Everything Cookies

Halloween Cookie Recipe and Other Treats

2011-10-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

BLACK CAT COOKIES
1 c. crunchy peanut butter
1/3 c. water
2 eggs
1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
Plain M & M's
Red hots
Beat together peanut butter, eggs, and water. Gradually add cake mix and mix well. Form dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls with bottom of glass dipped in sugar. Pinch out 2 ears at top of cookie. Add M & M's (eyes) and red hots (nose). Press fork into dough to form whiskers. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Yields 4 1/2 dozen.
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PUMPKIN COOKIES
1 stick butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. cooked pumpkin or pie filling
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar together in bowl. Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and add to bowl. Mix. Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
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PERFECTLY PLUMP PUMPKIN MUFFINS
1/2 cup sugar
2 tblsps. salad oil
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup pureed pumpkin
Cream sugar and oil. Add egg and milk. Add dry ingredients, sifted. Add pumpkin and mix all together. Bake 20 minutes at 375 degrees and frost with white frosting. Yields 12 medium-sized muffins.
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CLASSIC CARAMEL APPLES
1 lb. caramels
3 tbsp. milk
6 med. apples
6 wooden skewers
Chopped walnuts or other toppings, if desired
Wash and dry apples, insert stick. Unwrap caramels and place in double boiler or microwave safe dish. Add milk and melt, stirring until smooth. Dip apples into melted caramel, coating evenly, and roll in nuts if desired. Place on greased waxed paper to cool, then store in refrigerator. Yields 6.
Other toppings to try: Chopped walnuts, peanuts, shredded coconut, granola, sunflower seeds.
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EASY PUMPKIN CUPCAKES
Bake cupcakes and frost them with chocolate frosting. Add a small candy pumpkin (available at Halloween time) to the top of each cupcake.
Click here for more great Halloween Recipe Classics!

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.
For all the latest party news, read her Kids Party Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Jensen

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2011-09-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here's a delicious Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe that is easy to make and receives rave reviews.
First for the ingredients for your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Recipe:
1 c. pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
Nuts (optional)
Here's how you will prepare your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe
Preparation:
Dissolve baking soda in milk; set aside. In large bowl add pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg; stir. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Serve on top of cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until done.
Alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe:
For a change you can have a try at this delicious recipe here, and am sure it will create impression on everyone. Here's the ingredients you will need for this Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Recipe:
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
As for the directions to the alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe
DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, and then stir in the pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Cool on wire racks.

Enjoy this delicious and easy to make Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe! Both recipes are popular which is why we wanted to give you both of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipes.

If You Would Like to Receive Chocolate Dessert Recipes Click Here ->Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
For Details on How You Can Easily Churn Out Scrumptious Desserts at Record Speed click Here -> Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krissy_Leighton

Family Cookie Fun

2011-04-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

My daughter is two - we all know what that means at that age - and understandably, she is into everything and anything. The other night I decided to make my favorite chocolate chip cookies and she was not far behind checking out the scene!

She brought over her little chair so she could get a better view of what was going on, and at some point, invited herself into the process of mixing together the ingredients. Other than a bit of flour here and a glob of batter there, she did a pretty good job of helping out and her bonus seemed to be the chocolate chips she picked out as she stirred! All in all, the final product was just as good and the added bonus was her participation!

I can remember way back to helping my Mom make almost anything and I am sure most of us agree the extra added bonus was getting to lick off the mixer blades. Well of course that DID depend on what was mixed! But it brings back memories of great times.

Remember to get your family involved in the process. Baking cookies in itself can be a lot of work, but getting that little ones helping hand makes for a great family time. Not only can they be involved in mixing together the whole batch (with or without a spoon, depending on your stress level) they also can help decorate the cookies. Now they might get more frosting and decorations on the counter or in their mouths, but you know they are having a great time. And can you truly pass up a moment like that? I am sure glad that I didn't. It meant a little more cleaning up to do, but it was worth it. She was worth it.

It is those small moments that pass us by that we take for granted. Even at two, I could tell she was having a great time, even though she probably will not remember it all as she grows. But I will remember it and log it in my "great times of the past". Get your family involved. Have fun together and don't pass up the opportunity when it presents itself. Happy cookie-ing.

4 Simple Steps to Hassle-Free Cookie Baking

2010-12-02T13:53:00.000-06:00

Baking cookies can be a joyous process, but often it can also be disorganized and stress-inducing, especially during the holiday season. The process can be much less complicated if you take the time to organize your baking procedure. Follow these simple steps for a hassle-free cookie baking experience!

Step 1:

Do some research. Gather your favorite cookie recipes, and search books, family & friends and the internet for recipes you'd like to try. (Be sure to write down where you got each recipe, so if you have questions, the answers will be easier to find.) Print out the recipes or print them on index cards for easy reference.

Step 2:

Compile a list of what you'll need. Make a list of all the ingredients you'll need, compiling a rough list of how much you'll need of each ingredient. Before you go out to the grocery store, check your own supply of ingredients (and double check expiration dates), so you'll know how much you need to pick up. Check your baking supplies for wear, as well.

Make sure you have enough containers to keep the cookies in, and if you're giving them out as gifts, pick up some decorative plates or tins to hold them. (Dollar stores have some great items for storing and giving out cookies!)

Step 3:

Make your dough. If you don't have enough time to make the dough and bake on the same day, you can freeze the dough for days (sometimes even weeks) before you begin baking. Wrap each type of dough into separate parcels, and identify each by writing the name of the recipe on the plastic wrap.

Step 4:

Bake your cookies. Some recipes call for dough to reach room temperature, so be sure to leave enough time for frozen or refrigerated dough to get to a lower temperature. Start baking cookies whose recipe calls for the lowest oven temperature first. Then proceed to the next recipe, working your way up in temperature.

Cool cookies on a clean dish towel, wire cooling racks or aluminum foil. Once the cookies are completely cooled, line containers with wax paper and then with layers of cookies. Cookies can also be frozen for up to two weeks inside a container, or if you wrap them in small stacks, you can freeze them for even longer. Defrost the cookies by leaving them out until they reach room temperature.

And that's it! Five simple steps to hassle-free cookie baking. All that's left to do now is enjoy the cookies and share them with friends and family!

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/spidergirl so stop by and read for a while.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonia_Jordan

Last Minute Christmas Cookie Recipes

2010-12-01T07:57:00.000-06:00

Still haven't started you holiday baking? Well there is still time to make few batches of cookies. The holidays are a great time to get the family involved, especially kids. Get creative with decorations on the cookies and have fun together. Create easy colored frosting with a basic white frosting and food coloring and let the kids go crazy with it! I have included a few of my favorites below. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Frosted Sugar Cookies - Great fun for the whole family!

3-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

white frosting (store bought is fine)
food coloring
sprinkles, gum drops, other decorations

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium sized bowl. Set aside. Beat butter or margarine, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add flour mixture and stir with wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for two hours.

Preheat oven to 400 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or other object, such as a glass or round plastic container. Place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes, checking after 6 minutes. Cookies will be done when edges are lightly browned. Do not allow cookies to get too brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes. Remove from cookies sheets and allow to cool completely.

In separate containers, mix different colors with the white frosting - green, red, blue, etc. Have each family member personalized their own set of cookies with festive images. Yum!

Candy Cane Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sifted confectioners sugar
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon peppermint flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/2 cup white sugar

Mix butter sugar, egg, and flavorings thoroughly. Add flour and salt, Mix well. Chill for at least 2 hours or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll out dough and cut into 4 inch long strips, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide; place on baking sheet. Curve top to form handle of cane. Bake 9 minutes. While still warm, remove from pan and sprinkle with candy and sugar mixture. Another option is to take half of your dough and add red food coloring. Layer one red and one white strip and then lightly twist together, place on cookie sheet. Form handle of cane and bake.

Shortbread

1-1/2 cups flour
1 stick butter, slightly softened
3/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut butter into flour to form a mixture that is the consistency of bread crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or 2 knives will work too. Mix in sugar. Press into a greased/floured pan, packing very, very hard. Bake for 30 minutes. While shortbread is still warm (and in pan) cut into desired shapes. You can sprinkle sugar on top if desired. Do not remove from pan until completely cooled or it will fall apart.

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Candy Canes
2 Lb White Chocolate

Place candy canes in a zip lock back and crush into small pieces. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. In a double boiler, melt chocolate until smooth. Be careful not to burn or scorch the chocolate. Stir in crushed candy canes. Save a some crushed candy canes for the topping. Pour mixture on to waxed paper into even layer. Sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes on top. Refrigerate about 30 minutes until set. Break into chunks by hand and store in sealed container. You could also drizzle chocolate on top before cooling for added effect.

Cookies For Thanksgiving

2010-11-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

Stumped for an after dinner treat on thanksgiving? Instead of the standby pumpkin pie, or maybe as a compliment to the pie, why not try out some different cookies? Guests will be pleased with a slight curve on the regular Thanksgiving theme. Here are a few cookie recipes that you can try out:

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats, uncooked
1 teaspoon baking Soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease baking sheets. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside. Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate pieces. For each cookie, drop 1/4 cup of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until firm and lightly browned.

