spontaneous baking

The other night, I was scrolling through Facebook when I came across a three-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe. I hadn't planned on baking that night (after going to spin class) but when I peeked at the recipe and I had all the ingredients, curiosity got the best of me (just three ingredients?!). 

In no time at all, I whipped these up:

Jan D'Atri posted the recipe on her website here. It's just peanut butter, sugar and an egg. And you know what? They're almost as good as the real thing. They don't have the same density and old-fashioned taste my mom's recipe has. These are a bit chewy, but for a quick little snack, definitely worth it! 

holiday baking

So I'm one of those girls that love to bake. There's nothing intimidating to me as far as baking goes - but ask me to cook something and it turns into a long, challenging process that isn't always enjoyable. Hence why I'm always posting easy dinners. With baking, however, I enjoy every little step. 

My mom even got me this card one year - it's exactly how I was as a child and still am today (meaning, i always add extra sugar and love sweets - don't worry, i can read)!

So, yesterday I baked Almond Roca Cookies and Pecan Puffs. Nothing is better than baking with the Christmas music on and rain pouring down. Although I don't mind baking intricate desserts, these are rather simple. Especially the Almond Roca Cookies.

~Almond Roca Cookies ~

Almond Roca Cookies**
*1 cup butter
*1/2 cup sugar
*1/2 cup brown sugar

Cream above ingredients thoroughly.

Add:
*1 beaten egg yolk
*1 tsp. vanilla
*2 cups cake flour

Mix well and spread on a cookie sheet about 1/4 inch thick. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Melt one 10 oz. milk chocolate bar (i always use Symphony Toffee & Almond) and spread on baked cookie while warm. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Chill and cut into pieces.

**My mom got this recipe from another customer in the grocery store when I was a baby. My brother wanted to know what the lady was using that giant candy bar for! So - she sent my mom the recipe and it's been part of our Christmas collection ever since. **