Flashback Friday - Perfect Peanut Butter & Chocolate Treats for Valentine's Day (Including a Naturally Sweetened Treat)

AND WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

I've got some 'Sweets for the Sweet' for this special Valentine's Day ahead...


Oh so irresistible...you'll need to share so you don't devour them all yourself! 

Quick to make...and only 5 ingredients!! Run to the kitchen now! 

No Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Squares

Everyone will go wild over this simple 'gooey' cake - what a FABULOUS way to say...I LOVE YOU! 

Crockpot Hot Fudge (Peanut Butter) Cake

These yummy treats are NATURALLY SWEETENED...
No Sugar Added!  SO good! 

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Treats

Everyone will go wild when you make this fabulous cookies! 

They have pudding in the mix...reese's pb chips and candies too! 

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding Cookies

Homemade Biscoff Cookies

FABULOUS!

Oh my - if you've ever tasted a biscoff cookie...most likely on an airplane flight...you'll know they are a European cookie that is TO.DIE.FOR!

They are crispy and perfectly spiced! So pour some coffee or a glass of milk and imagine you're flying to Hawaii (or your favorite spot) as you enjoy these scrumptious treats. 

So Gina at Kleinworth & Co. created her own recipe and it is spot on! 
She used a scalloped cookie cutter which makes her cookies so much more professional looking. Click on the link above to take a peek....

I'm so glad I tried these...but fair warning: they are very difficult to stay away from!

The only thing I did differently was to roll the cookies into balls and flatten them instead of rolling/cutting them out as Gina did. Then I dipped the top of each ball in sugar before baking.  

Either way they are a very special treat and would be so awesome to add to a holiday cookie tray!! 

I know I'D be VERY happy to get some! 
(I say...as I wipe the drool from my chinny chin chin)

HOMEMADE BISCOFF COOKIES 

• 2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 Tb. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. butter (2 sticks) softened
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• sugar for rolling, optional 
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 350.
• 
  
• In large bowl cream butter, sugar & brown sugar together on low speed; add vanilla; blend.
• Slowly add flour, spices, salt & baking soda; beat until well combined and mixture is smooth. (I refrigerated first for about 30 minutes for ease in rolling). Roll the dough into 1" balls. Dip the tops of each ball in sugar until coated. Place UN-sugared side down. Bake for 13 - 15 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool. They will fall when cool and become crispy - just like the 'real deal'. 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You might also enjoy...

Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

Holiday Cornflake Wreath

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Gift Giving Idea - Everyone Needs a little "Dough"

So...everyone DOES need a little 'dough' huh?

For a long time, we've been matching our kids and grandkids birthday number,

giving them that number in dollars. Money is always good, right? =) 

But how fun to dress things up a little when presenting it...

I was tickled to be able to give this special gift to our oldest grandson, Ethan,

who just turned 18 on August 19th...his first day of the school year!

He's a guy of few words, so I felt really good when he said
"That's pretty cool". 

This is a lot more fun than just putting cash or a check, in a card! 

You can use glue dots (I used Plasti-Tac - also called Mounting Putty) 

to hold the bills in place, and then to 'glue' the quarters on top of them. 

I just happened to meet a friend for lunch at Pizza Hut the same day we 

were going to take his gift to him, so I didn't have to make an extra

trip anywhere for a box.  They GAVE me one.  Nice!

I printed the sign and tacked it to the inside top of the box...added some 'confetti' on top of the bills and a bow...then put a stretchy ribbon around the outside of the box. 

When Kym, E's mom, read the note, she said 

"I do think HE COULD live on pizza alone"....*-* 

He got home from football practice while we were there and really

did eat some cold pizza then.  

I was mad at myself because I didn't get a fresh picture of him to add here! =(

He's a senior in high school and is 6' 5" and over 300#.  But truly he's such a gentle spirited guy...and is much loved. A big teddy bear! 

It's so great to be able to do a little something special when gift giving cash. 

I saw this idea some time ago at Making Memories with Your Kids who has

many simple gift giving ideas....go check them out!

Here's another fun idea I've done from the same site...