Orange Pumpkin Cookies

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired

For the Orange Glaze

1-1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 375º. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, pumpkin, orange juice, and orange peel. Beat until combined. Gradually add flour mixture. Beat until combined. Stir in nuts. Drop dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven 12 to 14 minutes until edges are set. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Spread each cookie with about 1/2 tsp Orange Glaze.

ORANGE GLAZE: In medium bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel until smooth.

Frosted Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

1/2 c Butter/margarine, softened
2 Eggs
1/2 ts Lemon extract
2 1/2 c Flour - all purpose
1/2 ts Salt
1 c Walnuts, chopped
1/4 c Butter/margarine, softened
2 tb Milk
1 1/2 c Brown sugar, firmly
1 c Pumpkin -cooked, mashed
1/2 ts Vanilla extract
1 tb Baking powder
2 ts Pumpkin pie spice
1 Maple frosting recipe
2 1/4 c Powdered sugar, sifted
3/4 ts Maple extract

Cream butter; gradually add brown sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in pumpkin and flavorings. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in walnuts. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375F for 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Frost with Maple Frosting. Yield: 7 1/2 dozen.

Maple Frosting

Cream butter; gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add remaining sugar alternately with milk, beating until smooth enough to spread. Add maple extract, and beat well. Yield: about 1 cup.

Are Cookies Getting the $%&*$ End Of The Stick?

2008-11-28T09:11:00.007-06:00

We have heard of sayings like "Early bird gets the worm", "As American as apple pie", and "A penny saved is a penny earned". In my opinion, it seems like the "cookie" has been shorted on the quotes, sayings and proverbs.
The pie industry continues to see increased sales, and is closing in on $600 million. Unfortunately the cookie industry has started to see a decline in sales, dropping down close to $4 billion a year.

You have to wonder if it has to do with the lack of exposure to common day conversation filler that we think less about cookies and more about pie? It's shown that cookies still outsell pie, but it seems to me that the cookie is still getting the &*%&$* end of the stick!

If cookies have any chance of turning around this latest decline, there needs to be more focus on our favorite snack time food. We already have a few sayings like "smart cookie", proving that cookies are superior, but then there is "that's how the cookie crumbles" not instilling a lot of confidence in the former. Cookies are getting a bad rap. We need to spruce up the English language if we want to see cookie exposure on the rise.

Upon browsing one of the largest online databases of English proverbs, NO proverbs were found when I searched "cookie". However, when searching "apple" and "pie", I was presented with 18 references. Need I say more???

It is up to YOU to turn it around. Either older sayings, quotes and proverbs are modified to reference cookies, or you come up with fresh, new ones.

Here's some to get started. Remember: Only you can make the change and re-mold the importance of cookies in everyday life!

A cookie a day keeps the doctor away.

Don't put all your cookies in one basket.

A cookie is worth a thousand words.

Man cannot live by cookie alone.

There is a burnt cookie in every batch.

Where there is no trust, there is no cookie.

You cannot have your cookie and eat it too.

Your turn.

Send me your greatest quotes, sayings and proverbs that center around the greatest food group in the world - cookies!

Send your ideas to cookie_sayings@pweck.net and then support the fight for cookies and bake a batch!

Now to figure a way to incorporate cookies into the saying,

Live Long And Prosper.

Refrigerator Cookie Recipes

2008-09-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

I remember getting excited whenever we would get a box of Velveeta because that meant we would be getting one of mom’s refrigerator cookie recipes. She would always put the refrigerator cookies in the Velveeta boxes in the refrigerator. Probably a use for those boxes that we would never even think of today. It, of course, makes the cookies square, which allows for easier packing into containers. It also means that you do not have to mess with trying to get the cookies into a perfect roll. Also no danger of the kids putting something on top of the cookies and smashing them. I always liked coconut so the oatmeal refrigerator cookie recipe was one of my favorites.

Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 beaten eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups sifted flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups oatmeal

1/2 cup nuts

1/2 cup coconut

Cream together the sugars and the shortening in a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla to the creamed mixture. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) into the creamed mixture. Mix in the oatmeal, nuts, and coconut. Put wax paper or plastic wrap into Velveeta boxes and push the cookie mixture into the boxes. Refrigerate the cookies overnight. The next day take the refrigerator cookies out and slice them (about 1/8 inch thick). Then place the cookies on cookie sheets and bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Peanut Butter Refrigerator Cookies

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup evaporated milk

Mix together the butter and peanut butter in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar to this mixture. Add in the egg and mix well. Alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking soda) with the evaporated milk. Put wax paper or plastic wrap into Velveeta boxes and push the cookie mixture into the boxes. Refrigerate the cookies overnight. The next day take the refrigerator cookies out and slice them (about 1/8 inch thick). Then place the cookies on cookie sheets and bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes.

If you work outside of the home, this is a great cookie recipe to throw together on Friday night. Then you can have a fun time baking the cookies with your kids on Saturday.

Jill Seader shares her favorite cookie recipes and other baking recipes along with her stories at http://www.YourBakingStory.com She also invites you to share your own baking recipes and stories. Happy Baking!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Borash

How to Make Your Own Homemade Cookie Bouquets

2008-09-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

We've all seen them. Clusters of big, gourmet cookies, individually wrapped in shiny, colored cellophane, with bows and ribbons. They come in many styles and with different treats, toys or gift items attached to or inside a basket or vase of some sort. They make a terrific and edible gift idea. After all, who doesn't love cookies? Sadly, they can be very expensive gifts, especially when considering that cookies don't cost a whole lot to bake.

Here's how to make your own cookie bouquets at home without spending a fortune!

What You Will Need:

* Chopsticks or Wooden Skewers - Make sure they are heat-proof. If you're baking smaller cookies, then popsicle sticks would also work.

* Cookies - Find a delicious cookie recipe that makes larger size cookies, your favorite or your gift recipients favorite will do fine.

* Container - This needs to be a sturdy container that is a bit bottom heavy, especially if you plan to include more than a few big cookies. You can try putting some pebbles in the bottom to make sure the container won't tip over, if needed. Some ideas for containers include: a coffee mug, a metal or plastic pail, a basket, a vase, a planter, cookie jar or glass jar, glass bottle, a toy or wood box of some sort, teapot, porcelain or pottery serving ware.

* Cellophane - The shiny, colored kind looks best, but the colored plastic wrap you get at your local supermarket would work too.

* Ribbon - The curly kind works well for this. Any colors you like.

* Decorations - Anything goes! What's appropriate to the occasion and what does the gift recipient like? Some ideas include: stuffed animals, small toys, candy, balloons, fake or real flowers, stickers or whatever you find at the local craft store.

* Block of styrofoam or florists foam - You know that stereo you bought last December? You probably kept the box, just search your garage for some spare, clean, styrofoam.

* Something to cover up the styrofoam or florist's foam - You can use a big ribbon, some moss, plastic grass, tissue paper crumpled up or whatever else you have handy.

Instructions:

1. When you place the cookie dough on the cookie sheet, press the dough down a bit to flatten it so that it doesn't spread too much while baking and so that the stick can be inserted properly. Before you bake the cookies, you must insert the chopstick or wooden skewer into one side of each cookie. Push it in almost the length of the cookie without going out the other end. This is an important step, as if your cookie is too big and your stick is not sturdy enough, it simply won't hold it and the cookie may fall apart when you pick it up. When baking big cookies, you probably won't be able to fit more than 3 cookies with their sticks to a sheet.

2. After baking the cookies with their sticks, cool the cookies thoroughly, then wrap each one with the colored cellophane. A different color for each cookie would be ok, or all the same color appropriate to the occassion. Tie each one with some curly ribbon at the base where the stick comes out of the cookie. Tie it very tightly so the cookies will stay fresh on the stick. You can adorn each cookie with additional, larger ribbons or bows at this point. When using curly ribbon, don't forget to curl it!

3. Now cut your styrofoam or florist's foam to the size of the top of the container you chose. Then fit the foam in so it is nice and tight and near the top of the container. Remember, you can place something heavier in the bottom of the container so that it does not tip over. Small pebbles work well for this. Remember that the sticks will poke through the foam and into the bottom of the container.

4. Here comes the fun part, let's assemble the cookie bouquet! Take each of your cookies and stick them through the foam so they go all the way through the foam and further, near to the bottom of the container. You can assemble the cookies in any manner you like, but most cookie bouquets have one cookie at the center that is taller than the other cookies, so keep that in mind. Decorate with additional ribbons, toys, candy, flowers, gifts etc. Each item can be attached with additional ribbon to the container or the sticks of the cookies or even with a glue gun (if appropriate).

5. Give your gift and watch the smiles! Make sure to give the bouquet as soon as possible after you have assembled it, you don't want the cookies to go stale!

Tips:

Make sure you bake enough cookies for your container, if baking small cookies, you may run out if you are filling a large container. Always bake more than enough. Surely your extras won't go to waste.

