degree Organic Sprouted Spelt Flour
  • ¼ cup Coconut Palm Sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla powder or extract
  • ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup walnut pieces

Continue reading Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies

This year, I participated in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap.The Cookie Swap is in its second year and helps raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national non-profit organization committed to funding new therapies used in the fight against pediatric cancer, which claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease. I was assigned three food bloggers and made one dozen cookies for each of them. In return, I received three different boxes of cookies from other bloggers.

 

I wanted to make a cookie that was a spin on a traditional cookie. This Cooking Light recipe was perfect: Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, AND Pecans!

 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (about 5 1/2 ounces)
  • 1 cup Steel Cut oats
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate minichips

Continue reading Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies

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