Candy Bar Cookies

Halloween has past. Since we have an abundant of candy, I decided to add some to my cookie batter. It didn't matter what type of candy bars. I used Snickers, Twix, Krackle, Butterfingers, Gobbers, Oh, Henry, Baby Ruth, Peanut Butter Cups, etc. I could have kept going especially if you want a reason to use up a lot of candy bars from Halloween, of course. I did chop the candy bars pretty good but next time I think I'm going to rough chop the pieces so I have larger pieces. 

Candy Bar Cookies
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 eggs 
1 1/2 cup candy bars, chopped

Directions:

1. In a food processor, grind the oats to a fine consistency. 
2. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the food processor. Pulse for 10 seconds.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, vanilla, and lemon juice.
4. Add the eggs to the butter mixture and combine until smooth.
5. Slowly, stir in the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix well.
6. Fold in the chopped candy bar pieces.
7. Chill the dough overnight.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
10. Spoon about 1/4 cup portions onto the baking sheet. Space 2 inches apart.
11. Bake the cookies for about 16 minutes or until light brown and the middle is soft.
12. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.

One year ago.............................I made Corn Muffins.

Did you already know...............
-In 1847, Joseph Fry prepared a chocolate paste with sugar in which he pressed into a mold creating the candy bar.
-Joseph Fry took over his parent's business and was later called J S Fry & Sons.
-In 1919, J S Fry & Sons of Bristol merged with Cadbury.

Pumpkin Juice

A couple years ago, we visited Universal Studios in Florida. While we were in the Harry Potter section, we sampled some Pumpkin Juice. At first, I will admit I was a little hesitant even though I am a fan of pumpkin. It tasted sweet like fruit juice. The drink did contain more apple juice than pumpkin. Since I have a few Trick or Treaters, I figured I would sneak in a little more Vitamin C and A with the plethora of candy they are about to receive.

Pumpkin Juice
18 oz. cold water
12 oz. apple juice concentrate
11.5 oz. white grape juice
1/2 cup puree pumpkin
1/4 cup puree peaches

1. In a large pitcher, mix all the ingredients.
2. Chill before serving.

Recipe by Jen of Sweet Morris.

One year ago............................I made Lobster Chowder.
Two years ago..........................I made Chicken Stir Fry. (What we have on Halloween Night for the vegetables. )

Did you already know...............
-In June 1990, Universal Studios Resorts opened.
-In June 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens. 
-Currently, Universal Studios are expanding the Harry Potter section which is scheduled to open next year.

Pirate cookies

Have you picked out your costume yet? Are you going to be a princess, superhero, or maybe a pirate? I am going as Dr. Seuss's Thing One in which I like to call myself Wild Thing One. My niece requested some pirate cookies which I happily obliged. These aren't too scary to eat. The kids liked to help decorate which always make it fun.

Pirate Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Red Royal Icing
White Royal Icing
Black Royal Icing

Directions:

1. Make a red circle about 1/2 inch from the edge.
2. Take half of the red icing and add 1/2 tsp of water to thin it out.
3. Flood the red circle with the thinned out icing. Allow to set for at least one hour.
4. Once the red icing has set, take the white icing and pipe the shape of a light bulb onto the top 1/3 section of the cookie
5. Below the light bulb shape, pipe a letter "X" underneath. 
6. At the edge of each "X", add a little circle.
7. Take about 1/3 of the white icing and add a little water to think it out. 
8. Flood the inside of the light bulb shape. Allow to set for at least one hour.
9. Once the white icing has set, add 3 dots to form the two eyes and nose.
10. Add a couple of lines for the mouth. 
11. Add some black icing for decorations and other decorations like an eye patch. Allow to set before serving.

Cookies created by Jen of Sweet Morris. Cookie recipe and icing found at the links.

One year ago.......................I made Chocolate Brownie Cookies.
Two years ago.....................I made Mummy Cake Pops. (Check them out!)

Did you already know.........
-Between 1700 to 1725, the Caribbean had numerous of pirate attacks.
-The famous Black Beard would make put fuses in his hat so he appeared to be on fire to intimidate the ships he was attacking.
-Not all pirates were men during that time, Anne Bony and Mary Read were two female pirates who fought with the men. They were captured but were saved from the death penalty due to pregnancy.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..............matey!

Chili Mac

Recently, I had some unexpected time off from work so I decided to paint my our bedroom. Since I love the color blue, it was agreed the room would be blue. It didn't matter two other rooms in our house are blue too. Of course, the rooms are all different shades of blue. My husband didn't argue about the color our room that I picked. While we were painting, I accidentally touched the wet wall with my hair. I am talented like that. I turned to my husband and asked him if I actually had paint in my hair. He told me yes so I told him that he could call me Marge Simpson from now on. Don't worry I wasn't painting in the kind of dress she wears. If I had, I would have had paint on the dress too!

Zombie Brains aka Chili Mac
1 lb ground hamburger
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
6 oz. dry pasta
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
1 (15 0z.) can kidney beans, drained
1 (8 3/4 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
1 (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth 
2 cups water
1 cup shredded Colby cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5 minutes. 
2. Add the onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well.
4. Add the uncooked noodles, tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
5. Add the 4 cups chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. If needed, add more water.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.

Recipe adapted from 1998 Cooking Light magazine.

One year ago.............................I made Alien Cupcakes.
Two years ago...........................I made Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes.

Did you already know.........................
-The Simpsons have been on the air for 24 seasons.
-It is the longest running animated series on television.
-Mrs. Nancy Cartwright is the voice for Bart Simpson.

Doggie Cupcakes

My sister makes these great cupcakes and sends them into niece's classroom. She also shares with us. Isn't she so nice? My sister even let me share them with you. My son thought these were great because he thought it gave him an excuse to play with his dessert. He didn't play with them long before gobbling them up.

Doggie Cupcakes
12 cooled cupcakes
1 can of frosting
food dye
12 large marshmallows
12 red jelly beans
miniature chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Dye the frosting the desired color. Set aside.
2. Take a marshmallow and cut off 1/4 inch thick off.
3. Cut the 1/4 inch into half. Set aside for the muzzle.
4. Cut the other half into 4 pieces. Shape the pieces into the shape of ears.
5. Frost the cupcake or pipe the frosting onto the cupcake for a more hairy look.
6. Cover the nose section with frosting and place onto the cupcake.
7. While the nose sets, frost the ear pieces and place the ears onto the cupcakes near the edge and above the muzzle piece.
8. With some frosting or chocolate chips, create two eyes. 
9. Place a red jelly bean or a miniature chocolate chip for the nose.

Recipe adapted from Hello, Cupcake! cookbook.

One year ago...........................I made Peanut Butter Cookies.
Two years ago.........................I made Onion Dip.

Did you already know................
-A dog's muzzle is also a snout.
-The most popular registered breed of dog is the Labrador.
-Dogs sweat glands are located near their foot pads.