APRIL : "COOKIE OF THE MONTH RECIPE"..ROASTED SALTED NUT COOKIES

I used to do "cookie of the month RECIPE " on my old website and it was very popular, now I am re-introducing it on this blog site.
The cookie recipes are pretty old fashioned with an up-to-date twist, so they have all been TRIED and tested for generations....enjoy.


These cookie hail from Lake  Michigan  USA circa 1940's.
They traditionally used roasted salted peanuts, but  you may substitute  any roasted salted nut that you prefer,but DO chop them first before adding to the batter*.


This recipe makes 3-4 doz, depending on your spoon measures


1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs beaten
2 cups all purpose flour ( or 50:50..if using this add another egg)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup bran flake cereal (similar to Wheaties)
2 cups quick cook oatmeal (not instant)
1 cup chopped roasted salted peanuts* (do not use honey roasted as it will be too sweet)


PREHEAT OVEN 400F


Method:

Beat the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
Blend in the eggs and vanilla and beat well.
Meanwhile in another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Add the flour mix to the egg mix and beat well.
Stir in the cereal and the oats and mix very well to incorporate.
Then stir  in the chopped nuts.

Cover and wait for 20 mins (I have found this makes a better cookie).

Drop by tsp. onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart ( they do spread a little).
Sprinkle with a little granulated sugar if you wish.

Bake 10-12 mins. or until light golden.

Cool on tray slightly then transfer to wire rack. Cool completely .

If using measures larger than a tsp, then reduce the heat to 375f or they will burn before baking.

Press each cookie lightly with the tines of a fork before baking.

These go very quickly with anyone in the house...my taste testers demolished 2 batches  too easily!

RETRO RECIPE..WHOLE WHEAT BANANA-COFFEE-CHOCOLATE CAKE

This is a great  70yr old recipe I have upgraded to 21st Century, also I mixed it in my 1960's era electric stand mixer,(a recent acquisition).

You may make it by hand or by electric mixer your choice..


This recipe make a large loaf or a layer cake, I doubled the recipe to make 3 x 8 inch banana cakes.
Also note that the oven temp is just 325F as chocolate cakes tend to scorch quickly at higher temps and these bake for 40-60 mins depending on size of pans.


You will need:

2 1/2 cups wholewheat flour (or 50:50 all purpose and whole wheat)
3tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt

4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup warm black coffee

1 cup sliced very ripe bananas*

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I used grape seed)
1 large egg, beaten
2tsp vanilla extract*

In a bowl beat the oil & sugar until light and lemon colored, this is also to dissolve the sugar in the oil, so it will thicken up.
Beat in the egg and vanilla, set aside.

In a large bowl blend the flour, salt, unsweetened cocoa and baking powder well.

Add the egg mix and the warm (not hot) coffee (warm coffee helps to "bloom" the cocoa powder).
Beat to mix, adding more coffee to produce a loose cake  batter (the amount of liquid depends on the freshness of your flour and your climate/humidity in kitchen)..thick enough to hold the fruit when added to the cake pan. Not runny enough to flow everywhere.


Pour 3/4's of the batter into a greased pan.

Then top with sliced bananas and the final 1/4 of batter.

Bake on middle shelf in a preheated 325f Oven.

Bake until too is set and yields slightly to pressure then remove from oven and cool completely in pans.

These may be frosted with chocolate frosting or topped with thick whipped cream or sour cream...for added decadence try just spreading with room temp nut butter.


Variations:

* add any fresh fruit...mashed strawberries, raspberries or pitted, bottled cherries are great.

* is also great with coconut extract, or almond extract in place of vanilla.
You may also drizzle with coffee when they are baked or a hard liquor  (rum, brandy, whisky) of choice

Great eating and simple too.

CALIFORNIA COOKIES..healthy cookies just got a MUCH NEEDED makeover

These are NOT your usual idea for a Health bar cookie, yet they are wonderful, tender and very very tasty; high fiber, packed with antioxidants and minerals and no high fructose corn syrup.
Great for any age group, although small children may have to avoid the dark chocolate.

Makes one  greased 9 x9 x 2inch pan

Preheat oven 350F

Fruit filling (recipe below)


The cookie crust:

1 cup whole wheat flour ( or 50:50  all purpose and whole wheat, or GF)
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or date sugar
1/2 cup unsalted dairy butter or coconut butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)


Mix all the dry together well in a bowl then cut in the fat to resemble breadcrumbs.
Press half the mix in the bottom of the greased pan and cover with the grated chocolate

1/2 cup grated dark chocolate (optional)

Gently spread the fruit filling over the chocolate layer and then crumble the remaining oat mix on top.
Pressing lightly into the fruit filling.
Bake 30-35 mins.
remove form oven and cool in pan.
Cut into bars when cold.

