Creative Holiday Cookies: Fennel Pistachio Cookies
December 07, 2009
These Fennel-Pistachio Cookies are so delicious. I know it sounds a little strange, but the combination of fennel seeds, lemon zest, and amaretto, is incredible. See me on Tuesday morning CBS 42 in Birmingham on “Wake Up Alabama” between 6 and 7 a.m making Chipotle Chocolate Cookie as well as these and Cinnamon Chai cookies. I developed this recipe for http://butterisbest.com. Butter is great to use for holiday baking, especially cookies.
Fennel-Pistachio Cookies
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Yield:
2 dozen
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons amaretto or almond extract
1 tablespoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons amaretto or almond extract
1 tablespoons lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar; mix well. Add egg; beat well. Add amaretto, lemon zest and fennel seeds; mix to combine.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture; beat well. Stir in pistachio nuts (dough will be stiff).
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, flatten balls slightly and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios.
4. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly on baking sheets; remove to cooling racks and cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture; beat well. Stir in pistachio nuts (dough will be stiff).
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, flatten balls slightly and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios.
4. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly on baking sheets; remove to cooling racks and cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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Holiday Upscale Appetizer: Uptown Fromage
December 06, 2009
I made this appetizer for my dad’s 80th birthday dinner last week at my sister’s house. It’s really easy, beautiful and filled with wonderful flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, oregano and goat and cream cheese. I got it out of the book, “Recipes Worth Sharing” by Favorite Recipes Press. It’s a great cookbook and has wonderful recipes for family gatherings and occasions such as this. Here’s the picture from the party with my dad, his daughters and granddaughters (I’m the one in the yellow and blue shirt).
Uptown Fromage
Prep:
25 minutes
Yield:
12 to 16 servings
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese (I used light)
8 ounces goat cheese
2 garlic cloves minced
111/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup oil-pack sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 baguettes, thinly sliced or assorted crackers
8 ounces goat cheese
2 garlic cloves minced
111/2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup oil-pack sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 baguettes, thinly sliced or assorted crackers
Preparation
1. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap; tape is helpful in keeping the plastic wrap in place. Combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic and oregano in a food processor and process until blended. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Top with pesto and spread with half the remaining cheese mixture. Sprinkle with tomatoes and spread with remaining cream cheese mixture.
2. Chill, covered, for 8 hours or longer. Invert the pan onto a serving plate adn discard the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the top of the cheese loaf with the pine nuts, pressing lightly to ensure the pine nuts will adhere. Garnish with oregano and serve with baguette slices or assorted crackers.
2. Chill, covered, for 8 hours or longer. Invert the pan onto a serving plate adn discard the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the top of the cheese loaf with the pine nuts, pressing lightly to ensure the pine nuts will adhere. Garnish with oregano and serve with baguette slices or assorted crackers.
One Response to “Holiday Upscale Appetizer: Uptown Fromage”
Rhonda says:
December, 07 2009at 06:43 am
After you wrote about that cookbook last I ordered it for both my daughter and daughter-in-law for Chanukah. It looks like a great cookbook. Thanks for recommending it!!
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Easy Holiday Food Gift: Butterscotch Bar Cookie Mix
November 30, 2009
I love to make homemade food gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, especially this year when everyone is trying to save money. This 4 ingredient food gift is as simple as can be and very economical. You can get the jars at any local store and even Walmart. Which ever you choose, this recipe is delicious, and everyone loves it. Happy December!
Butterscotch Bar Cookie Mix
Prep:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Yield:
3 dozen
Ingredients
11/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
2 cups (12 ounces) butterscotch morsles
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
2 cups (12 ounces) butterscotch morsles
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
1. Layer all ingredients in a 1-quart jar in order given; tightly seal. Makes 1 gift jar.
Chocolate Butterscotch Bar Cookies: Combine Chocolate Butterscotch Bar Mix and 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (you can use the low-fat). Press into a greased aluminum foil-lined 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely and cut into squares.
Chocolate Butterscotch Bar Cookies: Combine Chocolate Butterscotch Bar Mix and 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (you can use the low-fat). Press into a greased aluminum foil-lined 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely and cut into squares.
One Response to “Easy Holiday Food Gift: Butterscotch Bar Cookie Mix”
Susan Gilpin says:
December, 01 2009at 10:14 am
Alison, love the bar cookie idea. I will use this one!
Also want to use the wasabi-cranberry snack mix you posted a while back...I have misplaced the recipe. Could you please resend it to me. Thanks!
PS I'm doing meatloaf tomorrow night for dinner!
