Picky Palate - Part 3

Dec

2011

Tags: butter, chocolate chips, cinnamon M&M, Cookies, dessert, flour, sugar

Over Christmas break last week, I was shopping with my mom and I spotted these fabulous Cinnamon M&M’s. I knew right away I had to bake a fun cookie with them! My first thought before I tried the M&M’s was that they were going to be spicy, but they are very mild. It’s the normal milk chocolate center with a hint of cinnamon. I really enjoyed them.

As my mom and I were making these cookies, I posted about them on Instagram (my obsession) and come to find out my good friend Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod made about the same cookies over Christmas break too It’s no secret that Maria and I LOVE baking cookies and it seems we have the same great taste in cookies We decided to post our Cinnamon M&M Cookies on the same day….today! Make sure to check out Maria’s cookie too on her fabulous blog:)

Hope you can pick up a bag of Cinnamon M&M’s, my mom and I found ours at Target. I need to stock up on a few more bags to take home!

Now…..let’s talk cookies.

Here are those yummy M&M’s. I am assuming they are out for the Holidays, so if you can’t find them, traditional M&M’s work great too:)

Nothing crazy here, start by creaming your butter and sugar.

Add your granulated sugar too

So fun having my mom help me, I got these fun egg shots

Add your vanilla.

Time for your dry ingredients.

Cinnamon!

I added oatmeal too. LOVE

Chocolate chips.

I used milk chocolate for these cookies, but use whatever your family enjoys!

The dough was to die for, you gotta try a little!

I like to add my M&M’s right on top of the cookies rather than add them to the dough, but whatever you prefer is fine.

Press em’ right on top and they are ready for the oven!

How fun do these look?! Love!

Hope you enjoy! xoxo

Cinnamon M&M Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks softened unsalted butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup rolled oats

10 ounce bag chocolate chips

1 9.90 ounce bag Cinnamon M&M’s

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.

2. In a stand or electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla mixing until well combined.

3. Place flour, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl, mix to combine then add slowly to mixing bowl, mixing on low speed. Add cinnamon, rolled oats and chocolate chips. Mix until just combined. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Press cookies down about 1/2 inch to flaten slightly. Press 5 cinnamon M&M’s onto each cookie. Bake for 9-12 minutes, until baked to your liking. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes on baking sheet before removing to cooling rack. Now…time to eat Enjoy!

Makes 3 dozen cookies

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Have a great day! Come back soon!

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Dec

2011

Tags: breakfast, brunch, casserole, eggs, french toast, Holiday, pumpkin

Hope everyone’s Christmas has been wonderful! This really is the best time of year isn’t it?

I can not tell you enough how much I love this French toast bake. It is so simple to prepare and seriously tastes like you ordered it from a great restaurant.

I love the addition of pumpkin, it is perfect for this time of year and so festive. Can’t wait for y’all to try this one! Enjoy

You can use a wide variety of breads for this recipe. I have used a big French Bread Loaf before which works lovely, but today I used this rustic little loaf which was fabulous as well. 8 ounces is all you need.

Make sure you have plenty of eggs before hand. You’ll use up 8 eggies for this recipe.

Into the bowl they go.

Add some milk.

….and the pumpkin puree. Love!

Cinnamon time!

Add some brown sugar as well.

Time to whisk it all together. Don’t you love my Mickey Whisk? I’m such a Disney nerd.

Once your egg mixture is whisked, pour it over your bread slices.

Pat the bread down so that all the pieces are covered nicely.

I like to sprinkle the top with granulated sugar.

…..and more cinnamon.

Slice a stick of butter…..I think you know where this is going.

Cube it and…..

Start placing the cute little cubes over the entire dish.

Like so Such a happy little casserole. Bake until golden and baked through.

Ahhhhh, perfect-o!

Wait until you smell this gorgeous French toast, LOVE!

Yes!

Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake

8 ounces thinly sliced French Bread

8 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup canned Pumpkin

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 tablespoons cubed cold butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place sliced bread into prepared baking dish. Place eggs and milk into a large baking dish. Add pumpkin, brown sugar and cinnamon. Whisk to combine then pour over bread. With large spoon, press bread into egg mixture assuring each piece of bread is covered in eggs. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, cinnamon and place dollops of cubed butter over top.

3. Bake for 34-40 minutes until golden and baked through. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with pure maple syrup.

Makes 8 servings

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Dec

2011

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who share my love of cooking and baking. It is a true pleasure to create recipes for you. May your day be full of joy!

We are spending the Holidays with our family in AZ. No place I’d rather be right now

See you tomorrow morning for a killer breakfast dish! xoxo

Love, The Flake Family

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Dec

2011

Tags: christmas plates

I know Christmas is in a few short days, but you’ve still got time to bake for your family and friends! Let me pass on some of my favorite Picky Palate recipes that will wow everyone this Holiday Season!

Happy Baking and Merry Christmas!!

Brownie Covered Oreos

I Love, Love, Love this festive recipe I did last year. They make the perfect gift wrapped in clear bags with a bow. Simple and EVERYONE loves them.

Festive Candy Cane Centered Brownie Bites

Who doesn’t love a surprise center when you bite into a sweet treat? These minty brownie bites will have your friends raving!

Cinna Bun Butter Cakes in a Jar

How fun are these little cakes in a jar? Not only do you get to eat a delicious cake, but you get an adorable jar to use for later. A double gift I found these mini jars at Michaels. Simple and perfect for gift giving.

Kiss Pies

These little Kiss Pies are almost too perfect. Only 2 main ingredients! Who wouldn’t want a Kiss Pie dropped off at their door this Holiday Season? xoxo

Chocolate Crumb Topped Cupcakes

This simple jazzed up cake mix cupcake is so gorgeous and tastes completely homemade with the crispy crumb topping. Grab your cutest cupcake liners and get baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Layered Rice Krispie Treat

For all of your chocolate peanut butter fans, this is the perfect goodie for their plate. Thick chunks of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups atop traditional rice krispie treats make for one heck of a dessert!

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

If you are looking for that perfect cookie to bake for gifts, this one is it. I am not kidding when I say it is one of my favorite recipes to date on Picky Palate. It has been a reader favorite for almost 2 years now and does NOT disappoint

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Kissed Centers

Another really great recipe that looks perfect wrapped in celophane or clear little bags and a bow. You can pick up some tiny mugs at the dollar store.

No-Bake Chewy Cookies and Cream Bars

The ultimate krispie bar treat packed with crushed Oreo Cookies and marshmallow. There are no words to describe how delicious these are!

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Dec

2011

If you are looking for the perfect cookie to leave for Santa, look no further! I have developed an XXL buttery crisp yet chewy on the inside chocolate chip cookie that will have Santa (or anyone for that matter) jumping for joy

My favorite part…..it’s prepared in one little bowl. No mixer….minimal dishes, YES! If you ever get that craving for a single cookie, this will be your new go to cookie. The dough is done in under 5 minutes. Fabulous.

Take a peek at how simple and how perfect. Happy cookie baking!! xoxo

Santa will be so happy

Here is your simple ingredient line up. Pretty sure you will have everything in your pantry to try these out today. I mean, you have to try it out on yourself before you give it to Santa right?!

Let’s get started shall we? Add your sugar to the softened butter.

Don’t forget the brown sugar

Break out a spoon and cream your butter and sugars until well combined.

Take one large egg and beat it until completely combined.

Add 2 Tablespoons of your beaten egg to the bowl.

A little shot of vanilla.

Give a good mix with your spoon then time for the dry ingredients.

Gorgeous!

Mix a couple times around the bowl and….

…add those chocolate chips.

Can I just take a moment to say how incredibly awesome this dough is?!

Take your largest scoop and dump in smack dab in the middle of your baking sheet.

Buttery crisp around the edges and perfectly soft and chewy in the middle. Yes!!

This ginormous cookie looks awesome wrapped in a clear bag with a bow for that special friend too

Buttery Crisp XXL Chocolate Chip Cookie

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons beaten egg

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 tablespoons all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place butter and sugars into a medium mixing bowl, beat with spoon until well combined. Add beaten egg and vanilla, mixing to combine. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir a couple times, then add chocolate chips, stirring to combine. Scoop dough into the middle of your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until baked through. Let cool for on baking sheet for 10 minutes before removing.

3. Place on a plate for Santa Christmas Eve along with a glass of milk!

Makes 1 serving for Santa

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Happy Baking! Come back soon xoxo

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Dec

2011

Tags: christmas gift ideas

If you are anything like me this year, you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for your family and friends! Well, take a look at some of the fun finds I have found for your “foodie” family and friends! There’s still time people!! Lol! xoxo

These monogram mugs from Anthropologie make the perfect gift that is affordable for an entire family. They are only $6.00 each. Add some hot chocolate to the box and you are good to go!

