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Christmas Cookie Exchange 2012

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Cookie Exchange #2It’s the time of year that I look forward to, for I cherish the magical trance that extends into our home from the hustle and bustle of the holiday. Yes, that’s right, my culinary cookbook club annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.

This year was another stellar presentation of delectable morsels and cookies that more than satisfy. It is always a major decision for everyone as to which recipe to select. Some of the creations served were: peanut blossoms, cardamom and saffron macaroons, raisin pecan oatmeal cookies, chocolate fudge cookies, Christmas pudding bonbons, double chocolate espresso crinkles, Nana Mirabile’s Italian Christmas cookies, almond spice sugar cookies and oatmeal almond cookies. This year my 15 year old daughter participated, too. She has become quite the cookie baker and she contributed Winterland mint cookies which were a big hit!

I chose Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies. These are over the top perfection and so easy to assemble, slice and bake. You can find Dorie’s cookie recipe here. If you don’t know Dorie, you should take the time and read her cookbooks. She is one of the most talented, personable and genuine people I know. It is always a treat to meet her, talk with her and enjoy her presentations at culinary conferences.

Cookie Exchange #1

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas that is filled with peace, love, joy and hope. Thank you for visiting our blog this past year and for being part of our Internet family.

Santa Cake Pops

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What fun we had this week when we were invited to appear on KSHB’s KCLive TV show. In case you missed it, you can watch it now and share in the fun.

It is always a treat to be on television but it is magnified when we get to talk about cake pops and our newest cookbook, The Big Book of Babycakes Cake Pop Maker recipes.

We adore Michael and Michelle and the folks at Channel 41 couldn’t have been more hospitable to us. It was a pleasure sharing cake pop tips complete with Santa directions. We made Brownie cake pops from our cookbook and those little bites of brownies are scrumptious.  You can find all kinds of creative, out-of-the-box cake pop ideas in our new book. (Available from thebabycakesshop, Amazon or Barnes and Noble)

Cake pops can answer the question for gift giving this season. You can surprise a crafty friend with a Babycakes Cake Pop Maker and a copy of our cookbook or you can make cake pops and deliver them to friends, neighbors and teachers. We all have those hard to buy for folks on our lists this season. Why not think of giving cake pops to that special some one? They are such a welcome treat and there will be smiles all around! Guaranteed.

 

Santa Fe Roasted Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe

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Are you tired of leftover turkey? It is time to repurpose that turkey and save precious time on a busy evening. This chunky soup is easy to prepare and has a great, spicy kick so it tastes fresh and comforting!

I love leftovers—but my family, not so much. They have eaten as many turkey sandwiches as they can stand. That means it is time to freeze the remaining roasted turkey and create a new meal another day. I cut the slices of turkey into bite-size pieces and freeze it in 2-cup portions. Be sure to pack the turkey tightly in freezer weight plastic bags, seal tightly, label, date and freeze. While I know that roasted poultry can stay frozen for up to 6 to 9 months, I plan on using it in the next few weeks for this hot soup.

This soup is one of our favorites. I use either roasted chicken or turkey in the soup—so if there isn’t a stockpile of turkey frozen, pick up a rotisserie chicken. Either way it is great. And by roasting the potatoes before adding them to the soup, it adds a chunky, stew-like texture. Best of all, it is quick and easy – so even on those busy evenings, it is simple to create a tasty, hot, home-cooked meal—and who wouldn’t like that during this busy time of year? [Read more…]

Thanksgiving Turkey

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If I were to select the one cooking question that we are asked most often it would be, “how do you prepare your Thanksgiving turkey?”

While I have brined, roasted, smoked and deep fried with great results, my go-to-recipe for a fail-proof, moist turkey is to bake the turkey in a roasting bag. This is what I recommend to my friends who are more or less afraid to step in the kitchen and tackle Thanksgiving dinner. [Read more…]