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Healthy Thanksgiving or Christmas Side Dish: Marinated Broccoli and Cauliflower
November 22, 2009
Yesterday I was a presenter in Wetumpka, Alabama at “Gathering at the River”, a Cookbook Fair and Tasting. This was a fundraiser for Trinity Episcopal Church. I had a great time and met some fabulous, sweet people who loved my book, recipes and Ingredients, Inc. t-shirts. We talked a lot about Thanksgiving, and a few asked me for some low-fat, healthy Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish ideas. This recipe for Marinated Broccoli and Cauliflower is a great one and is so easy to prepare. Thanks to everyone who attended! Hope you like this recipe.
Marinated Broccoli and Cauliflower
Prep:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Yield:
6 servings
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preparation
1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Working in batches, blanch cauliflower and broccoli until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
2. Whisk together vinegar and remaining ingredients. Pour over cauliflower mixture, tossing well. Cover and refrigerate overnight to up to 1 day. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
2. Whisk together vinegar and remaining ingredients. Pour over cauliflower mixture, tossing well. Cover and refrigerate overnight to up to 1 day. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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In Company with Martha Stewart and Bon Appetit: Dark Chocolate-Pistachio and Cherry Bark
November 18, 2009
One of the best parts being a food blogger is when some of my favorite media writes about me, and it’s just out of the blue. Yesterday, a very famous food blog, “The Kitchn” listed their favorite top 10 Brittle and Bark recipes. I made it on the list in great company with Martha Stewart, Bon Appetit, Epicurious and many others. Check out the post http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/break-off-a-piece-barks-and-brittles-101614
This recipe ran last year during my first month of my blog. It’s 3 ingredients and fabulous. I will be making it on television next month in Birmingham NBC 13 “Daytime Alabama” and NewsChannel 4 CBS “Talk of the Town” in Nashville, Tennessee.
Chocolate-Pistachio and Cherry Bark
Prep:
5 minutes
Cook:
1 minute
Yield:
11/2 pound
Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet or dark chocolate morsels (I used Nestles semisweet and Hershey’s dark chocolate)
1 cup pistachio nuts, shells removed and toasted
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries (or half-and-half)
1 cup pistachio nuts, shells removed and toasted
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries (or half-and-half)
Preparation
1. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with wax paper on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until melted, stirring once. Add pistachios and cherries, stirring well. Spread on large baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
2. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break bark into pieces. Store in a tightly sealed container in refrigerator up to 1 month. Pack in decorative boxes or tins lined with wax tissue paper or colored cellophane for gift giving.
2. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break bark into pieces. Store in a tightly sealed container in refrigerator up to 1 month. Pack in decorative boxes or tins lined with wax tissue paper or colored cellophane for gift giving.
One Response to “In Company with Martha Stewart and Bon Appetit: Dark Chocolate-Pistachio and Cherry Bark”
kathryn N. says:
December, 03 2009at 09:29 am
Does this have to stay in the refrigerator all the time or just for storage? My chocolate has a dusty look to it now (made it 10 days ago). Stored it in a screw on top ziploc container. Maybe that type of container is not air tight or did the chocolate get too hot?
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Holiday Cookies with a Kick: Chocolate Chipotle Shortbread Cookies
November 17, 2009
I live in interesting (and fortunate) life as a Recipe Developer creating Christmas recipes in the heat of July and summery recipes and grilling during winter. I created this recipe last summer for a “REAL BUTTER” recipe project coming up with “regional” cookie ideas and recipes. I’m not from the west, but I thought a touch of chipotle mixed with chocolate in a shortbread-type cookie would rock. They did! My assistant, Alacia, has been a fan of chipotle ever since. You can’t go wrong with Chocolate Chipotle Shortbread Cookies. They are perfect for holidays or anytime of the year.
Chocolate Chipotle Shortbread Cookies
Prep:
25 minutes
Cook:
12 minutes
Yield:
3 dozen
Ingredients
8 ounces dark chocolate morsels (11/3 cups)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground chipotle seasoning
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground chipotle seasoning
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Microwave chocolate on HIGH heat for 45 seconds; stir. reheat in 15 second intervals, stirring until melted or heat chocolate over a double-boiler, stirring until melted.
3. Combine, flour, cinnamon and chipotle in a medium bowl; Set aside.
4. Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy. Add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in pecans.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch ball; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten bottom with a glass dipped in sugar.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Microwave chocolate on HIGH heat for 45 seconds; stir. reheat in 15 second intervals, stirring until melted or heat chocolate over a double-boiler, stirring until melted.