Bake both large and small cookies and use them both in the bouquet for a nice varied look like a more traditional flower bouquet.

More Ideas:

Some cookie bouquets use cutout cookies, these can be fun to make and decorate. Use your favorite sugar cookie cutout recipe and cut into shapes appropriate for the occasion. For cutout cookies to work, you may want to double your sugar cookie recipe as the cookies need to be nice and thick for the stick to go through them. For this type of cookie, wooden skewers will work best, chopsticks may be too thick. Then decorate the cookies with frosting. No need for colored cellophane with these cookies, use regular plastic wrap or clear cellophane so that the beauty of your hand decorated cookies shines through.

Remember, your cookie bouquet doesn't need to look professional, it's the homemade touch that makes it a truly special gift.

Ricky Alberta is the editor of Cookie-Recipes.net, the premiere website for cookie recipes of all kinds including chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter and Christmas cookie recipes, cookie baking tips, a cookie blog and message boards.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Alberta

Different Types of Cookie Sheets Yield Different Tasting Cookies

2008-08-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

Anybody who takes the time to make cookies from scratch obviously wants the cookies to come out perfectly and taste delicious. Mixing ingredients is almost unheard of these days with just about everything being available in pre-mixed or pre-made packages. Most people simply buy a roll of cookie dough, slice it, and stick it in the oven for 15-18 minutes. However, for the individuals out there who still take the time to make their own cookie dough, it’s important to know the differences between all the types of cookie sheets available in stores today. There are a multitude of them, and believe it or not, they all yield different results.

Insulated Non-stick Cookie Sheet
Most insulated cookie sheets are made to be non-stick, and because insulated sheets are sometimes on the more expensive side, they tend to resist scratches, chipping, and peeling. Insulated cookie sheets are basically two sheets that have been connected around the edges, which creates a small pocket of air that cannot escape. The air inside of the pocket heats to the set temperature of the oven when the insulated cookie sheet is placed inside.

Insulated cookie sheets are very reliable for evenly baked cookies. Because the air inside the sheet heats to the temperature of the oven, it allows all the cookies on the sheet to cook and brown at the same rate. The evenly heated air prevents the cookie sheet from being hotter in certain spots, which is a common occurrence with regular cookie sheets. In addition to yummy cookies, most insulated cookie sheets are easy to clean because of their non-stick surfaces.

Aluminum Cookie Sheets

Aluminum cookie sheets are very commonly used. Aluminum conducts heat well which is why cookie sheets made of this material usually produce an evenly baked cookie. The only down side to aluminum is that it sometimes prevents cookies from reaching the perfect shade of brown.

Cookie sheets made of aluminum are very sturdy and they won’t rust even if they have to be soaked in water for and extended period of time. Heavy aluminum baking sheets are better to use than the thin types that are available for less money. Thin aluminum sheets can bend and/or warp in a hot oven which can cause cookies to cook unevenly.

Non-Stick Cookie Sheets

When non-stick cookie sheets were invented, a whole new world of baking emerged. The ease of cleaning a cookie sheet with a non-stick surface is amazing, and it practically eliminates the need to butter the sheet before cooking. Washing a non-stick cookie sheet is a breeze and hardly requires anything but a quick scrub.

Non-stick cookie sheets have a surface coating that makes them easy to clean, yet they are still able to produce delicious cookies. Keep in mind that the darker the non-stick surface, the quicker the cookies will brown. Therefore, it’s important to read the instructions that come with the cookie sheet to find out if the manufacturer recommends that the oven’s cooking temperature be lowered to compensate. It may be necessary to lower the temperature of the oven by about 25 degrees.

In conclusion, cookie sheets can be made of a number of different types of materials, or even a combination of materials. Every cookie sheet will yield a different end result for the same exact cookie recipe. The darker the cookie sheet, the faster the cookies will brown because a dark cookie sheet absorbs heat more readily and transfers the heat directly to the cookies. Aluminum cookie sheets are good conductors of heat but are not good for ensuring that the cookies will brown. Insulated cookie sheets will ensure evenly baked cookies no matter how they are spaced on the sheet. For best results, try out a cookie recipe on all three types of sheets and determine which yields the desired results.

This article has been provided courtesy of Kitchen Junkie. Kitchen Junkie offers great kitchen articles available for reprint and other tools to help you get the best bargain on kitchen gadgets and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Dragon

C is for Cookie and Great Cookie Monster Parties

2008-08-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Cookie Monster is one of the favorite Muppets on Sesame Street so why not throw a Cookie Monster party? Everyone knows and loves their favorite furry blue friend Cookie Monster and throwing a Cookie Monster party is a way to celebrate him at your next birthday party.

Planning a Cookie Monster party is simple and fun once you get the basics out of the way. Obviously a terrific color palate for a Cookie Monster Party is bright blue. Pre-printed plates, cups, balloons and napkins are available at many discount or party stores. However, if you are looking to save a couple of bucks, head to your local dollar or party outlet store to purchase plain bright blue plates, napkins, plasticware and balloons.

While you can purchase a pre-made Sesame Street cake for at a local bakery for the Cookie Monster Party, or you can try something different to make at home. Celebrate his hungry lifestyle by making a large chocolate chip cookie and decorating it with icing to use as the crowning dessert for the Cookie Monster Party. Take a roll of cookie dough and spread it out on a standard pizza pan. Trim the edges to make a circle and bake in the oven. When complete decorate in your child’s favorite colors and trace a picture of Cookie Monster in the center with icing. After the candles are blown out, cut pieces and serve to guests.

Celebrate your child’s next birthday by throwing a Cookie Monster Party. Remember, cookies are a sometimes food but always taste great!

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Tips For Baking the Perfect Cookie

2008-08-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

When you're baking cookies, taking a few moments to prepare and make sure you have everything you need will insure that your cookies will turn out the best. Here are some tips to help you bake the perfect cookie:

The Recipe

There are hundreds of different cookies, and thousands of variations. You'll want to make sure you have selected a good recipe, first and foremost. If you don't have much time, consider no bake cookies. If you don't have a lot of ingredients, consider cookie recipes with fewer ingredients like a shortbread cookie or a simple sugar cookie. If you want to bake with kids, consider a cookie that takes fewer steps to complete and doesn't require an electric mixer.

Baking Tools and Utensils

For the baking tools and utensils, there are a few must haves. First, a good mixing bowl is crucial. From stainless steel to plastic to glass, you have a lot of choices in this area. There's also utensils that are important. To make great cookies, you need a strong mixing spoon, wood is best. You will also need a spatula for removing the cookies from the cookie sheets. Don't forget the cookie sheets either. You can use standard square pans with a lip going all the way around the edge or a flat sheet with only one lip on one edge. You may also consider using a silicone baking pad, which eliminates the need to grease your cookie sheets.

Preparation

One great tip is to leave your butter out for at least an hour before you start to make the cookies. Many people forget this step and have to wait for the butter to soften before they can proceed. Also, take a few minutes to prepare all your ingredients, cooking show style. This way you have much less risk of using the wrong ingredient or too much or too little of an ingredient. Having your ingredients already prepared and measured will not only make your baking faster and easier, but cleanup will be much easier. Once you have your ingredients prepared, get out your mixing bowls and spoons, cookie sheets, spatula and wire racks. Make sure everything is clean and ready to use.

Ingredients

Freshness of ingredients is key with cookies. If the recipe calls for butter or eggs, as many cookie recipes do, make sure to check the expiration date for each item. Also, use your sense of smell to detect butter or eggs or another ingredient that just isn't fresh enough or is downright old. Don't use any ingredient that isn't reasonably fresh. Try not to use baking soda that has not been sealed properly either, as it may contain smells or flavors from other foods or spices it was stored with. Always properly seal and store your pantry food items. For butter, chocolate, frosting, raisins, etc., make sure to taste these items before you use them to make sure they taste ok and haven't soured or changed in flavor.

Last but not least, don't forget to enjoy the process and the finished product!

Discover hundreds of cookie recipes in many tasty categories including sugar cookie recipes, chocolate chip cookie recipes, peanut butter cookie recipes, Christmas cookie recipes and many more at Cookie-Recipes.net, the web's largest cookie recipe website. Visit us at: http://www.cookie-recipes.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Alberta

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipes

2008-08-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to learn to make those beautiful designer cookies that you see as wedding favors? Or maybe those cutesy baby rattle and baby buggie cookies at baby showers? Well you can. You can learn to make these designer cookies to sell or just to give to make your friends and family happy, but the first thing you need to start with is a great and easy sugar cookie recipe. After trying many, many different recipes, here is my favorite with the instructions to get them to turn out great every time.

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

1 1/2 cups butter/softened
1 cup of white sugar
1 cup of confectioners sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder

First, make sure your butter is softened. 1 1/2 cups of butter is three sticks. I soften them for 45 seconds in the microwave. You want them softened, not completely melted.

Next, add you white sugar a little at a time. Make sure it is mixed and finish mixing it on high. Then add the confectioners sugar, a little at a time with the mixer on a slow speed. After all the confectioners sugar is mixed in, once again, turn the mixer on high to really "fluff" up the mixture.

