Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are my new favorite! My daughter made a batch for me when she last visited. She left some scoops of  cookie dough in the freezer. I would get out a few, pop them in the oven and enjoy warm cookies 15 minutes later. These cookies got me thru recovery from pneumonia, cookies and cheese paninis were the only thing that tasted good. I didn't put the panini maker away for three weeks! Thanks Amber, you saved the day.
Back to the cookies, they are perfect. If you combine a chocolate chip cookie, oatmeal cookie and peanut butter cookie this is what you get. I found it in one of my favorite blogs, Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
I made just a few changes, it's yummy, enjoy!

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Cookies
2 squares softened butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar (7 ounces)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup quick oatmeal
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2-2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2-2 cups Reese's Peanut Butter chips
In the bowl of a stand mixer put butter, sugars and peanut butter, cream together. Add eggs and vanilla, mix together for 2 minutes until light colored. In a separate bowl combine the flour, oatmeal, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Add dry ingredients to peanut butter mixture. Mix gently. Add chips.
Using a medium scoop put cookie dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. Dip a small glass into coarse sugar, use this to slightly flatten cookie.
Bake at 350 for 11-12 minutes. Cookies will look under done, they will firm up as they cool. Let cool on a cooling rack. This recipe make about 4-5 dozen cookies. Share them, freeze them, eat them!
I like to bake a pan of cookies for immediate consumption. Then I portion the cookie dough on a sheet of parchment, slightly flatten as above. Freeze the cookie balls. When frozen put cookie balls in a freezer bag, label and bake within 6 weeks (they never last that long)! To bake put frozen cookie balls on a parchment lined baking stone. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until just done. Who doesn't love a warm cookie for a bedtime snack! Now that we are empty nesters this is the perfect way to make cookies.
Printable Recipe

Peanut Butter Brownies

 My blog has about 38 recipes that contain peanut butter. I do like peanut butter. In cookies, brownies, candy and even sauces-- think peanut sauce. I have a Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie recipe that is excellent. Peanut Butter Bars are a family favorite. So why another peanut butter brownie recipe? Because I can! I would feel bad if I didn't share this recipe. I made it twice in a week--that is how good it is.
It is easy, like one bowl easy. These brownies are so perfectly delicious that they do not need frosting! Did I really just say that--I frost everything. They are the perfect combination between chewy and cakey. The peanut butter is subtlety delicious. My non-peanut butter loving mother thought they were excellent. They freeze well--and taste delicious right from the freezer. This could be a new family favorite. Best of all you probably have everything you need in your pantry to make them, tonight.

Peanut Butter Brownies
6 ounces butter softened (12 tablespoons)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, I use Skippy or Jiff or Western Family (whatever is on sale)
2 cups (15 ounces) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup (2 ounces) cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups (8.75 ounces) flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
10 ounces chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli 60%  Bittersweet Chocolate)
Whip butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar, mix well. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until well combined. Stir in the cocoa, mix until the mixture is smooth and no dry streaks remain.
Add flour, salt and baking powder, stir once or twice. Add chocolate chips and gently mix just until combined. Batter will be thick.
Spread in a lightly greased 9x13 metal pan. I use a small offset spreader to get batter even. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake 25-28 minutes. When done a toothpick inserted near the center will come out with a few moist crumbs. Don't over cook. My brownies took closer to the 28 minute mark. Ovens vary. Use the toothpick test!
Cool completely and cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This recipe came from my go to food blog, Mel's Kitchen Cafe.
Printable recipe

Rice Krispie Squares--for Quilt Group

 It was my turn to bring goodies for the 20 ladies in my applique class. I always appreciate an assignment to bring treats. I get to make a delicious treat and get rid of them quickly, best of both worlds! Time was short so I made a batch of rice krispie treats--on steroids. These are not the treat that you buy in a package of 20 at Costco. You probably don't want to take them to your child's kindergarten class.
These will certainly be appreciated by your book club, quilt class or girls night. It really is just a simple rice krispie treat with a bit more butter, a little peanut butter and of course plenty of chocolate. I put each treat in a cute bag which makes them easy to hand out. They can be eaten on site or dropped in your bag for later (most were eaten quickly).
This is a simple treat that looks like you went to a lot of work--but you didn't. Make them often and share. Bonus--they are gluten free!