3. Combine, flour, cinnamon and chipotle in a medium bowl; Set aside.
4. Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy. Add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in melted chocolate. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in pecans.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch ball; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten bottom with a glass dipped in sugar.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
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Reduced-Fat Desserts for Parties: Dark and Semisweet Chocolate Brownies
November 11, 2009
I have a lot of of television cooking segments coming up next month in Birmingham and Nashville. One of which is making “lower” fat desserts. Everyone wants ideas for great, easy desserts to take to a party, and if they are reduced-fat, even better. I like to use a combination of dark and semisweet chocolate and all egg whites in these Dark and Semisweet Chocolate Brownies. Feel free to make them with or without nuts but just remember: keep a glass of cold milk (or red wine) nearby.
Dark and Semisweet Chocolate Brownies
Prep:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Yield:
2 dozen
Ingredients
1 cup semisweet morsels
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
4 egg whites
11/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate morsels
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
4 egg whites
11/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate morsels
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking pan.
2. Melt 1 cup semisweet morsels in a large heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in egg whites. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla and baking soda. Stir in dark chocolate morsels and nut, if desired. Spread in prepared baking pan.
3. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
2. Melt 1 cup semisweet morsels in a large heavy-duty saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in egg whites. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla and baking soda. Stir in dark chocolate morsels and nut, if desired. Spread in prepared baking pan.
3. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
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Three Ingredient Easy Treats: Chocolate Turtle Candies
October 28, 2009
One of my subscribers from Florida, Melanie, asked me to make these delicious treats and put them up on my blog. I wasn’t familiar with this recipe or idea, but some people are. If you haven’t ever seen this, you will love it. They are only 3 ingredients, and everyone loves them. I taught a private cooking lesson today for an amazing and adorable second grader, and she even said, “What a great party idea!”
Chocolate Turtle Candies
Prep:
5 minutes
Cook:
3 minutes
Yield:
24 candies
Ingredients
24 small pretzels
24 Rolo candies
24 whole pecans
24 Rolo candies
24 whole pecans
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Place pretzels on a large nonstick baking sheet. Top each evenly with rolos. Place in oven and bake 3 minutes or until slightly melted. Remove from oven and immediately place whole pecan on top, pushing down to melt chocolate. Let cool completely before serving.
2. Place pretzels on a large nonstick baking sheet. Top each evenly with rolos. Place in oven and bake 3 minutes or until slightly melted. Remove from oven and immediately place whole pecan on top, pushing down to melt chocolate. Let cool completely before serving.
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Leigh and Zachary’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
October 16, 2009
Everyone thinks Leigh and Zachary, my middle and youngest children, are twins. They are actually two years apart, but they are so close in size that I get that question all of the time. They are both incredible kids and are huge food lovers as well as helpful in the kitchen. This is one of their favorite chocolate cookies from Southern Living magazine. If you’re looking for a wonderful but basic Chocolate Cookie recipe, look no further.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep:
30 minutes
Cook:
14 minutes
Yield:
5 dozen
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
21/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
11/2 (12-ounce) packages semisweet chocolate morsels
Parchment paper
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
21/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
11/2 (12-ounce) packages semisweet chocolate morsels
Parchment paper
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter and sugars at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Add eggs and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, beating until blended.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Beat in morsels just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350° for 10 to 14 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Remove to wire racks, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Beat in morsels just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350° for 10 to 14 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Remove to wire racks, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).
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Four Ingredient Brownie: Easy Almond Butter-Topped Brownies
October 09, 2009
Since I have been getting many requests for a quick brownie recipes, I thought I would give you a semi-homemade idea: Almond-Butter Topped Brownies. Start with your favorite brownie recipe or brownie mix (I used Duncan Hines) and top with almond butter, nuts and chocolate. These also work great with your favorite peanut butter or Nutella. These make a quick party dessert, bake sale item or Halloween treat.
Almond Butter-Chocolate Chip Brownies
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
7 minutes
Yield:
8 servings
Ingredients
8 brownies, cooked
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup finely chopped, toasted almonds or pecans
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I used semisweet)
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup finely chopped, toasted almonds or pecans
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I used semisweet)
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. Spread each of the brownies with 1 tablespoon of almond butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. Top the nuts with 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips. Place the brownies on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until the chocolate is starting to melt. Transfer the brownies to the refrigerator and let cool until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes to one hour.
2. Spread each of the brownies with 1 tablespoon of almond butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. Top the nuts with 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips. Place the brownies on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes until the chocolate is starting to melt. Transfer the brownies to the refrigerator and let cool until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes to one hour.
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