Snicker Doodles

Sometimes I wonder how people have a "favorite cookie".  Seriously, you can pick one?  How can you single out one type of cookie when there's chocolate chip, peanut butter, pumpkin snicker doodles, white chocolate cranberry?  You must be a real cookie expert... Unfortunately I haven't reached that status yet.  Better keep sampling them all.

A couple weeks ago there was a bake sale at school.  Imagine that! Kids, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, donuts.  It just goes together way too well. Let me tell you, if the government had a bake sale in every school across the country just one day, they'd be out of debt.  Possibly even have some extra Benjamin's to spare! Kids love food!

Let me rephrase that... Who doesn't love cookies, brownies, cakes, donuts, chocolate covered whatever, etc.???? You're just not American if you don't!  Once again getting myself way off topic.  Anyways, I made these for the bake sale at school.  No, not for the government bake sale, a senior project bake sale.  One teacher in particular absolutely LOVES these cookies.  Like they are her FAVORITE.  One and only favorite. Yes, just one type!  She always has to buy one a couple plateful.  Next time I'll just bring an extra tray with her name one it.  One for the bake sale and one for her!

Snicker Doodles

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071086

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter flavored Crisco shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• Cinnamon Sugar

Instructions

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the first six ingredients.

Stir in flour, adding more if batter is too sticky.

Roll balls in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake at 350* for 8 to 10 minutes.

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Buckeyes

After all the buckeyes we had to eat before the Canfield Fair I wasn't sure if my family would be ready for more by Christmas.  Oh, they were ready.  You're going to make us buckeyes, right?  There'll be enough left for us too, right?

Yes, yes there'll be plenty for you too!  They'll be plenty if you keep your little fingers out of the peanut butter filling!  The hardest part of cooking with my family is keeping them away from the dough.  A recipe may say it yields three dozen cookies, but leave the kitchen one minute and that same recipe only makes a dozen and a half.  Funny how those things happen.  

My sister is the worst when it comes to the buckeyes.  She'll be glued to my hip, licking the spatula, taking spoonfuls of peanut butter, and "sneaking" the rolled balls from the freezer.  Really, I don't notice the missing four or five balls on a sheet that was once full.  

You'd think I only make these once a year or something!  Some things have to be kept for special occasions.  Maybe if I put the recipe up they'll start making them themselves...

Buckeyes

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071079

Ingredients

• 2 sticks margarine
• 11 ounces peanut butter
• 1 pound box confectionery sugar
• 1 1/2 pounds Hershey’s chocolate

Instructions

Mix margarine, peanut butter and confectionery sugar.

Roll into balls and freeze overnight.

Melt chocolate in melting pot.

Removing five balls from the freezer at a time, dip in chocolate using a toothpick.

Place in miniature paper cups and freeze until chocolate hardens.

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Molasses Cookies

As a kid, these cookies really confused me.  They tasted just like a gingerbread...but were in a circle.  And they were decorated with sugar...not icing.  Someone got lazy and didn't wanna cut out gingerbread men?

Not the case.  While they can satisfy a gingerbread craving with half the work, Molasses Cookies are not the same as Gingerbread Men.  

Mom and I usually don't make them, but in a close second place behind pitzzelles, these are my Grandma's second favorite cookies.  So we decided to whip up a batch this year.  What a daughter won't do for her mother.  

Molasses Cookies

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071082

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup margarine
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 4 tablespoons molasses
• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

Mix all ingredients well. Chill dough at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Roll dough into balls and roll in white sugar.

Press down with fork and bake 10 to 12 minutes.

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Pumpkin Yogurt

It’s a little over a week from Christmas and I’m still not ready to give up my pumpkin recipes.  Is it acceptable to eat pumpkin year round?  I hope so because that’s what I plan on doing!

Over the past four or five months I’ve probably ate ten cans of pumpkin puree…on my own.  Wow, I just realized how much that is.  Ten cans..give me a minute to do the math.  Ten cans x 16(?) ounces per can = 160 ounces of pumpkin.  It’s a miracle I’m not the great big pumpkin!!

While some of it has been pumpkin pies, pumpkin squares, pumpkin smoothies, etc. this conception is a little healthier.  Greek yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cinnamon.

It’s been a little too cold recently, but sometimes I’ll mix it up and freeze it for 30 or 40 minutes.  Then it’s like ice cream!  Yummm….(ice cream is my weakness)

Pumpkin Yogurt

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071148

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain or vanilla greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a bowl. Mix to combine.

Refrigerate until ready to eat.

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Pumpkin Squares

Every time we make these pumpkin squares I have to take a plate to my neighbors.  They absolutely love them!  I made them for my bake sale and they were a hit.  Some people even asked to buy a whole tray!

Looks like someone sampled these already...

Yes, my neighbor was one of those people.  I saved him two (large!) pumpkin squares too!  Obviously that wasn't enough...

...don't mind if I do!

His obsession with pumpkin squares started about a year ago.  While we were on vacation, he offered to watch our horses and cats and get the mail.  How sweet :) To thank him for coming over, my mom and I made his family a tray of pumpkin squares. 

Pictures took a little too long

Now let me tell you...one batch makes quite a few pumpkin squares.  They're great to make for large groups, parties, or bake sales.  I think they returned the tray in two days...completely gone!  They're that addictive.  BEWARE!

Pumpkin Squares

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071077

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 cup oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 15 ounces canned pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 3/4 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Combine first eight ingredients in the bowl of a standing mixer. Pour into a greased floured jelly roll pan.

Bake at 350* F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Beat remaining five ingredients in a standing mixer. Add more powdered sugar if frosting seems too runny.

Frost cooled cake and cut into squares.

VARIATION

Omit frosting and sprinkle cooled cake with powdered sugar.

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Snicker Doodles

If you haven't guessed it already, I absolutely love Christmas! Not because I get presents and go shopping (well...those are pretty great too) but mostly because I get to give everyone gifts. Really. I look forward to it all year.

But since I have so many teachers it's hard to get them something they'll use that's not too expensive. Last year I may have given my teachers the best gift yet.  Everyone gives baked goods or little homemade treats. But unbaked goods? Now we're talkin!

Yep that's exactly what I did!  I gave each of my teachers a box of cookie dough balls. They loved it too! Why? Because who wants more sweets over the holidays? Since these were unbaked they could be saved for later.

Just one thing...make sure you include baking instructions...

Snicker Doodles

:Ingredients:

1 cup butter flavored Crisco shortening

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cups flour

Cinnamon Sugar

:Directions:

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the first six ingredients.

Stir in flour, adding more if batter is too sticky.

Roll balls in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake at 350* for 8 to 10 minutes.

Copyright © 2014, Grace George. Simple and Sweet Creations. All Rights Reserved.

Click for printable recipe.

Banana Nutella Muffins

WARNING: If you like bananas and Nutella then be prepared to become addicted to these muffins.

Long story short, my friend is obsessed with the hazlenut spread. Her and I started a board on Pinterest where we can pin all our Nutella recipes.  Dangerous and wonderful all at the same time! Occasionally we'll get together at one of our houses, each choose a Nutella recipe from our board, and have a "baking day".  I don't think we've made a bad thing yet!  

On our first "experiment day" I choose these Nutella Banana Swirl Muffins.  That was over a year ago. Guess how many times I've made them since?  Bigillions!  We ALWAYS have at least a dozen in the freezer...just incase something terrible would happen to bananas or Nutella.  Help us all if either one becomes scare...

Banana Nutella Muffins

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071143

Ingredients (24 muffins)

• 4 over-ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Nutella

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease or line two regular muffin pans with liners.

In a large bowl, combine bananas, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in egg, vegetable oil and vanilla.

Slowly stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.

Fill tins 3/4 full and top with about 1 teaspoon Nutella. Using a toothpick, swirl Nutella into batter.

Bake 15-17 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Peach Smoothie

Every time I go to the mall and walk through the food court, I'm temped to stop at Frullati for one of their delicious smoothies. Unfortunately, I can't rationalize spending $4 or $5 on a drink.  I guess I'm just cheap.  

One day at Walmart I came across a small blender on the sale rack.  For $10 (two smoothies!!) I picked up one of the best kitchen appliances. Now I can make my own frosty drinks whenever I want!! It's a dream come true :)

It took several bad smoothies (un-drinkable may be more accurate) to finally find the right combination but I'm proud to say this one is a winner!

Peaches weren't the best this year so I have to be careful how many times I whip up this delicious treat!  With peaches, yogurt, milk, and cinnamon, this is the perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day...or if you're like me you'll still be making these in the middle of December!!  

Start by combining all ingredients in a blender.  I find it best to put liquids on the bottom.

Blend until smooth...

Yum!!! 

Peach Smoothie

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071151

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup sliced peaches
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sweetener

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Pour into glass and enjoy!

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Banana Split Trail Mix

Every year the Arts and Crafts Department at our county fair hosts two special baking contests.  Last year on was a dish made with apples as the main ingredient and the other a unique popcorn flavor.  This year they challenged us once again to a contest called "Stuck Up" (any food on a stick) and "Hit the Trails" (trail mix).

The trail mix contest was a lot of fun.  I ended up making a really good banana split trail mix (if I may say so myself).  But my presentation wasn't over the top...so I didn't place.  :(  Trust me...I learned my lesson.  We made up for it in round two with these Buckeye Bars!

Everything I used can be found at Walmart.  If you want to use something fancier by all means please do...

I'll try not to make this too difficult...  Pour the ingredients into a bowl and mix.  

That's it!  Store in an air tight container!  Or maybe divide it among jars and give away as gifts.

Banana Split Trail Mix

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071145

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dried pineapple chunks
• 1 cup banana chips
• 6 ounces strawberry yogurt covered raisins
• 8 ounces vanilla yogurt covered raisins
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cherries

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

Store in an air tight container.

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Baked Apple

It's official...I'll be able to survive in college!  Last night I perfected the most important microwave meal of the day...DESSERT!  Here's what my diet will consist of: Microwave Eggs for breakfast (and lunch, and dinner) and then this baked apple for dessert. :)  What college kid would complain about that?

Unfortunately, I won't be able to enjoy my mothers apple pies, crisps, and dumplings in a college dorm.  They'd get stolen before I had a chance to take a bite!  Mmmmm...I can taste 'em right now! 

I love how simple this little treat is to make.  Literally in 3 minutes it's all done.  And it only makes a single serving!  I had it for dessert last night, but it could make a great pre-workout or after-school snack, or even a mid-day treat.  Pair it with some greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, or milk for a breakfast too.

Cut your apple in half and scoop out the core.

Place cut side down in a microwave bowl with some water.

Microwave 1 1/2 minutes, flipping the apple over halfway through.  Be careful!  The apple and water may be hot!

Place apple on plate and stuff the centers with oats and brown sugar.  You can use honey or another sweetener instead of brown sugar.  I'd drizzle about a 1/2 tablespoon of honey over each core.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and microwave another 30 seconds.  Look how delicious :) But be careful...mine was pretty warm...

Baked Apple

by Simple and Sweet Creations

6071075

Ingredients

• 1 small apple
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon instant oats
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or other sweetener)
• cinnamon

Instructions

Cut apple in half and remove core.

Place cut side down in a microwave bowl with water.

Microwave 1 1/2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Place apple on plate and fill centers with oats and brown sugar.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and microwave 30 seconds.

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