Now add the vanilla. I use clear vanilla to make my cookies look as white as possible. Next add the eggs, one at a time. Also, crack your eggs in a small bowl to make sure you don't get pieces of shell in your cookie dough.

Once you have your eggs mixed in, add your salt and baking powder. Then add the flour slowly and again, one cup at a time, keeping the sides of the bowl scraped clean with a spatula. It takes a little more time to add the ingredients slowly like this, but it really makes a difference in the quality of cookie.

There you have it. Everyone will love this easy sugar cookie recipe whether you make plain cookies or go all out and really make them into designer cookies.

To learn everything you need to know about making beautiful designer cookies go to http://www.squidoo.com/DesignerCookies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Proctor

The Art of Cookie Jar Collecting

2008-08-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

The joy of collecting cookie jars has expanded to people of all ages. Because of the wide variety of jars that exist, there are styles to accommodate any person’s tastes. Many online retailers hope to accommodate shoppers with their large selection of cookie jars collectibles.

From character cookie jars with Elvis Presley to Winnie the Pooh and Betty Boop, a large range of collectible cookie jars are on the market for any collector. Holiday inspired cookie jars exist as well with Santa styles and candy cane designs. This wide representation of various cookie jars defines the large variety of cookie jars in the market.

Character cookie jars

Character cookie jars have been created for every type of buyers. Whether it’s for a child with Blues Clues, Cat in the Hat or the Grinch (Dr. Seuss related), Disney characters or Harry Potters, a character cookie jar can be found for any young one in your life. Or perhaps you are looking for old time character cookie jars with characters such as Betty Boop, The Flintstones, Garfield, Looney Tunes or the Pink Panther.

Memorabilia cookie jars

The constant demand for collector’s vintage Coke memorabilia makes collecting more exciting for cookie jars collectors. Coca Cola cookie jars are created with different styles and personal preferences in mind. The result is a large selection of various types to satisfy the need of every cookie jar collector.

Animal cookie jars

Animal cookie jars have been created for every animal lover. Whether it’s a pig, rooster, pug dog, cat or bear, animal cookie jars exist with your favorite animal. Many animal cookie jars include popular characters in pop culture. Garfield the Cat and Snoopy the dog, either animal character jars is sure to fit the needs of an animal lover in your life.

Cookie Jars Etc attempts to offer a large range of character, animal, themed and memorabilia cookie jars to fit the needs of every aged collector. From vintage Coca-Cola styles to Warner-Bros-related character cookie jars, the smile on your face when you find exactly what you’re looking for on Cookie Jars Etc is our greatest reward.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Cookie Cutters - Off The Beaten Path

2008-08-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

While browsing the 'net the other day I came across a great little online storefront called "Off The Beaten Path". Their headline states that they are "A leading supplier of cookie cutters and decorating supplies since 1993." Cookie cutters seem to be their primary focus, but there are many other products available as well.

Off The Beaten Path, is a family-owned and run business operating out of Pleasant Valley, MO. Originally they started out in the home and as the business grew moved into a store. The whole family is involved in the operation. Check out their "About Us" page for some humorous family pics.

If you are looking for cookie cutters, this is the place to shop online. There are pages and pages of single cookie cutters and collected sets of cookie cutters and even more pages of molds, decorating supplies and bakeware. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of time checking this site out! If you are a cookie cutter fanatic, this is the place for you.

There is a minimum $2.50 order (trust me, you will easily want to spend more!) and they have a secure check-out system that is easy to navigate.

If you are interested in gift ideas, you can also purchase gift certificates. What is unique about their gift certificates is that you purchase them online and then can have a code emailed to your recipient that they can use at check-out to use against their total purchase. What could be easier than that?

So when you are on the 'net (wait, you are on right now!) check out Off The Beaten Track's website.

Cookie Baking Tips

2008-08-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Using the Right Cookie Sheet
A shiny, aluminum cookie sheet at least two inches narrower and shorter than the oven is best for evenly browned cookies. The sheet may be open on one, two, or three sides. Do not grease the cookie sheet unless the recipe states to do so. If a dark colored cookie sheet is used, watch carefully for browning. Always place cookie dough on cool cookie sheets.

Making Sugar Cookies Crisp
Using butter in your holiday cookie recipes makes cookies crisp and delicious. Use a shiny aluminum cookie sheet for baking. For cut-out sugar cookies, roll dough to 1/8 inch to 1/4-inch thickness. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cookie. Bake cookies until lightly browned.

Making Your Cookies Soft and Chewy

Tips for soft, chewy cookies:

Do not over mix the dough or use too much flour.
Bake cookies the minimum amount of time, even though the center may look slightly underbaked. Let cookies stand on baking sheet for one to three minutes to continue to bake, then remove to cooling rack.
Store soft cookies in an airtight container.
Do not store soft chewy cookies with crisp type cookies.
Use shiny aluminum cookie sheets,not dark colored ones.

Keep Dough from Sticking to your Rolling Pin
Use a pastry cloth and stockinet-covered rolling pin to make rolling the dough easier and to help prevent dough from sticking. Rub flour evenly onto rolling pin cover and pastry cloth for easy handling. Or, if dough appears to be too soft, refrigerate for about one hour.

Why Cookies Spread
Cookies may spread for a variety of reasons. So before baking an entire batch, bake a test cookie to give a good indication of dough condition. If it spreads more than desired, the dough may be too soft. Try refrigerating dough until well chilled (one to two hours). If the dough is still too soft, stir in 1 to 2-tablespoons of flour. Also, do not over-soften the butter before making the dough. Be sure to cool and clean cookie sheets between batches.

Another factor to take into consideration is the fat source used. If a lowfat or nonfat spread with 60 percent or less fat is used, cookies may spread. For consistent and flavorful results, real butter is the answer for the appearance and taste bakers come to expect.

Freezing or Refrigerating Cookie Dough
Most cookie dough freezes well up to three months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator until it's just soft enough to use. To have future batches of cookies ready in minutes, measure out dough for each cookie and drop dough onto cookie sheets; freeze until firm. When frozen, remove dough from cookie sheets, place in heavy-duty, resealable plastic food bags and freeze until you want to bake a batch of cookies. Then thaw the cookie dough and follow recipe directions for baking.

Over-baked and Cracked Cookies
Dough that is too dry will cause cookies to crack when baked. Too much flour and re-rolling results in tough, dry cookies. A dark colored cookie sheet may result in overbaked cookies; us a shiny aluminum cookie sheet. Oven temperatures that are set too high may also result in overbaked cookies.

Dry, Crumbly Cookie Dough
If your cookie dough is dry and crumbly, try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. You may need to knead this liquid into dough rather than beating it in with a mixer

Shipping Cookies and Candy

Materials needed:

Your home-baked cookies and candy
A sturdy cardboard box or empty coffee can
Aluminum foil or plastic food wrap
Paper towels or plastic bubble wrap
Tape: freezer, plastic or masking
Brown mailing paper

Bar, drop or fruit cookies can best withstand mailing; tender, fragile cookies are apt to crumble when mailed. Line a heavy cardboard box, cookie tin or empty coffee can with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap.

Wrap four to six cookies of the same size together in aluminum foil, plastic food wrap or plastic food bags and seal securely with tape; repeat until the container is full. Place the heaviest cookies at the bottom of the container and layer the wrapped cookies with bubble wrap or crumpled paper towels. Use either of these to line the container. Seal the container with tape.

Put the container (tin, coffee can, etc.) into a sturdy cardboard box. Use bubble wrap or newspaper to protect the container.

Print the mailing address and return address on the package in waterproof ink; mark the package "PERISHABLE FOOD" to encourage quick and careful handling. Choose overnight shipping.

Do not package candies that absorb moisture (caramels, mints, hard candies, toffee) in the same container as those that lose moisture (fudge, fondant, meringues).

Wrap different candy varieties in plastic food wrap and divide layers with waxed paper. Use crumpled or shredded paper towels or plastic bubble wrap inside the container for padding. Seal the container with tape.

Fun Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes

2008-08-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

The emotional trigger that a smell can stir up is one of the most powerful triggers that there is. If you live anywhere in the United States, chances are that the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking conjures up some kind of emotional memory for you. Smells are part of how we remember, part of how we define our memories, our stories, our lives.

For me, the smells of baking were part of my childhood, part of the fabric of how I define my childhood and part of the fabric of how I define my life to this day. The smell of a favorite baked treat can still bring a smile of remembrance to my face. What kitchen smells define your childhood memories? What smells do you want your children to define as their childhood memories? Here a couple of great variations on that old favorite, chocolate chip cookies. I hope you use these baking recipes to make wonderful memories with your children.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Mix together until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture. Add in the chocolate chips and peanuts. Drop the dough by teaspoons onto baking sheets. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers are soft. After removing the cookies from the oven, leave them on the baking sheets for 4 minutes before removing them.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, butter and regular sugar. Add in the eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour mixture. Add the oats, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 9 to 10 minutes for soft cookies and 12 to 13 for crispy ones.

