Chocolate Chip Cookies – version 2

I’m calling these “version 2” since they are not Nini’s version, which is my standby.  Wanted to try a different recipe, which was labeled “crispy, chewy choclate chip cookies”.   I actually think Nini’s recipe is chewier – these were definitely very very good, but were a bit cakier.  They did not taste good straight out of the freezer, unlike Nini’s cookies, so should be kept at room temp.

Chocolate chip cookies

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Holiday Chip Cookies

I used this cookie recipe base with the holiday themed / colored Nestle Toll House chocolate chips.  I liked them better with those than with M&Ms. 

Cookie recipe

Almond poppyseed bread

This was delicious. I used the melted butter rather than the butter flavoring.

Here’s the recipe.

Brussels Sprout Salad

Salad

This was delicious and even great leftover the next day – I made a few changes as noted below:

–substituted walnuts for the pecans (just because I like them better)
–added some dried cranberries
–added some chopped red onion since I had some extra sitting around
–I roasted the sprouts instead

Next time I may try a balsamic vinagrette rather than the red wine vinaigrette or even just a balsamic syrup on the salad.

 

Pumpkin Muffins

The kids were asking for muffins randomly so I decided to make some pumpkin muffins.  I took the muffins and glaze (slightly adapted – see below) from this recipe but didn’t have the energy to do the struesal topping – although I am sure it makes them more delicious).

Pumpkin Muffins

For the glaze (which was a bit runny, my fault – didn’t measure the milk), I added in a splash of maple syrup – inspired by this recipe

Glaze (and alternative recipe that I must try)

Update:  Carl deemed this “not blog-worthy” for what it’s worth 🙂  Admittedly they were good but maybe not great

Ellie’s 4th Birthday Cupcakes

These were amazing – Carl thought they were the best cupcakes that he has ever had!  Found them on a recipe blog that I love but note that they are adapted from Barefoot Contessa.  We of course had to add pink and purple food coloring to our frosting.  Picture to come….

Cupcakes

Nini’s Banana Bread

Here’s the recipe for my mom’s amazing banana bread (aka “Nini bread” by my kids).  I usually get about 1 cup of mashed bananas from 2 very ripe bananas.

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas
1/2 cup of sour cream (the secret ingredient!)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup walnuts (optional – I usually omit so the kids will eat!)

Cream together first 3 ingredients in a mixer with paddle attachment.  Add mashed bananas and vanilla.  Lightly mix in dry ingredients and sour cream.  Stir in nuts if using.  Bake for 1 hour at 350.