Rice Krispie Treats--for Quilt Group
16 ounces marshmallows
8 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
9 cups rice krispies (almost all of a 12 ounce box)
1/2 cup milk, dark or white chocolate chips
Melt butter, add peanut butter and stir. add marshmallows. Microwave stirring every 30 seconds until marshmallow are melted. Add rice krispies and  3/4 cup white chocolate chips, stir gently. Press into a buttered 9x13 inch pan. For a thin treat use a sheet pan. Melt chocolate chips--drizzle over top of treats. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Cut into squares. Makes 20 treats.

Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

This delicious Salad comes from Epicurious. I read over 80 reviews, studied the recipe and came up with one delicious version. I think it just may become a family favorite. Great for a light meal, add cooked chicken or shrimp for a more filling dinner.
The actual Peanut Dressing was to die for--the kind you just might find yourself licking the spoon. It came together in 30 minutes. You could make the dressing the day before but I would dress the noodles just before serving. Most testers liked the salad at room temp--I thought it was delicious just lightly warmed. Looks like a meal with many options--make it yours!

Spicy Peanut Sauce
6 tablespoons peanut butter
1/4 cup chicken broth (I used a little bullion and water)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
1 teaspoon sriracha hot chili sauce
juice from 1 lime
Mix together with a whisk or an immersion blender. If it to thick either heat it for a moment or add a little more broth. I thought it was great as is.
Salad
6 to 8 ounces thin spaghetti cooked al dente, pour in a colander, drain, rinse with cold water and drain again. I used 6 ounces because I want plenty of dressing on my salad. Cook more pasta for a lighter dressed salad.
To cool pasta add:
 2-3 cups veggies. I added red and yellow peppers cut in slivers. julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, shredded Napa (I used a couple of cups of greens from a (Costco Oriental Salad--easy)
1/2 cup sliced green onion,
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Add dressing to pasta and veggies. Top with cilantro, peanuts and green onions.
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe

Peanut Butter Temptations--Cookies for Santa

Sometimes the best place to look for recipes is on the back of the product package. These delicious little gems come right off the back of the Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cup package. They are easy to make, the perfect treat to leave for Santa--and Santa will love them. I know!


Peanut Butter Temptations
about 40 Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Have little helpers remove wrappers from candy. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Using Pampered Chef small scoop shape dough into a ball and place in an ungreased mini muffin pan. Do not flatten. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes until puffed and lightly browned. Remove from oven. Immediately press peanut butter cup in center of each cookie. Cool completely in pan. Remove, put on a plate and leave for Santa!
Printable Recipe

 

Chunky Peanut, Chocolate and Cinnamon Cookies

I do love the flavor of warm cinnamon--in fall baking, pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins etc. I do not however usually add cinnamon in baking containing peanuts and peanut butter. But I trust Martha so Emma (my sweet little neighbor) and I decided to make these cookies. Emma loves peanut butter, she doesn't love nuts but peanuts are acceptable. And of course chocolate chips are a given. And we loved them!! We decided these just could be our new favorite cookie.
Thanks to Martha Stewart Cookies--we stepped outside our comfort zone and found a delicious cookie.

Chunky Peanut, Chocolate and Cinnamon Cookies
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar--7 ounces
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I used half milk chocolate and half semi sweet)
2/3 cup roasted, salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

In a bowl mix together flour, soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
Put butter and peanut butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add sugars and mix 2 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, mix until just combined. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips. Refrigerate until dough is firm about 20 minutes.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking stone (I used a Medium Pampered Chef Scoop). Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes until just golden. Cool on wire racks. Makes 5 dozen cookies.
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Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

When this yummy recipe popped up on my Face Book feed I had to take a second look. It didn't take me long to realize I needed to make these bars immediately! Like right now, luckily all the ingredients are pantry staples at my house. They came together quickly and baked in 20 minutes. I couldn't resist and tasted a very warm bite--amazing but messy. I put the pan in the fridge till the chocolate cooled. I cut them in good sized bars, wrapped them in parchment and then put them in a cute paper bag. Just the perfect treat for a friends birthday or just for no reason.
Thanks Mel from Mel's Kitchen Cafe--this was just perfect! I adore her blog!

Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup butter---softened
1/3 cup peanut butter, I used crunchy but choose your favorite
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, this is 3.5 ounces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup peanut butter chips--I only use Reese's
1 cup chocolate chips--I tried 60% Bittersweet, yummy but next time I might try milk chocolate and go with a peanut butter cup in mind. Use the chocolate you love but don't skimp on the peanut butter chips.

In a medium bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and oatmeal, whisk well.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Mix well, about 3 minutes. Mix in the egg and egg yolk and the vanilla until combined.
Gently stir in the dry ingredients and chips. Mix until just combined--don't over mix.
Press batter in a greased 9x13 pan. I use my small offset scraper to even out stiff batter.
Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. Mine took the full 20 minutes. Bars should just begin to brown around the edges--don't over bake--they will be dry
Printable Recipe.

Sweet Chili Chicken Salad

I get together monthly with a group of fun gals, we eat dinner and visit for an hour. We have new mothers, grandmothers, mothers of teens and toddlers. It is one fun group! This month we had assigned pot luck. I do love potluck but I don't really like all desserts or all potato salads (do people make potato salads any more)?? So an assigned potluck is the way to go.
I offered to bring a main dish salad. I perused my blog and thought about making Thai Chicken Salad or Vietnamese Summer Roll Salad or even Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Then I checked out my Pinterest Boards--so many yummy salads. I decided I must try a new salad. I had it narrowed down to Sweet Chili Chicken Salad from Kevin at Closet Cooking or Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing from Blissfulblog. Sweet Chili Chicken Salad won but I will try the other salad soon.
And win it did--everyone loved it! The dressing was the perfect combo of sweet and salty with a few warm undertones. The salad was crunchy and just delicious. Chopped peanuts were the final addition. It was perfect. I am so excited to share it with you.

Sweet Chili Chicken Salad
2 heads of thin sliced romaine
1/2 head of thin sliced Napa cabbage
I like to rinse these off after I have chopped them and then give them a spin in the salad spinner
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
I will also add a handful of torn basil when it is growing in my yard
1/2 of a English cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
2-3 carrots peeled and sliced with a julienne peeler, this gadget deserves a place in your 'gadget' drawer
1/2 red pepper, sliced then diced in smaller pieces
4 green onions, sliced thin
3 cups fresh bean sprouts--this is key in this recipe, please don't leave them out
chopped peanuts
2 boneless chicken breasts--I poured about 1/2 cup of the dressing over the chicken breasts and let them marinate in the fridge for 3-4 hours. I then baked them at 375 for about 25 minutes (or follow your package instructions). Slightly cool chicken breasts and then shred or slice thin, season generously with salt and pepper.. You could use any kind of cooked chicken in this recipe.

Sweet Chili Dressing
1 cup sweet chili sauce
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoon soy sauce
4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 large limes)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
4 cloves pressed garlic
4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until peanut butter is melted.
Cool before serving, I used about 1/2 cup to marinade the meat the rest I put on the table and let guests dress their own salad.
This salad was delicious on day two and day three! Perfect lunch--I did not get tired of it. I want to make it again soon.
Printable Recipe

Triple Layer Brownie

 

Triple Layer Brownies

1 cup quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped salted dry roasted peanuts

1/2 cup (3.5 ounces)  brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon soda

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 pkg (18-20 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Additional chopped peanuts

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9 x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine oats, peanuts, brown sugar, flour and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add melted butter: mix well. Press oat mixture into the bottom of pan. Bake for 8 minutes. 

2. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Spoon batter evenly over crust. Bake 24-28 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

3. Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high 1 minute; stir until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with additional chopped peanuts. Cool until chocolate mixture is set.