Jill Borash loves to share her passion for baking and story telling at her website, YourBakingStory.com. If you're looking for a tasty baking recipe or just a good story, stop by and browse awhile. Happy Baking!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Borash

The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-08-03T12:58:00.000-05:00

Why is that whenever you see a recipe with the finished cookies pictured and then try to duplicate those cookies they never come out “just right”? It’s like the fast food commercials that tempt you with a big juicy hamburger perfectly sitting on a fresh bun and when you actually purchase the burger, what you get is a shriveled piece of meat stuck between two flattened pieces of bun!

Do you want your chocolate chip cookies to come out soft and chewy every single time? The secret to perfect chocolate chip cookies is really very simple! And you can make them with any chocolate chip recipe at your disposal.

The problem with most chocolate chip cookie recipes is they have you drop a spoonful on a cookie sheet and bake them for 9 to 12 minutes until the tops are golden brown. That is too long! By the time the tops are golden brown, your bottoms are dark brown, or worse, burnt. After the cookies have baked this long, removing them from the oven in this over-baked condition and having them stand only causes them to harden up like jawbreakers. Instead of soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, you end up with hard, crunchy cookies with burnt bottoms.

Dropping larger amounts on the cookie sheet to make bigger cookies doesn’t work. It takes longer for the middle of the cookie to bake and you still end up with burnt bottoms and hard cookies.

Instead of following the recipe instructions to bake 9 to 12 minutes, underbake your cookies by a couple of minutes. The first time you try this, you will have to play around with the time and the size of your cookie drops to get the perfect chocolate chip cookie for your oven. But, as a general rule, after you put your cookie tray in your oven (always on the top rack), set your timer for 6 to 8 minutes. When you pull your cookies out, the entire top should NOT be golden brown. Instead, the peaks of the top of the cookie should just be turning brown. At this time, the entire bottom of your cookie is golden brown and the rest of cookie is the same color as the batter.

Remove the cookie tray from the oven and let them stand for a minute or so since the cookies will be incredibly soft and will fall apart if you try to immediately remove them from the cookie sheet. After they have firmed up a bit, remove them from the cookie sheet to your cooling rack or a piece of wax paper.

With this method, you are guaranteed to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies and have people asking you what YOUR secret is!

Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake in preheated 375 degree F oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until peaks in top of cookie are starting to brown. Let stand for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks or wax paper to cool completely.

Debi Geroux is the President of Purple Kitty LLC, an online retail business, and webmaster of http://www.purplekittyyarns.com and http://www.oursoaringeagle.com which bring you craft ideas, free patterns, recipes and unique gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debi_Geroux

Quick And Easy Way To Home Package Cookies With These 8 Yummy Creative Ideas

2008-08-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

You've spent the time and effort to bake your delicious homemade cookie gifts, now it's time to package them!

Don't spoil all your hard work with boring cookie boxes and packaging ideas.

You want cookie gifts that say "Yummy!" - Perception is everything!

First impressions are truly important. So it's unavoidable that you make a little effort to package your home-baked treats.

But where do you start? Here it is...

Theme:

Think about what the theme is for your cookie gift packages. For example, it is a birthday gift or for Christmas holiday giving? Perhaps it's for your Valentine? Use the theme on your packaging.

Ingredients:

What are the main flavors or the cookie ingredients you used? Apply this element to help enhance the aroma that you may want to portray on your cookie boxes or packages.

Protection:

Are your cookies fragile? Or do they need to be air-tight and stored in the fridge? Consider using for example, zip seal bags, if necessary.

Hygiene:

Always clean any used containers (or even store-bought new boxes) and dry before using.

When decorating your packages, be sure to use food safe items. Eg. Don't use glues where cookies may be in contact. Consider the point that your cookie gift recipient may not always be as careful as you when replacing cookies back into containers. Think from their viewpoint and see whether there is an alternative method for better hygiene.

With that said and done, here are your "8 Yummy Creative Package Ideas":

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 1:

"The Coffee Cup"

You may have seen a similar idea before, using a mug or coffee cup, but this is really a brilliant idea as people associate coffee cups with aroma.

Whether it be coffee or tea, this idea spells: 'Good times with a friend over a cup of coffee/tea and some sweets!'

- Pre-pack about 2 - 4 cookies in cellophane or sealed bag and place inside cup.
- Embellish with a gift tag and fabric ribbon around cellophane. (You can also write a message or recipient name on the mug).

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 2:

"Milk Carton"

This is perfect for butter cookies or packaging cookies for children. Either way, the milk carton makes a great packaging box.

- Wash and dry container before use. Carefully open the top without tearing the cardboard.

- Place cookies inside.

- Seal top with staples or strong sticky-tape. (Do not use glues as they are unhygienic and not re-openable.

- Decorate exterior with wrapping paper or fabric and ribbon.

If you are computer savvy, you could create a milk carton label with recipient name, theme graphics and colors to print and apply to your cookie carton!

Use one litre carton for giving to an entire family or a smaller carton for children or single recipients.

This is a great container for refrigerating your cookies also. Plus, the benefit is that the design of the carton semi-closes on its own with the folding techniques incorporated.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 3:

"Peanut Butter Bottle"

Great for peanut butter cookies! The theme, feeling and association is already there! And you don't even need to worry about pealing the bottle stickers off. Use it instead to create a quirky cookie packaging.

Use a square piece of fabric almost twice as large as the lid size and cover cookies before closing with the lid to create instant effective packaging.

Create a label digitally and print out for a dynamic gift. You don't have to cover the entire glass or bottle, leave a bit of room so they can take a peek at the yummy cookies you baked.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 4:

"Butter or Margarine Containers"

Unusual but very effective and fun. What's more, it has a lid and is lightweight for posting your cookies. Just keep in mind that most butter containers aren't air-tight.

You can decorate the exterior by creating your own labels, or sticking appropriate wrapping paper over. I recommend a food style, earthy tones and colors for this method.

Lastly, tie a ribbon around the package like you would a gift box. Large wide ribbons would give you a dazzling package.

Great for milk and butter cookies.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 5:

"Milo or Food Tins (with lid)"

Tins come in all different sizes and are great for air-tight cookie storing. And you won't have to pre-package your cookies in bags first.

Ideal for cookies that do not need to be refrigerated.

Also makes a great cookie gifting idea for boys or men.

You can even etch in writing or graphics onto the tin if you have the proper tools and use correct safety precautions.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 6:

"Candy or Chocolate Boxes"

Candies and cookies go hand in hand! These are little treats that the whole world love!

- Place your cookies lying flat into the box. You may need to take out the pre-made mould shapes used and use cardboard dividers to separate your cookies.
- Simply tie with ribbon and gift tag the package!

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 7:

"Cocktail or Martini Glass"

Great for alcohol-based cookies like rum balls during Christmas season!

- Place one cookie or two in cellophane, seal and place inside glass.
- Seal glass with clear food wrapping. Add ribbon and gift tag on glass stalk.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 8:

"Tea Box"

Use small aroma infusion tea packaging boxes - usually ones that have only 10 tea-bags in each box. You can pack 2 to 3 cookies in each box and give more than one tea box for fun.

- Seal cookies with cellophane or food bag first and place inside decorated tea boxes.

Why not leave one tea bag in front of your cookies? It's a perfect invitation to a relaxing snack with a drink.

If you do not have any of these containers handy, you can easily buy them and transfer contents to other containers. Just make sure that it's well washed and that most of the original scents are gone (except in the case such as the peanut butter bottles).

Not only are these 8 Yummy Ideas creative and fun, they also bring out the aroma of your delicious homemade cookies.

Start using these mouth-watering cookie packaging ideas. It's a sure way that your cookies will be eaten instantly!

~* Janlia Chong has held onto her title as Baking Sensation because of her near endless knowledge of baking and packaging treats. Her ability to impress is one of her biggest traits. What's her trick? Simple, she takes something that sounds difficult and makes it easy and fun. Follow Janlia's advice and you'll be busy baking treats for the entire family. Visit http://www.BakingHugs.com *~

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janlia_Chong

Cookie Gift Bouquets - Make Your Own

2008-08-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

A cookie gift bouquet makes a great surprise treat for anyone who likes cookies. It can be as simple or intricate as you'd like, depending on your abilities and time. You can even create personalized cookies to make your gift more memorable. A cookie gift bouquet makes a great project with the kids for a special occasion (Father's Day, Birthday, Grandparents gift, etc.).

The first thing you'll need for your bouquet is a mug. It is best to use a standard ceramic mug with a solid base. You can either purchase a new mug for your occasion or use your gift recipient's favorite coffee mug for a special treat. Buy a small piece of floral foam, available at most craft stores, and cut the foam in the shape of cylinder to fit in the mug. It should be snug, but you shouldn't have to force the foam into the mug. Cut the foam to be about an inch shorter than the height of the mug. Place some color-coordinated shred in the mug and stuff it around the cracks of the foam so that it remains in place.