Fruit filling:

1 cup orange juice (pref. Fresh)
1 cup snipped pitted prunes* or dates (or a mix of both)
Place in saucepan bring to boil and simmer for 4-5 mins or until fruit is softened.
Add 
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped raw nuts ( walnut, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds)
2tbsp flour
1/8tsp sea salt
Mix well and cook until the mixture is very thick (stirring at all times as it can scorch)..takes about 5 mins.
Remove from heat and allow to cool before using.

Variations:
Try using snipped dried apricots and or dried figs*.
Add another spice in place of cinnamon, cardamon or allspice is nice.
In place of orange juice try with grapefruit juice or a mix of 1/2 orange and 1/2 lemon juice, for a less sweet version.
For holiday season add rum or whisky
You may also add ground flax seeds to the cookie mix as well as toasted sesame seeds.
Also replace half the fat with tahini for a richer flavor.

 For easier to use dried fruit, always soak them for a few hours in a little boiled hot water, not too much but enough to tenderize them without making them soggy, before cutting/snipping.
Drain off the excess water before using (here you may  also add Rose or orange flower water).

 

Coconut-oatmeal cookies..something to give coconut macaroons a "run for the money"!

Sometimes a light and not TOO sweet cookie is all you need, and there is something that will "blow your socks off" for their simplicity and their deliciousness (this HAS to be a word).


This recipe makes  approx 48, you can make smaller batches,  but why would you deprive yourself?

PREHEAT OVEN 375F

The secret is to use unsalted dairy butter and unsweetened (organic if poss.) shaved coconut.

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 sticks room temp. butter ( 8ozs)

Cream together until light and fluffy
Add 3 large eggs well beaten and whip in ( this mix may curdle it is fine)

Beat in 3 tsp good vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt ( OR 1/4 tsp reg salt)

IN another bowl mix together well, 
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cook (not instant) oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup raw wheat germ
1/4 cup wheat bran

Fold this into the egg mix and beat well.
Beat in 1 cup shaved coconut.

Using a tsp. form into walnut sized balls..the mix will be sticky, so keep some water handy to dip fingers into.

Dip the balls into granulated sugar and place on ungreased baking sheets 1 inch apart.


BAKE FOR 10-12 MINS OR UNTIL BASES & TOPS ARE LIGHTLY TINGED WITH CARAMEL COLOR.
Do not overbake as they will crisp up, on cooling.

Remove from oven and cool on tray then transfer to wire rack.

These are fabulous "almost little cakes", and go perfectly with any meal/snack time.

Store in airtight containers...yeah right you might have some to store after the taste testers try them!
 

YOU WILL FIND OTHER GREAT GOBSMACKED COOKIE IDEAS/RECIPES IN MY RECIPE FOR THIS BLOG AVAILABLE ON  www.amazon/kindle..
Check out the info on the main blog page and then down load the free viewing AP from amazon Kindle  for the book packed with great recipes covering over 200yrs of snacking

BANANA-BRAN QUICK BREAD & BUTTERSCOTCH -WALNUT QUICK BREAD RECIPES

I love a good and tender cake/quick bread for tea time or just for morning coffee and these 2 recipes "fit the bill".

Both make 1 loaf  9 x 5 x3 inch..if you wish to make smaller ones, then adjust the baking time.

Banana-Bran quick bread

1/4 cup margarine or vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg beaten
1 cup wheat or rice bran
2 cups ( 5-6) mashed bananas (the best ones are the most ripe as they are sweeter and have more flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour or whole wheat ( *50:50)
2tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
*if using 50:50 add 2 tbsp milk to the mix


PREHEAT OVEN  350F MIDDLE SHELF

Method:
Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and milk (if using) and  mix well.
Add the bran, bananas and vanilla continue to beat to combine.
Meanwhile in another bowl combine all the dry ingredients.
Gradually fold into the wet and add the nuts.
Pour into a greased/oiled loaf pan (you may use paper liner).
Bake for 1 hour or until it yields to slight pressure.
Cool in pan , then transfer to wire rack.
Slice when cold.

 Butterscotch-walnut bread

This is truly special, and has to be made with dairy butter.