"Birthday Dough" - Easy Gift-Giving Craft

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Brown Bobbies - A Family Tradition

This was one of the 'biggest' posts I published in my first year of blogging.  This was originally posted in 2010. Since I am going to visit my dad - 3 hours away - this week, and all my brothers will be there, I made a couple batches of Brown Bobbies to share, so I'm sharing this with you...once again 

My Grandma Mary King - taken early 1970

I have been blessed to inherit a special kitchen 'appliance' from my mother, after she passed away in 1987 - who inherited it from my dad's mother.  This is a picture of grandma holding my newborn firstborn - daughter, Deb ~ a month before grandma went to heaven.

This appliance is called a "Brown Bobby Machine."  It has a cloth-covered cord...that should give you a clue to how old it is. (I am always amazed it STILL works!!!) 

My grandparents purchased this little machine about 1910.  My grandmother made the 'greaseless donuts' and my dad and his siblings sold them door to door, in little cartons, similar to our egg carton today.

This is a picture of the machine ~ it's similar to a waffle iron and makes 6 donuts at a time.

I wasn't able to get a clear picture of the metal plate on the bottom front of the base, but this is what it reads...

BROWN BOBBY

Greaseless Doughnut Machine

Equipped with hold-heet elements

Food Display Machine Corp.

6 Amps  Chicago, USA  105-120 volts

They're really not greaseless ~ they're just not fried in oil like a 'normal' doughnut ~ they’re baked!

Salted Caramel Coffee Toffee Cookies

Before I head into a 'normal' week of posts and food, I must take time to recognize the folks of Sandy Hook, CT.  I know all of our hearts are agonizing over this senseless tragedy. Will you join me in praying fervently for the families who have lost their precious babes?

I am thrilled to have an address to send sympathy cards to. I think it helps to be able to do something tangible also. If you'd like to do the same...it's

Sandy Hook Elementary School

12 Dickenson Dr.
PO Box 3700

Sandy Hook, CT 06482

I'm sure the cards will be read by many. I pray that God wraps those families who have lost a loved one, in His strong arms and comforts them like no one else can. 

 Just so you know.... From now until Christmas eve, I will be sharing mostly Christmas goodies. I want to get them out of my drafts so I can concentrate more on healthier eating in the new year.....and I want YOU to enjoy them this favorite time of the year! ;-}

Man!  These are the BEST cookies!

It isn't often I repeat a recipe within several months, but these I make again and again.  They have truly become a favorite!

How awesome is it to have your coffee & cookie wrapped up in one tasty bite??? 

I adapted this just a tad, but found this lovely recipe at A 'lil Country Sugar. Angie named this creation of hers...CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (WITH STABUCKS VIA) She's is one of the few bloggers I've ever met with face to face.  We only live about 25 minutes away from each other and have had lunch a few times, so that's fun. 

She was my 'helper' at one of my local cookbook signings also. I always love her tried & true recipes and always enjoy time with her. 

Angie loves using bread flour in cookies and I do think it makes them softer, longer. 

This is what Angie had to say about using bread flour...

"The bread flour makes for a softer cookie. The cookies remain moist and soft, where the all-purpose flour cookie seems to dry out after the first day." 

I have a friend who is stationed overseas....I sent her a batch of these cookies and she described them as...TO.DIE.FOR!

They have caramel syrup in them and Starbucks VIA caramel coffee. 

The first time I was making them, I was sure I had chocolate chunks, but only had toffee, so that's what I used, and that's what I'm stickin' with.  

They are amazing for sure!

A great addition to your holiday cookie trays.  I just LOVE the sea salt sprinkles on top of the cookie.  Makes a very interesting and attractive treat. 

SALTED CARAMEL COFFEE TOFFEE COOKIES 

1 c. butter (2 sticks)

3/4 c. sugar

1 c. packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1-1/2 TBS vanilla extract

1/4 c. caramel syrup (Hershey's original caramel sauce)

3 3/4 c. bread flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 pkg. Starbucks VIA ready-to-brew caramel flavor coffee

(about 1 tsp)

1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

1- 8 ozs. bag Heath Bits 'O Brickle Toffee Bits or 

1 1/2 c. chocolate chunks - Ghirardelli premium baking chips - 60% cacao

Sea Salt

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars until well combined. Add eggs, vanilla, and caramel sauce & beat until well combined.

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, salt, Starbucks VIA, baking soda) and whisk together. Add slowly to wet ingredients mixing until everything is combined. Mix in toffee (or chocolate chunks).

Using a large cookie scoop (ice cream scoop will work) place on baking sheets. Press cookies down with your fingers after placing on cookie sheet, or using a fork, press cookie down in a crisscross fashion. Lightly sprinkle with salt before baking (yes, salt). Bake 10 - 12 minutes. Don't overbake.

 Leave the cookies sit on the cookie sheets for a couple minutes after taking them out of the oven. Move to cooling racks.

Don't burn your tongue tasting them right from the oven...I might, or might not have done that myself.  ;-}

Linked to Scrumptious Sunday           Weekend Potluck Ingredient Spotlight - Coffee Meal Plan Monday

M & M Christmas Story

(This is from my archives, but worth sharing again...)

I printed this one year and included it with my Christmas cards....print it and give it to anyone your little heart desires to
share the CHRISTmas story ....

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, You will see the M becomes a W, an E, and a 3.

They tell the Christmas Story; It's one I'm sure you'll know. It took place in a stable A long, long time ago.

The E is for the East Where the star shone so bright.

The M is for the manger Where Baby Jesus slept that night.

The 3 is for the Wise men bearing gifts; With haste they came.

W is for worship; Angels sang praise to His name.

So as you eat these candies or share them with a friend, Remember the true spirit of Christmas and never let it end!

\o/   \o/   \o/   \o/   \o/

WOOHOO! Twist & Shout for my friend Lark!

Did you see it at Facebook over the weekend?

Our amazing friend Lark is one of the "Real Women of Philadelphia!"  She's won a contest at Kraft! 

She is the "Make  to Impress Dessert Winner 5" with her Pecan Cream Cheese Custard Pie recipe!

WOOOWZERS!!

(If you didn't know already, Lark and I are co-bloggers, along with Libby at Country Cooks Across America blog) One day I hope to write about about experience together....

Take a look-see at this cool video. Can we even imagine seeing our name pop up like this from such a BIG site!?

Real Women of Philadelphia video

I can't wait to try that recipe.

I had already been wanting to post a picture of the gifts I received from Lark this week.  She went to Disneyland and ran a race...as she often does...and thought of me while she was there!

These are the lovely things I opened and then giggled & giggled.

The 'Main Man' Mickey shaped pasta...measuring spoons and a Minnie head on a chain.

How cute huh?

I'm blessed to call Lark my friend...she's definitely a sister of the heart, and we have yet to meet. 

One day we will...I'm trying to coax her to come to my part of the world because she's infatuated with Amish and we have many living in our corner of the world.

Thanks for your thoughtfulness Sparky Larky! MUAH!

A Very Special Gift

I just had to share the picture of a very special Christmas gift given to me by my dear friend Margie.  She has a knack for 'special touches' and is the ultimate 'party planner'.
(A big reason why I invited her to go to St. Kitts with me earlier this year - she knows how to have F.U.N!)

How I appreciate her thoughtfulness in giving me this one-of-a-kind gift this year!

She had this spiffy and sparkly chef's hat ornament personalized with "The Better Baker...Published 2010".  How sweet sweet sweet!!!

THANKS MARGIE! 

THE BETTER BAKER hits the road! *-*

HAPPY! HAPPY!  JOY!  JOY!  HAPPY!  HAPPY! JOY!!!

Lookie!  Lookie!  What my darlin' hubby did for me!  We just got it done yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased! 

 How fun is this?

AND...the man who did the lettering bought 2 cookbooks from me - a woman who works in the same building bought 3!  Yesterday was a very very good day.

I also won a "Cook Once a Month" cookbook from my friend Jane Doiron's blog.  Yippee!!!

God continues to blow my socks off in all these special blessings! TO HIM BE THE GLORY!