Christmas Baking

Friday the 14th was spent at the grocery store with my mom, picking up everything I need.  I didn't even know what I had in the cupboards or pantry as far as supplies were concerned so I picked up what I thought I needed.  I did pretty good, except after buying a bag of brown sugar, I realized that I already had two unopened bags and another half bag.  That night I made some candy dipped pretzel rods.


The entire weekend of the 15th and 16th was spent baking, with just enough time to sit down in front of the TV and catch a Vikings win.  I enjoy baking and I always have grand plans but that's all they stay as, plans...grand plans that are never carried out.  Instead, I was looking through cookie recipe books on Saturday morning looking for what I can make since I still didn't have a plan.  I think I did alright though.

I made sugar cookies with candy bits, cinnamon snaps, two sets of meringues; one vanilla, one maple, chewy brownie cookies, butter mint cookies and Oreo truffles.  I packaged up one of each treat for my team at work and our potluck the next day.

Delicious and easy Oreo truffles

By the end of the weekend, the kitchen was a mess.  Unfortunately, I'm not the type of person who cleans as they go.  I'm the person who piles up everything and takes care of it in one headache-y mess later.  

Here's some pictures of the cookie plate and platter I took to my Christmas gatherings.  To my BIL, I'm sorry I didn't make the cookie dough truffles for you this year!

Did you bake for the holiday season?

Perfect Cookies

How many times have you made cookies only to have them be too hard or crispy despite following the directions?  Below is a guide to the perfect cookie.  I can't remember where I found this but it's a guide to create that perfect, soft chewy cookie that we love.  Happy baking!

Click to enlarge!