The next step is to bake some cookies for your bouquet. If you are pressed for time or not a great baker, buy some fresh cookies at a local bakery in your recipient's favorite flavors. Depending on the size of the cookies, 3 to 6 will likely be plenty. Wrap each cookie in colored plastic wrap to match your gift theme. Attach wooden bamboo skewers to the back of each cookie using clear tape.

If you have time, and are a little more daring, you can try to make a decorated cookie gift bouquet. For this bouquet, you will use sugar cookie dough. However, you will need to attach the bamboo skewers to the cookie dough before baking the cookies. The cookies should be at least twice as thick as the diameter of the skewer. Once you have made your cookie shapes, carefully insert the skewer from the bottom of your design so the skewer is about one-third of the way into the cookie. Because these cookies need to be thicker, you may have to adjust your cooking time and temperature from what you normally use. Once the cookies are cooled, it is time for cookie decorating. If the kids are helping, this is a great project for them. Use decorative icing to write personal messages on the cookies, or coat with icing and then press candies, sprinkles, etc. into the iced cookies. Bake a few extra cookies and let the kids pick out their favorites when you're done decorating them. It is best not to wrap the decorated cookies in plastic because the icing may be ruined. If you are not assembling your bouquet right away, put the cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh until you are ready.

To finish your bouquet, all you need to do is carefully push the wooden skewers into the floral foam. You may need to trim the skewers to make them the right height. Make each cookie a different height for the best presentation. Attach a small bow to the mug and you're all done. Whatever the occasion, your recipient will love to receive your home made cookie gift bouquet!

Bill Smith is the owner of Gourmet-Cookie-Bouquets. Visit us online the next time you want to send a unique and memorable cookie gift. http://www.gourmet-cookie-bouquets.com has hundreds of cookie baskets, bouquets, tins and more for any occasion or holiday.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Smith

Decorating Designer Cookies

2008-08-01T12:42:00.001-05:00

When it comes to decorating designer cookies, there are three techniques that used; decorating the cookie with royal icing, color flow, and fondant. Using these three techniques will produce the professional designer cookie look that you are after.

The first technique is to use royal icing to decorate the cookie. Using a basic royal icing recipe, a decorating bag and tip, you can decorate your cookie any way you like. Most often tip #1 is used for fine outlining the cookie and decorating the details. You can also use other decorating tips like the star tips #16 and #21 to achieve zig zags and interesting borders.

The second technique is the color flow method. This is a method made popular by Wilton Cake Decorating. To make the color flow icing, combine:

1 pound of confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons of Wilton Color Flow Mix
1/4 plus 1 teaspoon of water

Blend on low speed for seven minutes.

This color flow icing will be stiff. Using a small piping tip (#1 or #2) outline your cookie. After the outline of the cookie has "set" or hardened, you need to "flood" the cookie with the thinned icing. To thin your color flow icing, add a few drops of water at a time until it is a thinner consistency that will run.

Now take your thinned icing and pipe it into the center area of your cookie. The icing will spread and fill in your cookie area. After the color flow has set, you can add more detail to your cookie with more of the thicker color flow icing or the royal icing.

The third technique for decorating designer cookies is using fondant. Many people are "afraid" to try fondant but it is actually very easy. You first need to tint the fondant the color that you need for your cookie and then roll it out to approximately 1/18" thick. Using the same cookie cutter that you used to cut out the cookie, cut the same shape out of your fondant.

Next, lightly moisten the back of the fondant shape with water - not too much or you will make the fondant "soggy". Lay the fondant shape on your cookie and lightly press down, shape, and smooth the edges with your fingers. After you have the fondant on the cookie, you can decorate it giving it details with the royal icing or the full-strength color flow icing.

Using these tips and techniques, you will be making professional designer cookies for your friends and family in no time!

To learn more about decorating designer cookies visit http://www.squidoo.com/DesignerCookies We have step-by-step instructions and videos to help you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Proctor

Freezing Cookies and Cookie Dough

2008-07-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

If you're looking ahead to the holiday season and wondering how you're going to get all your baking done, consider freezing your cookie dough or fresh baked cookies ahead of time. When the holidays get closer you can get that last bit of shopping done or last present made instead of spending all your time in the kitchen.

FREEZING COOKIE DOUGH

Cookie dough will freeze well for 4 to 6 weeks. Rolls of dough should be sealed tightly in plastic wrap (chill in refrigerator first before freezing). Other kinds of dough should be stored in airtight containers. Drop cookies (unbaked) may be frozen on cookie sheets and transferred to freezer bags. Let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Don't try to freeze soft meringue-type cookie dough. Chocolate chip, brownies, peanut butter, and sugar cookie dough (or anything similar) freezes well. Let the dough defrost in the refrigerator (about 2-3 hours). Make sure to label the container with the date and type of cookie dough.

FREEZING BAKED COOKIES

Almost any baked cookie freezes well. Let cookies completely cool before freezing. Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap then store them in a ziploc freezer bag or storage tin (coffee cans or holiday tins work great). You can also just layer the cookies between layers of waxed paper in the container, but the individually wrapped ones will store longer.

Freeze frosted cookies uncovered first until they are firm. Then pack them in airtight container lined with plastic wrap or foil. Make sure to label the container with the date and type of cookies. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen up to 6-12 months (frosted, about 3 months). Frozen cookies thaw in about 10 minutes at room temperature (if you can wait that long). If cookies should be crisp when thawed, remove them from the container before thawing.

Gingersnaps

1 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
2 eggs
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. molasses

In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs. Stir in flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Add molasses, stirring well. Refrigerate dough for an hour or two to chill. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a little sugar and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.

Snickerdoodles

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Refrigerate dough for an hour or two to chill. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Peanut Butter Crackles

1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. peanut butter Chocolate kisses or stars

Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and press chocolate kisses firmly into cookie.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Paxton

Everyone Loves a Cookie Gift Basket

2008-07-22T01:22:00.000-05:00

Can you think of anyone who does not like cookies? Well, I can’t so I think that a cookie gift basket is an ideal present for nearly everyone.
Cookies are a nice treat for a friend or family member who just needs a little cheer or is recovering from an injury. We can remember our childhood when we receive cookies as gifts. Even the scent of cookies can bring a smile to a person’s face. This is probably the reason why cookie gift baskets are growing in popularity.

Many of my friends and relatives are avid bakers so they have the patience, skill and talent to create a cookie gift basket on their own. I simply scratch my head in wonder when I see them create amazing cookie treats from scratch. They are so talented that they have no trouble arranging even the most delicate cookies in a display that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette.

Unfortunately, I am not as talented as those people. I am not capable of creating a cookie gift basket on my own because I do not have the patience that is required to bake from scratch. Breaking the cookie dough off of the square at the perforated seams is my idea of baking. I can even find pre-made cookie dough that comes in the very familiar logo too vexing for me.

The dough always seem to end up being either too tough to cut or too soft and the dough winds up in a tangled mess when I bake cookies. I am also not able to handle the whole heating and waiting part. I just do not have the math skills and the patience which are required to bake well.

I doubt that I can create an appealing cookie gift basket if I do finally create edible cookies. You see, even more patience is required in an attempt to arrange the cookies in an attractive fashion. Good cookies should be soft and the very thought of breaking an edible cookie that I made from scratch is unbearable.

I turn to the professionals when it comes to creating a cookie gift basket from the heart. I found that I can actually save a lot of time and money by simply ordering a cookie gift basket from someone who has the talent and the patience that I do not have.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Cookie Gift Basket. Visit our site for more helpful information about Cookie Gift Basket and other similar topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton

Sugar-Free Cookie Recipes

2008-07-17T22:28:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves cookies! And there are many people who are not able to eat "normal" cookies - in particular, people with diabetes.Having said that, I have included some recipes and links to other resources for your diabetic cookie (dessert) cravings. One disclaimer: just like anything to anyone else, indulgence in excess is not a good thing. Just because they are considered diabetic cookies, is no excuse for eat the whole batch in one sitting! So here we go:

Can't have chocolate chip cookies???? Yes you can, here are 2 recipes (trust me, there are tons of diabetic chocolate chip cookie recipes on the net! At the end of the article I have included links to a few diabetic gold mines.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (Diabetic)

1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar substitute
1 egg or egg substitute
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. skim milk
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and brown sugar substitute. Add egg and vanilla, cream until light. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until brown and crispy. Makes 36 cookies.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1/4 c. margarine
1 tbsp. granulated fructose
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream together margarine and fructose, beat in egg, water and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in sifter. Sift dry ingredients into creamed mixture, stirring to blend thoroughly. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonsful onto lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 30 cookies.

I love Oatmeal cookies and Oatmeal Raisin cookies! Here are a few indulgences for you to try - yummy!

OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES - DIABETIC

1/2 c. butter
1 egg
3/4 c. flour
1 c. oatmeal
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1 1/4 tsp. liquid artificial sweetener
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. raisins
5 tbsp. orange juice concentrate, undiluted

Mix all ingredients together and drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet, flatten. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes about 40 cookies.

Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookies

Combine & beat:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup oil, blended
1 cup Splenda

Add 2 eggs and beat until light

Combine in separate bowl:

1 cup flour
1 cup Oatmeal
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sour milk (or 1 teaspoon vinegar and enough milk to make 1/4 cup

Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to egg mixture. Beat well.

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Make balls about the size of a walnut. Place on greased Cookie Sheet. Press down with a fork.
Bake about 15 minutes at 400º or until golden brown. Slide cookies off onto paper towel to cool.
Store in tightly covered container.

And a twist on the oatmeal....

Double-Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Whole-wheat flour
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
1/4 cup Cocoa
1 Large egg
2 cup Rolled oats
1/4 cup Water
1/2 ts Baking soda
1 ts Vanilla
1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

Cream sugar and margarine together at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, water, and vanilla, and mix at medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl before and after adding egg, water and vanilla. Stir flours, cocoa, oatmeal, baking soda and baking powder together to blend ; add to egg mixture. Mix to medium speed to blend and then add chocolate chips. Drop dough by 1 1/2tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets that have been sprayed with pan spray or lined with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 12 to 14 minutes, or until cookies are not quite firm; do not over bake, or cookies will be too hard. Remove them to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Yield: 36 servings.

Well that is a few to get started. If you have a recipe you want the world to know about - let me know by clicking here. Here are a few links to many diabetic cookie recipes for you to enjoy.
Cooks.Com

Healthy Diabetic Recipes

Happy snacking!

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

2008-07-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

This is a simple peanut butter cookie recipe that involves no baking at all, it combines peanut butter with oatmeal. There are several other types of no bake recipes that call for cornflakes. I prefer the ones with oatmeal, it is all based on preference, and I like the texture of the oatmeal best.

2 Tablespoons of butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 Pinch of salt
1 Teaspoon of pure vanilla bean paste
1 Tablespoon of peanut butter
1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal

First you will get your ingredients all scaled out and a mixing bowl. You will then melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, you will take it out of the microwave and give it a stir. You will then add the cocoa and start to stir in the cocoa until it is mixed in well. You will then add the sugar, milk and salt and stir all of the added ingredients together. The next thing you will add is the vanilla bean paste, peanut butter, and oatmeal. You will thoroughly combine, and mix the entire ingredients well. You will then take a Tablespoon and spoon out into your hand forming the dough balls into the cookie shape. You will want a baking sheet with parchment for adding the cookies to the sheet. You will put them onto the parchment paper and let them hang out for a while until they have fully set. This should make about 12 cookies.

So, if you are feeding more than your family and are having a dinner party or large family gathering you will need to double the recipe, or even multiply for a larger number to give you the amount you will need for your event.

This is an easy recipe to make, and of course it is a no bake recipe. So if it is during the winter months, and your children are stirring about the house. There is inclement weather outside. This is a great recipe for you to do something together, and for you to both be rewarded at the end.

If you are into protein bars, and are the avid athlete, this will be a bar for you as well. Add some fruit and nuts to this recipe, and you will have a bar that is great tasting, good for you, and will provide you energy for your fun filled adventure as well. Enjoy!

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA. Shelley is also the desserts editor for http://www.BellaOnline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Pogue

A Brief History of the Cookie Jar

2008-07-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

The origin of cookie jars began in Britain. First known as biscuit jars, their first use began at the end of the 18th century.
These early cookie jars usually found in grocery stores were usually made of glass with metal lids. The more early types were cylinder shapes with floral or leaf painted decoration. It wasn’t until 1930 that stoneware became the predominant material for American cookie jars.

The first ceramic cookie jar was made at the Brush Pottery Company in Zanesville, Ohio. This green jar with the name “Cookies” on the front, started a trend in which the words “Brush U.S.A.” were marked on all of their jars. Since then (the 1930s), a variety of cookies were produced in different shapes and representing different intellectual characters. The most prominent period of cookie jar production was between 1940 and 1970.

From collectors styles with vintage coca cola type cookie jars to holiday types, a large selection of cookie jars are available for everyone in your life. With animal types illustrating pigs, bears, cows, roosters and cats, just to name a few, the wide variety of jars allow anyone to find one that fits their personal preferences.

Character type cookie jars are popular as well with Winnie the Pooh and Betty Boop styles. The continuing variations of jars allows for a collector’s aspect to the ceramics. With a large selection of jars, many have begun to create a collection of specific types of cookie jars. This fun aspect to collecting something different makes the cookie jar industry much more successful than once thought.

Popular cookie jar and kitchenware themes:

* Animals such as frog, rooster, cow, dog, cat, pig, bear, fish, tiger
* Characters such as Snoopy, Garfield, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Betty Boop, Muppets, The Flintstones and Scooby Doo
* Popular brands such as Coca Cola, Disney or Warner Bros.

For more information on collectible cookie jars and other kitchen accessories including salt and pepper shakers and cookie cutters visit Cookie Jars Etc

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

The Good, The Bad, and the Delicious - A Look at Mexican Cookies

2008-07-16T01:20:00.000-05:00

There are many kinds of Mexican cookies, some of which are specifically for parties, celebrations, and others, which make a special treat at any time. There are Mexican wheat cookies
, Mexican sugar cookies, Mexican painted cookies, and many more mouthwatering varieties. These cookies are all sweet and tasty and they literally melt in the mouth.

Mexican Wedding Cookies - Mouthwateringly Tasty
These are Mexican traditional cookies and are truly delicious. Mexican wedding cookies are made from shortbread and groundnuts, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds, are often added to the mixture. These popular cookies are served at Mexican weddings and anniversaries and also around Christmas. There are different variations on Mexican wedding cookies throughout the world, including Russia and Sweden where they are known as teacakes. You might even like to try your hand at following a Mexican wedding cookie recipe if you have a wedding or anniversary coming up.

Mexican Biscocho Cookies
Biscochitos is another popular cookie in Mexico. It originated in Spain. When the Spaniards came to Mexico, they also brought the cookie. They are made with anise seeds and sprinkled with cinnamon. Depending on the maker, some of these cookies include different ingredients. You might find some biscochitos with orange juice and wine taste for added flavor. The cookies are cut with cookie cutters or made into diamond shapes. Some people even drink wine while eating them.

What are Mexican Marranitos, Cochinos, or Puerquitos?
Marranitos is a cookie with different names. It is also called cochinos or puerquitos in different Mexican-American communities. It is known as "gingerbread pigs" even though there is no ginger in the cookie. The cookie is shaped like a pig. Traditional marranitos get their spicy flavor from molasses. In Mexico, the bakers make their own molasses syrup by taking brown sugar and placing it into cones. It is then boiled with the right amount of water.

Once it has turned into the syrup it is then added to the dough for the little pigs. The cookie is very moist and rich in taste with a flaky top.

Mexican Churros - Ideal with Hot Chocolate
Originating from Spain, Churros are tasty fried cookies that are seen in both Mexico and other countries. It is made from a light paste that is sweetened. The paste is piped into oil and fried until golden brown. Cinnamon is added to make it taste even sweeter. Churros are best when eaten warm. It is typical to find street vendors selling Churros. They can make them fresh right on the street.

It used to be hard to find churros outside of Hispanic areas a few decades ago because they were only available at sporting events and carnivals. Nowadays they are easy to find in Mexican grocery stores and local restaurants because Latin food is becoming increasingly popular with many nationalities. Some companies manufacture churros with an inner filling in a delicious flavor such as chocolate, strawberry, or apple. Many Americans have discovered the wonderful flavor of churros.

So, now you know there are various types of Mexican cookie recipes. You might like to find a churros recipe or other Mexican cookie recipe and make your own Mexican sweet treats. Once you realize how good they taste, you will want to make them for your whole family to enjoy!

South of the border doesn't just mean beans discover Mexican dessert recipes full of flavor and incredible taste. Easy dessert recipes Mexican that your family will love to eat all the time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Kudra

Oatmeal Carrot Raisin Cookie Recipe

2008-07-16T00:52:00.000-05:00

Cookies have been around for many centuries. There are many different versions from the early days of baking. They have evolved from what were then called flat "twice" baked biscuits, or savory biscuits.

Many different cultures and civilizations have tried the art of cookie baking. Some were more of a hard flat bread, which eventually turned into more of a pastry type of bread or cookie. Then it became more of a light to fluffy biscuit, and then into the smaller bite size bar like a Madeline, and or a type of drop cookie that we are familiar with today. Some of their efforts were savory, and some turned out to be sweet creations. I credit the Germans and the French for getting us to the sweeter side of things that have developed into the sweet cookies of our day.

In the current day we have bar cookies, drop cookies, refrigerated cookies, rolled cookies, and a few more. I think that the most popular are the drop cookies. The drop cookie was made very popular from the Tollhouse Company, by the development of the chocolate chip cookie. The Quaker Company has also helped in this effort to create a rolled oats cookie. They are both a very popular treat with many people all over the country.