Printable Recipe

This delicious brownie recipe comes from Pampered Chef. It makes a thick, rich bar that is perfect for sharing. I did not use a brownie mix, I just used a favorite 'easy brownie' recipe--I will post it soon. I don't often purchase brownie mixes, but I always have sugar, flour, cocoa, eggs and butter on hand.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate and Peanut Butter is my all time favorite flavor combination. Just take a look at Peanut butter on my side bar. You will see Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter Temptations and Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies. This is just a start, which is the best?? Well they are all excellent so choose one and just enjoy. I am going to add another cookie to the mix. This is a rich chocolate cookie with tiny Reese's Peanut Butter Cups added. And they are delicious.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons water
1 bag of Reese's Minis Peanut Butter Cups (8 ounces)
Mix together flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda--set aside. In the bowl of a mixer mix together melted butter  peanut butter and sugars until light. Add egg, vanilla,  water and mix together. Slowly add flour mixture. Add about 3/4 of the Mini's (I gave them a rough chop). Batter will be thick. Using a medium Pampered Chef Scoop, scoop  dough on a parchment lined sheet. Slightly flatten cookie and top with 1 or 2 Peanut Butter Mini's. Bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes or until cookie is set, do not over bake.
Cool cookie and enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk.
Printable Recipe
 I came across a new (to me) blog-- Mom on Time Out, I think I will visit there often. Thanks Trish for a great recipe.

Loaded Peanut Butter Bars

I wanted to make a batch of cookie bars but I had peanut butter on the mind. I've had a bag of Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the pantry. I have resisted opening them because I knew once I did they would be just too much temptation. Can you resist an opened bag of your favorite treat??? 

So using them in a dessert was the only solution. I was taking dinner into a new mother tonight, perfect timing. I loaded a plate for the new mother, shared a couple with friends at lunch and quickly cut the rest of them, double wrapped them and hid them in the freezer for upcoming company!

This recipe is my Thick and Chewy Cookie Bar with a peanut butter spin. Try them, they are delicious with any combination of chips!

Loaded Peanut Butter Bars

2 1/8 cups (10 1/2 ounces) all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
12 tablespoons butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
1 cup (7 ounces) light brown sugar
1/2 (3 1/2 ounces) cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, cut in half

3/4 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Adjust the oven rack to lower-middle position. Line a 9X13-inch baking pan with foil, letting the excess hang over the edges of the pan by about 1 inch so you can grab those edges and pull the brownies from the pan after they have baked. Spray the foil-lined pan with Pam.

Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside. Whisk the melted butter and sugars in a large bowl until combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined; do not over mix. Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips, Cups and turn the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.

Bake until the top of the bars is light golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and edges start pulling away from sides of pan, 24-28 minutes. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the foil overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Printable Recipe 

Loaded Rice Krispie Treats for the Girls and it's Gluten Free!

A Rice Krispy Treat is a pretty lowly affair--but not for girls weekend! We added peanut butter because we can. We then went crazy with our drizzle. If one kind of chocolate is good--3 kinds will be amazing. So we used milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate. Yes, they made a delicious combination.

Loaded Rice Krispy Treats
40 or 4 cups marshmallows
5 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup peanut butter butter
Mix together in Microwave till creamy and smooth. Add 5 cups of Rice Krispy  and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Pat into a buttered or sprayed 8 inch square pan. This will make a thick treat. Putting in a 9x13 inch pan will make a thinner treat. When cool remove from pan and cut into desired shapes. Drizzle with chocolate! I use chocolate melting wafers purchased in bulk from WinCo. These have a great flavor and dry quickly. I melt about 1/4 cup melts in a small zip lock baggie. Heat in 30 second intervals, knead chocolate in package. When completely melted snip a very small corner off the baggie and use this to drizzle--yes it really does work!
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Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies

It's a yummy cookie with peanut butter chips. Peanut butter frosting and chocolate frosting layer to make this one amazing cookie! It takes a pound of butter and most of your afternoon but when you are done you have 48 delicious cookies that are meant for sharing. I would share them quickly or you just might eat more than you want! I found them on Jenn's Blog, Eat Cake For Dinner.

Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, 7 ounces
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups cake flour (yes, cake flour, keep a small bag in your pantry for such occasions)
1 (12 ounce) bag Reese's Peanut Butter Chips
Cream butter, sugars, salt, baking powder, baking soda and vanilla. Add eggs and mix well. Add flour and chips, stir gently.
Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough on parchment lined sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-14 minutes or until set.
Cool completely and frost with peanut butter frosting. Then frost with chocolate frosting, being careful to leave a small space between the edge of the two frosting layers. Makes 48 delicious cookies.

Peanut Butter Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter frosting
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
milk or cream to reached spreading consistency
Cream together  butter, peanut butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add enough milk or cream to reach a spreading consistency.

Chocolate Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
milk or cream
Beat butter, cocoa and vanilla until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add milk/cream until spreading consistency. I tasted the frosting and thought it needed more chocolate flavor. I had 3/4 cup chocolate ganache in the fridge. I warmed it and mixed it in. I declared it delicious!
    [Printable Recipe]

Peanut Butter Cup Blondies

I go to lunch monthly with a great group of ladies. We laugh, eat, and laugh some more. We joke that we are eating our way thru Utah County! We don't often get dessert--so I happily bring it. I need to try recipes for my blog and I love to share. It is also difficult having a pan of goodies staring at me all day.
I made these Peanut Butter Cup Blondies because I had a bag of Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the pantry. I knew if I didn't use them soon I would eat them straight out of the bag. Do you ever do this--please say yes?
The recipe was simple to put together which was a good thing because time was short. I cooked the blondies and then put them outside in 30 degrees to cool. It wasn't long and they were packaged and ready to go. The blondies looked like little presents. Who doesn't want a goodie wrapped and ribboned (I made that word up)!
This recipe comes from Alida's Kitchen. 

Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/ 3 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips--I used Hershey's Mini Kisses
4 ounces Mini Peanut Butter Cups, cut in half
 In a large bowl mix together flour, sugars, salt and baking powder. In a small bowl mix together melted butter, peanut butter, eggs, milk and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix just until moistened. Stir in chocolate chips. Put in a 9x9 square pan that has been sprayed with Pam, lined with parchment and sprayed again. Pat batter into pan. Sprinkle Peanut Butter Cups over top and press down lightly. 
Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes or until a few crumbs remain on a toothpick. Cool and cut into bars.

One year ago.......Crustless Ham and Artichoke Quiche

Two years ago.....Toasted Almond Scones.

Three years ago....Teryiaki Salmon with Orzo and Spinach

Four years ago......Surprise Cookies

Peanut Butter Dove Cookies

I've always liked Peanut Butter Cookies with a Hershey's Kiss on top. Two of my favorite flavors in one cookie, what could be better? I'll tell you what is better--a peanut butter cookie topped with a Dove Heart. The Dove Heart just melts in your mouth! Delish. Good-bye Hershey's Kiss, hello Dove Heart!
What a great way to say "I Love You"!

Peanut Butter Dove Cookies
1 square butter, softened
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
coarse sugar for rolling
1 package Dove Milk Chocolate Hearts, I'm sure dark chocolate would be yummy also
Beat butter, peanut butter and sugars until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla beat another minute. Turn mixer on low, add flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.
I used a small Pampered Chef Scoop and made a ball then rolled it in coarse sugar. Place 12 cookies on a parchment lined sheet. Bake in a 375 oven for 10 minutes or until cookie starts to crack and is set. Remove from oven and press an unwrapped heart into cookie. Cool cookies quickly so the chocolate retains it's heart shape. It was 8 degrees so my cookies cooled quickly outside.
Enjoy a yummy Valentine treat.

Chex PB and Chocolate Blast

My brother was on his way over to chat with me about computers. He is a pro, I value his opinion. His favorite snack in Chex Party Mix. I checked the pantry and had the Chex but lacked the pretzels, mixed nuts and Goldfish. What to do, I really didn't want to go shopping.
I checked the back of the Chex box, was I surprised. Chex Mixes for every taste. I went for the Chex PB and Chocolate Blast. At first I thought it would never work, he liked salty Chex. I made it, we sampled it and before we knew it the bowl was empty. I sent the remainder home for his 5 kids--I knew they would love it. I was right, he said it didn't last long! Just another yummy recipe to add to your holiday parties.

Chex PB and Chocolate Blast
6 cups Rice Chex
8 ounces white vanilla baking chips
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup mini red and green M&M's
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
Place 3 cups of Rice Chex in a bowl. In a small bowl microwave the vanilla chips uncovered on high for about 1 minute--just till they are softened and can be stirred. Pour melted vanilla chip over the 3 cups of Chex. Stir to coat. Pour mixture on a sheet pan in a single layer.
Repeat the above procedure with the remaining Chex and the Peanut Butter Chips. Add the Mini M&M's and peanuts. Combine both mixtures and cool until set. 
Enjoy!

Frosted Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

Are these not the best looking bars! And believe me they taste delicious. Day one they were yummy, day two they had improved, day three; still yummy. They didn't make it till day four. This makes a large pan, it is perfect to take to a family gathering or just share some with your neighbors.
This recipe comes from Taste of Home, I read through 8 pages of reviews and decided what I needed to do to make these mine. Several reviewers said it lacked peanut butter flavor--I added peanut butter chips, others said it was dry, I didn't overcook it! I added some oatmeal for body and because I love oatmeal.The best change I made was frosting!  Everything is better frosted don't you think. So, I'm happy to share with you:

Frosted Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
2/3 cup butter, soft
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (7 ounces)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 cup oatmeal, quick
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips
In the bowl of your mixer cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one, add vanilla. In another bowl combine oatmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and chips. Gradually add to creamed mixture.
I baked mine in a Large Pampered Chef Bar Pan (the only true pan) that had been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes. Do Not Over Bake. All ovens bake differently. Remove from oven when a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Cool and Frost with my favorite frosting. Cut in bars, clean your cutting knife often in hot water and dry, this will ensure clean cuts.

One Year Ago---Coconut Curry Soup
Two Years Ago--French Dip Sandwiches
Three Years Ago-All in One Holiday Cake

Almond Joy Meets a Peanut Butter Cup

This delicious confection is exactly what the title says. Two favorite candy bars wrapped into one awesome dessert. And it's easy. Amber needed a quick treat for a baby shower. She had everything in the house to make these, it was a done deal--done delicious I might add. The top layer is chocolate and peanut butter heaven. The base is full on coconut and almonds. It's perfect.

 Almond Joy Meets a Peanut Butter Cup

1/2 cup butter

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 (7-ounce) package flaked coconut

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup slivered almonds

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put butter in a 9x13 baking pan, melt in oven. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over melted butter.

Top with coconut, almonds & drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over

all. Bake 25 minutes or until light brown.

In small saucepan over low heat melt

chocolate chips and peanut butter.

Spread evenly over hot bars.

Cool 30 minutes then chill thoroughly.

Photography by Amber Linderman Photography. Check out her Blog Sassy Chronicles for some great photos! 

One year ago-------Teryiaki Chicken in a Crock pot

Two years ago-----Black Forest Brownies (my favorite food) I make it every year for my birthday! It's perfect.

Three years ago---Pasta with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes

Chicken Satay

When we eat at Thai Restaurants we often order Chicken Satay as an appetizer. When we eat good food we want to figure out how to make it at home. Thanks to the cooking skills of my daughters we can now enjoy this delicious dish at home. This is Amber's recipe, Candise made it for us last time she was here. It is easy and so yummy, we served it with Jasmine Rice and Stir Fried Veggies. It was one delicious meal.
We now have mastered Coconut Curry Soup and Coconut Shrimp Curry but I still need to visit my favorite Thai Restaurant for their Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice Cream! That dish is amazing, such a treat.

Amber's Chicken Satay

Approx. 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders

Marinade:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2-1 tsp. red pepper flakes or a small squeeze of Sriracha--maybe 1/4 teaspoon

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp. lime juice

3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

2 tsp. finely copped fresh ginger root

1 Tbsp. sugar

1. Cut the chicken tenders in half lengthwise.

2. Mix marinade ingredients and whisk or stir until smooth. (I just buzzed everything in the food processor) Add a few Tbsp. of water if too thick. Reserve 1/2 cup for dipping, if desired. Marinate chicken 20 minutes or longer.

4. Using metal or bamboo skewers, skewer chicken pieces.

5. Grill 8-10 minutes or broil for 5 minutes on each side.

Zucchini or red pepper pieces are also good in this marinade and grilled.