1 large egg beaten
1 cup brown sugar packed
2 tbsp melted butter
2 cups all purpose flour (or 50:50)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup milk*
juice 1 lemon or 1/2 tsp vinegar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

(*in place of the 1 cup milk and lemon juice/vinegar, you may use 1/2 cup sour cream/plain yogurt and 1/2 cup milk)

Method:
PREHEAT OVEN 350F MIDDLE SHELF

beat the egg, sugar and melted butter, until light and mixed well.
mix the dry together in another bowl then add tot he egg mix alternatively with the soured milk, stirring well to mix.
Add the chopped nuts and pour into greased/oiled pan.
Bake for 1 hour or until done (as in previous recipe, and continue as in previous recipe)
 

James Bond Special...VODKA CAKE recipe

OK, now this is truly something different and it is Stirred not shaken.
A wonderful combination of pecans or walnuts, butter and crystallized ginger.

makes a 11 x 4 1/2 x 3 inch cake (loaf pan)
Greased and bottom lined with parchment.

1 cup crystallized ginger
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3 cups all purpose flour
3tsp baking powder
1 cup softened butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
6 large egg whites
3/4 cup 80 proof vodka

Rinse the ginger in hot water then cut into tiny pieces (best to use kitchen scissors).
In a small bowl mix the ginger pieces, nuts and 1/2 cup flour.
Sift together the remaining 2 1/2 cups flour and baking powder.
Cream butter and sugar and then whip in the egg whites in 3  additions.
Gently add half the flour and baking powder mix , folding in with spatula.
Gently stir in half the vodka, the mix will look "curdly" but it is fine.
Add the rest of the flour mix, folding in well.
The fold in the remaining vodka.
Turn into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in preheated 300f oven middle shelf for 1 hour & 35-40 mins.
Cool completely in loaf pan, then remove and wrap in foil or plastic wrap and serve the next day.
Serving the next day lets the flavors mature and the top crust softens for easy slicing.

Cream Cheese and Chocolate Fudge Pancake recipes for Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

In England Shrove Tuesday is the day everyone eats pancakes with lemon and sugar or jam.
it is also a tradition for folks to hold pancake races, tossing the pancake as they run.
This dates back to the Catholic Church and the beginning of Lent, when all rich ingredients ( eggs, milk, sugar, butter) were eaten, before 40 days and 40 night of fasting (or foods being given up ) begins.

Here are some very rich recipes, that you may not wish to give up.....



Basic pancake mix Gobsmacked style ( crepe really)


makes 12  x12 pancakes
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 cup purpose flour ( or whole wheat flour and add 2 cups milk)
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp melted butter, marg or oil

Whisk the eggs and milk to blend well.
Add the flour and salt,melted butter and beat for 2-3 mins, even with a hand blender (this is to work and stretch the gluten).
Set aside, covered for 2-3 hours ( this may even be made the night before).
heat a large skillet with a small amount of oil (butter burns )
pour 2 tbsp batter in middle of hot pan and swirl with wrist to spread to sides of pan.
Cook until the top is dry and then flip/turn over and cook the other side for 10 seconds.
Stack wrapped in cotton towels, to keep flexible.




 Cream cheese with warm jam sauce serves 6


12 pancakes/crepes

1/2 cup sugar
1 pound cream cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
1tbsp vanilla, almond or lemon extract
1 cup butter
3 tsp lemon,(or any citrus) zest 


Preheat oven 350F middle shelf

 
using an electric hand blender, beat all ingredients together, then place in center of each pancake and roll as with a burrito, ( fold sides in , then top to bottom).
Place in a buttered, oven proof dish.
Bake in oven uncovered, 15-20 mins.
Remove to warm serving dishes and pour over the warm jam.

Variations add soaked raisins or any dried fruit, these are also good with chopped fresh fruit mixed into the cream cheese mix.


1 cup any jam/preserve
1/4 cup lemon, orange or apple juice
Mix together and heat in a small saucepan, until just bubbling, serve at room temp.

 Variation: add any liqueur of your taste, and even some  fresh fruit to match the jam.

Chocolate pancakes

Add 
2 1/2 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp sugar
 to basic pancake batter, before resting.
Make as for the regular pancakes



Chocolate-coconut pancakes  serves 6
 12 pancakes
melt 1 pound milk chocolate or semi sweet chips
in 2/3 cup water 
2 tbsp butter.
Mix well to blend then add
2/3 cup whipping/single cream
1 1/2 cups sweetened dessicated coconut

Fill each pancake with the  mix and serve immediately



Chocolate Fudge pancakes with chocolate ice cream 6 servings

12 chocolate pancakes

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1tsp instant coffee or espresso
1 cup cream (whipping or single)
1/3 unsweetened cocoa powder
2tsp vanilla extract

chocolate ice cream

chopped nuts (optional)

Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the sugar, cocoa and coffee.
Stir well together then add the cream, and stir over medium heat for about 5 mins.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla.

Fill each pancake with ice cream and drizzle the hot fudge sauce over, serve immediately..sprinkled with nuts