I have created an oatmeal cookie recipe that I hope that you will enjoy. This is a recipe for an oatmeal carrot cookie. It is a little healthier treat than most sweet desserts, and it tastes great if you are an oatmeal cookie fan. This is an easy recipe, and does not take too much time, and it would be fun to prepare with your children.

Ingredients you will need:

1 1/4 Cup of grated carrots

1 Cup of whole wheat flour

1/2 Cup of Raisins

1/2 Cup of I can't believe it is not butter

1/2 Cup of packed brown sugar

1/2 Cup of quick oats

2 Eggs medium size

1/2 Teaspoon of cinnamon and a good vanilla bean paste

1/4 Teaspoon of nutmeg

1/4 Cup of warm water

1 Teaspoon of baking powder

1 Tablespoon of confectioners sugar

Non Stick Spray

First you will preheat your oven to 350 if it is electric and about 325F if it is gas. If you have convection fan turn it off during the baking. It will cause too much browning, and more than likely burn these cookies. You will want to go ahead a spray your baking pan, so you are ready to go directly into the pan after mixing all of the ingredients. I recommend a square or rectangular pan for these cookies.

In a mixing bowl you will add the warm water not hot water, the margarine, and the brown sugar, and the vanilla bean paste, and mix them together. You will then add your eggs and beat it well, and mix with the sugar mixture. You will then add your carrots and raisins, and nutmeg and cinnamon, and mix well.

In a separate bowl you will add the flour, oatmeal and baking powder and mix well. Once all of the dry are mixed together you will add the wet to the dry and mix well.

Pour into non stick pan or sprayed pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will turn about halfway through the baking process in the oven to ensure even baking. Remove from the oven and let cool, and sprinkle with the confectioners sugar. When they are cool cut them into bars.

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude, Le Cordon Blue graduate and Executive Research and Development Chef, for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA. Shelley is also the desserts editor for BellaOnline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Pogue

Cookie Recipes

2008-07-16T00:48:00.000-05:00

Looking for some cookie recipes? The Internet is the ultimate place to search for exquisite cookie recipes.

You will find various sites offering some great cookie recipes. Some recipes are quite simple. You can surprise your family and friends by preparing cookies with these recipes. Thanks to those websites, all the latest cookie recipes will at your fingertips. Whether it is chocolate brownie cookies, blarney stone cookies or peanut-butter cookies, online cookie recipes will help you make them perfectly. Not only that, you will also find sugar-free cookie recipes for those who have diabetes. Sugar is also strictly prohibited for those who want to lose weight. For those cookie lovers, it's quite painful to resist the temptation.

Sugar-free cookie recipes will give people an opportunity to enjoy cookies without worrying about calories and carbohydrates. These types of cookie recipes use artificial sweeteners. The use of artificial sweeteners is the real problem area, as artificial sweeteners can leave a nasty flavor in your mouth. Nevertheless, cookies will remain popular. If you want to give someone a gift, you can do that with cookies. It's really impossible for anyone to dislike cookies. That's why cookie recipes are quite popular worldwide. During the holiday season, the demand for cookie recipes will be sky high.

If you want to know more about cookie recipes, all you need to do is check out various websites offering innovative cookie recipes. Learning traditional Christmas cookie recipes has now become quite simple. Just log on to those sites specializing in these cookie recipes. You can also learn how to make other popular cookies, such as refrigerator cookies, shortbread cookies and more. You will definitely feel temped to try the cookie recipes at home. Explore the world of cookie recipes on the Internet.

Cookies provides detailed information on Cookies, Cookie Recipes, Cookie Baskets, Cookie Bouquets and more. Cookies is affiliated with Chocolate Gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

Cookie Bouquets

2008-07-16T00:29:00.000-05:00

There can be no better gift than cookie bouquets. Cookie bouquets are capable of conveying messages with warmth and love. That's why people prefer to send cookie bouquets to their friends to celebrate any occasions.

If you want to wish your friend a happy birthday, congratulate someone for achieving a goal or simply say thanks to anyone, all you need to do is order the most suitable cookie bouquets from an online store.

You will find a range of stores offering exquisite cookie bouquets on the web. The stores take pride in their extensive range of cookie bouquets covering almost all occasions. If you can't find the cookie bouquet of your choice, some online stores even offer customized bouquets. For that, you have to tell them how your cookie bouquet should look. The cookie bouquet companies always come up with great decorating ideas. Great-looking cookie bouquets always lift the spirits of the recipients. So, the companies always try to prepare some exceptional cookie bouquets for their clients. Cookie bouquets will always remain popular gift items. Be it Christmas festivities or a birthday celebration, the cookie bouquets will definitely make the occasion special and memorable. People have already started home-based gift bouquet businesses to cash in on the popularity of cookie bouquets. You can also make money by designing attractive cookie bouquets for others. Thus you can help others express love and affection with cookie bouquets.

If you want to make friends or renew a relationship with someone, give cookie bouquets to them. You can surprise your friend with a dazzling cookie bouquet. Only cookie bouquets can sum up your emotions to your friend perfectly. You should use your ideas and thoughts to make the cookie bouquet eye-catching and gorgeous. Speak your mind with cookie bouquets.

Cookies provides detailed information on Cookies, Cookie Recipes, Cookie Baskets, Cookie Bouquets and more. Cookies is affiliated with Chocolate Gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

What is the Cookie Diet?

2008-07-15T01:33:00.001-05:00

The "Cookie Diet" was created in 1975 by Dr. Sanford Siegal. Throughout the 33 years of it's existence, it has been attacked by critics and downplayed by skeptics. But one fact remains certain: The Cookie Diet is still here, and it's only growing in popularity.

If you do any amount of research online concerning the Cookie Diet, it won't be long before you find a long list of critics standing in line to denounce this creation and its creator. But you have to ask yourself, have any of these "critics" actually tried what it is they are ripping apart?

Remember, there are two sides to every story.

When you research a little further, you'll find people who have actually been on the Cookie Diet, and have lost massive amounts of weight in short periods of time. So you have to ask yourself: Do I believe someone who has actually tried this diet or not?

So, What Is The Cookie Diet?

Dr. Siegal created the cookie diet to help his patients stay on their diets with a minimal amount of effort. He realized that when someone is feeling hungry all the time, they will do whatever it takes to satisfy that hunger, whether it follows their diet plan or not.

So Dr. Siegal created what are called "diet cookies". The cookies contain amino acids and other nutrients, and are designed to curb your appetite.

How Does The Cookie Diet Work?

The Cookie Diet was designed to be as simple as possible. Instead of eating lunch and breakfast, you eat six of Dr. Siegal's diet cookies throughout the day whenever you feel hungry.

At dinnertime you have more of a traditional meal, though probably smaller than you are used to. The meal would consist of 6 oz. of chicken, fish or other seafood, and one cup of vegetables.

It is also important to note that you need to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day.

Are you tired of wasting your time and money on diets that don't work? For a review of something that works for people who actually use it, click here:

http://www.squidoo.com/cookiedietreview

You could reach your goal weight faster than you ever thought possible!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K.M._Aguglia

Diabetic Gift Baskets

2008-07-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

In recent times, the act of presenting gift baskets to close ones, friends or acquaintances have emerged to be a very prevalent practice. Gift baskets may be presented on special occasions or they may also be gifted as a form of acknowledging someone's contribution. Giving out gourmet gift baskets is often a common option for most who are to present these gift baskets as gourmet gift baskets can be presented to anyone and everyone irrespective of the occasion and at the same time they carry across a positive message of forging relationships together. Diabetes is a necessary evil that has engulfed a considerable proportion of the society and today a huge proportion of the population is diabetic and this includes a large number of young people as well. Those who are affected by diabetes therefore cannot consume all kinds of food items, especially sweet ones and therefore, gifting a gourmet gift basket to such individuals becomes a problematic affair. But with the devising of diabetic gift baskets, this problem has been done away with to a great extent. The diabetic gift baskets are made up of several items including sweet food items but these are composed in a way that they are not detrimental for a diabetes affected person's health.

Chocolate cookies, chocolate chips and brownies, cake bites and chocolate candies are definitely included in these diabetic gift baskets but it is interesting to note that all these items are sugar free. Therefore, they pose no threat to the organs of the body and can be consumed without fear. Peach candy, chocolate candy, fruit hard candies are equally safe for consumption by a diabetic. Different kinds of nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, pistachios and even chocolate nuts are ingredients found in diabetic gift baskets without a single coating of sugar included in it. Sugar free cookies and sugar free brownies are a must for various occasions and are necessary components of al the diabetic gift baskets.

In many cases it is advised by medical practitioners that diabetics should abandon the consumption of sweet food items in favor of other healthier options such as fresh fruits and vegetables or items prepared by using these as ingredients. Thus diabetic gift baskets are composed of vegetable soups and sugar free fruit cakes which are tasty and at the same time not harmful to the body. Organic tea like green tea is also one among the popular ingredients in these diabetic gift baskets.

Buy gift baskets online and don't wait in line at a store!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberts_Bairds

Some links to DIABETIC GIFT BASKETS: