The Perfect Cookie Base

It may seem like I'm constantly making the same type of cookie but like all bakers, I am always on a quest for the Best of the Best. I found this recipe on the blog Cookies and Cups and decided to try it. After all, the "perfect" cookie base? In actuality, I don't think its too far from the truth. The corn starch helps the cookie stand up, kind of like the pudding cookies without the pudding taste. I added the usual Milk chocolate M and M's and chocolate chips and these cookies were wonderful. You can add whatever you fancy, these cookies are versatile; perfect for the sweet tooth.

The Perfect Cookie Base

2 cups flour
1 Tbsp corn starch
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups of your favourite candy or chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients.
Stir in candy until evenly distributed
Drop by heaping tablespoon onto cookie sheet and bake for 8 -9 minutes at 350F until
edges are just golden. Make sure not to overbake for a nice, moist cookie.

Sassy Cheryl's Challenge 158 - Fancy Edges

This week's challenge at Sassy Cheryl's is Fancy Edges. I hope my edges are fancy enough for the challenge. I like simple designs but I thought this card worked out well. I used the image; Polly's Slice of Cake and my kindly, generous friend Corrina, cut the Happy Birthday for me on her Silhouette. I added a little glitter to give the icing dimension and popped up the flame.

Springtime in Ontario

I'm usually pretty postive about the weather. Afterall, we live in the north and we get to celebrate the beauty of all four seasons.  I walk the dogs mostly every day rain or shine because they love it; but even I was getting a little impatient for signs of spring. Here's the scene out my back door this morning, the temperature was below zero and there is still snow on the ground but there were ICICLES from the melt, indicating that spring is just around the corner. At least, I hope so.

Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs.... you either love them or hate them! I personally do not care for them much but my older brother LOVES them. So sometimes, I'm a good sister and I whip him up a batch. Over the years, we have fine-tuned the recipe to just where he likes it. No garlic! It's a great high protein snack to grab when you're feeling peckish. Take a walk on the wild side and give this recipe a shot.

Pickled Eggs
12 hard cooked eggs, peeled
375 mL white vinegar
125 mL water
1 tsp salt
2 tsp mixed pickling spice

bay leaf
sliced onion

Place peeled eggs in large jar.
Put next 4 ingredients in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for
5 minutes. Pour through a strainer over eggs. Cover and refrigerate.
Let stand at least 2 days before using.

Chocolate cookies with an Irish twist

Even though I'm not Irish and have absolutely NO connection to anything Irish, I thought I would jump on the St. Patrick's Day bandwagon and use it as an excuse to bake. Chocolate and mint, a perfect combination to celebrate with the Emerald Isle.
This cookie is so easy, you will want to celebrate too!

Chocolate Cake Mix cookies
1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate chips (I used chocolate chunks and Mint M&M's)
Mix
Bake for 8 - 10 min at 350F.
Be careful. They burn easily.

Green, Orange and White

I actually finished my card for Sassy Cheryl's Digital challenge #157; Green, Orange and White early but some significant computer problems prevented me from posting it early. I used the adorable image Callie's Little Umbrella and you can't really see, but her boots and the umbrella have glossy accents as well as a little sparkle on her dress.

March Break One Year Ago

One year ago for March Break, the weather was unseasonably warm and I had the K litter from Lindor. They were able to be outside, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the warm temperatures.

Today, there is another fresh fall of snow and the temperatures are below freezing. What a difference a year makes.