March 20, 2013

m&m easter cookies

Happy first day of Spring! This weekend I was in the mood for some warm homemade cookies, so I made some spring inspired m&m cookies using pastel m&ms. I only made a dozen, so this is perfect to add to a Easter basket or bring to an Easter lunch. This recipe makes a dozen cookies. 

Ingredients 
  • 1 cup of flour (I used whole wheat)
  • 1/3 cup of sugar
  • 1/3 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 5 tablespoons of softened butter (note melted)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla (optional).

Add m&ms (I think adding white chocolate chips would be nice too).

Set oven to 375 degrees. I use a cookie scooper, but you can also use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and place on parchment paper and put in oven for 8-10 minutes.



These came out soft and moist and delicious. I might just have to make one more dozen cookies.

One quick note, I don't know if you noticed, but I just did, many of my posts lately have been about food and baking. I love baking and learning along the way, and it's lots of fun to share recipes and my favorite treats with you. I am still creating dia de los muertos art and jewelry, going out and trying new restaurants, and seeing new things, but I haven't been bringing my camera along for all my little adventures. I have been going out and enjoying seeing the views with my eyes and not behind a lens.

I do enjoy taking photos and sharing my adventures. It is always nice to see a different perspective and see the different ways we all get to live out lives.

Now, that spring is here, my goal is to bring my camera along for more rides. When I am at home baking and cooking I have my trusty camera with me, so photographing my newest baking adventure is convenient.

So, I don't have plans on changing my blog to just baking and cooking, at least not right now, but it's just something I am loving right now. I hope you enjoy these little recipes too.

March 13, 2013

Cardboard Easter Eggs Name Tags



This is a fun quick project for Easter. All you need is cardboard, you can use a cereal box, I used a taco shell box and a pasta box.

 
And cut out ovals.
 You can use markers, paint, I used paint markers to design the eggs and placed family and friend names.

I am going to use these to attach to some Easter presents. But these will also be great to use to make cards.


March 10, 2013

homemade pretzels

I wanted to try something new this weekend and being at a basketball game and eating a soft pretzel got me thinking...I can make pretzels..so I went hunting for some recipes and found that making homemade pretzels is not only very easy, but really quick. Let me know show you how.
 

Dissolve 2 and 1/4 teaspoons in 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water and add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add four cups of flour to mix and combine until dough is firm and not sticky.


Knead flour on floured surface and take a small piece to roll with hands and fingers to create long rope.



Next, make the pretzel shape by following these next three photos: 



Brush egg wash all over pretzel.


Bake in oven for 425 degree for 10 minutes, next broil for 3-5 minutes.

Add some spicy mustart and enjoy!