I am a huge fan of hot chocolate during the winter, and LOVE the idea of this Back to Basics Cocomotion hot chocolate maker. It runs about $30.00 at Bed, Bath and Beyond or Amazon. You add milk or water, dump your mix in and the machine stirs and warms your hot chocolate in just a few minutes. It has a cute little dispenser that makes hot chocolate night a breeze. Love it!

Ok, back to Anthropologie for a second. Last week, I bought “my kitchen” these adorable Sweetest Thing Dishtowels and I can’t tell you how much I LOVE them. They would make the perfect gift for any woman who loves sweets and baking in her kitchen They are $24.oo.

I certainly didn’t plan on this being my Anthropolgie wish list, but is certainly turning out to be, lol! I LOVE these adorable Owl Cookie Jars. This one is “A Real Hoot Canister” for $68.00. I know they are expensive, but how cute would this look in the kitchen?!

I have been all about the baked donut pan by Wilton these days. It is only about $10.00 and makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys baking! PS: Attatch my recipes for baked donuts to the box! How fun?!

Everytime I pass by this adorable cupcake maker, I am tempted to buy it. If my kitchen was bigger, it would probably already be in my possesion For $29.00, I think this is a great gift idea for your foodie friends and family.

Fred and Friends has so many fun gift ideas. How cute is this Mug with a ring as the holder?! LOVE! It’s under $15.00.

Fred and Friends again! Love this fun “Pizza Boss” Pizza Wheel. What a fun gift this would be. It runs about $15.00 as well.

Another fun Fred and Friends find, these “Pick Your Nose” party cups. LOVE!! Found them on Amazon for a pack of 24 for under $11.00.

Hope you’ve enjoyed some of my fun Gift Ideas for your favorite foodie! We’ve got a few more days to get shopping! Have fun!

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A couple months ago, I had the privilege of working with the DECA TV team to promote some Holiday QVC products. Check out my video debut

Hope everyone has a fabulous rest of your week! xoxo

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Dec

2011

Tags: baking, bars, chocolate chunk, Christmas, Cookies, Holiday, peppermint patties

Christmas is coming….and fast. I wish I could hit a pause button right now and soak up all of the festivities just a little longer.

I was like a giddy school girl when I cut into these bars last week. The gooey goodness coming out of them should be illegal, lol!

York Peppermint Patty’s are perfectly nestled in between two layers of buttery crisp yet perfectly chewy cookie dough layers for a thick knock out bar.

Run, don’t walk to your kitchen and get baking these monstrous treats. Enjoy!

Here is your line up of ingredients. Simple right?

Love these patties, especially around Christmas!

You know the drill, let’s start with the butter.

Add the sugar.

Add the egg, vanilla and mix, mix, mix

Time for the dry ingredients.

Yay for chocolate chunks! Feel free to use regular chocolate chips if you’d rather.

Give her another quick mix and…..

Perfect-o! Now, sample this fabulous dough.

Take half of your dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan.

Peppermint Patty time!

Layer the bag over the first layer of dough, then top with your remaining dough.

Press evenly.

Like so, now time to bake! 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes, until golden and baked through.

How pretty is that?

After I pulled the foil away, found this little fabulous corner. Yum!

The trick is, you MUST let these cool completely, which might seem like forever (about an hour). They have to finish setting up in the middle. Trust me, I was impatient

Peppermint Patty Surprise Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

12 ounce bag chocolate chunks

12 ounce bag of York Peppermint Patties

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray.

2. Place butter and sugars into the bowl of a stand or electric mixer. Beat until creamy and light. Add eggs and vanilla beating until well combined.

3. Place flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl, mixing to combine then slowly add to wet ingredients. Add chocolate chunks and mix until just combined. Transfer half of dough into prepared baking pan, pressing evenly. Place unwrapped peppermint patties over first half of cookie dough. Place remaining half of cookie dough over peppermint patties, pressing to flatten dough. Bake for 38-45 minutes or until baked through. Be sure to Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Takes about an hour. Be patient, it is finishing setting up!!

4. Cut cooled bars into squares and serve.

Makes 12 bars

**Note: If you would like a thinner bar, use the same recipe plus one more bag of Peppermint Patties and arrange in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Watch baking time after 25-30 minutes in the larger pan. Enjoy!**

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Have a great day and come back soon!

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