Monday, July 30, 2012

Not Your Ordinary Chocolate Chip Cookies


In my family, cookies equal love. My husband and two little ones get so excited when they hear me getting my mixer ready. Little feet run in and little voices squeal their requests to help measure and stir. Now that I put this all into words I see why, in our hearts, love gets intertwined with baking. These cookies are soft and gooey yet chewy with a bit of crunch on the outside. So pretty much perfect!
I hope your home becomes filled with the feelings of love when you bake these whether you're baking with a house full of kids or just a pet sitting by your feet! Enjoy!


Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Ingredients:
1 stick of softened salted butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of unbleached sugar
1 egg
1 TBSP plain greek yogurt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup unbleached flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP oat bran or wheat germ
1/2 bag of chocolate chips

Whip the butter and sugars on high for a minute until it becomes light and fluffy. With the mixer turned down add in the egg, yogurt and vanilla. Turn mixer off and add all the dry ingredients. Mix on low just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. I scooped with a small ice cream scoop and baked on my pizza stone. Bake for 13 minutes at 350 degrees.

I take my cookies out when they are just firm to the touch and starting to look a little golden. You may wonder if they are actually done. Keeps them softer while storing.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Muffins


Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:
1 stick of softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup plain yogurt
2 cups unbleached flour
3 TBSP poppy seeds
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Blend the wet ingredients until well combined. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Scoop into muffin tins greased or lined with papers. Bake for 18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 12 big muffins.