Chocolate Crinkle Cookies This cookie recipe is near and dear to my heart because it comes from my grandma's recipe box. I'm always amazed at the strong connection between taste and smell and memory. It seriously fascinates me; I had six tabs open in my browser at once reading about it. These vivid memories are connected to emotions more than information. They recall a feeling, time, or a location. So cool. The smell of a box of crayons takes me back to the first day of school. The taste of my mom's meatloaf reminds me of breaks home from college. One bite of these cookies and I am at my aunt's house on Christmas Eve, surrounded by warmth and Keep Reading
Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
Homemade Gingerbread Cookies Christmas is just days away, and I have been cranking out all kinds of holiday treats from my kitchen (in January I will be cranking out miles in the gym to pay for it). This year, I strategically waited until my Mother-in-law arrived in town because she washes dishes like nobody's business. This is a big deal because I don't have a dishwasher in my kitchen (and I love my MIL, of course). I will happily keep the house stocked with baked goods as long as I don't have to do the dishes afterward. It's a nice trade-off, if you ask me. This is one of my favorite roll & cut Christmas cookie recipes. When I say roll Keep Reading
The Best Gingersnap Cookies (recipe)
Gingersnap Cookies My mother-in-law has been visiting for the past two weeks from a very rainy, cold Alaska. She enjoyed each and every crisp morning and warm afternoon, the smells and sights of the slowly changing leaves. It made me stop and soak up these dry days and sunny skies even more, to slow down and appreciate the gift of fall. I know the rain is coming. I know I am going to be Googling "dry destinations" in January. I know boots are about to become the footwear of choice. But good grief, we are spoiled in September and October in the Pacific NW. Fall is my happy place, and I am going to tuck this one away in my mind for a quick retreat Keep Reading
Chocolate Acorn Cookies (a fun edible craft for kids!)
How to make Acorn Cookies "Go anywhere today?" My husband asked me about ten minutes after walking through the door from work. "Um... does the mailbox count?" was my lame reply. I was actually proud of myself for making it that far. Since Saturday, I have been fighting the current Crud going around. Unfortunately, sick days aren't really covered in the Mom Contract. I keep looking for a clause, but nope. Nothing. I think the general rule is that Moms just aren't supposed to get sick in the first place. Alas, here I am. Leaving the house under protest. Blowing my nose constantly. Sleeping whenever possible. Feeding and clothing my children only Keep Reading
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe)
I had never even heard of pumpkin cookies until a few years ago. I was at a friend's house, when she casually asked if I wanted to try some cookies she had just made. Wait, pumpkin cookies? That's seriously a thing? Where have I been? After eating a socially unacceptable amount, I was in love. The following week another friend brought a big platter of frosted pumpkin cookies to our mom's group. They were equally delicious. Suddenly, I was feeling like everyone was in on this great secret but me. Good thing she brought me the recipe the following week. Now I'm in the club! If you haven't joined yet, this is your chance. Trust me, these cookies are Keep Reading
Homemade Whoopie Pies
Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies The front page of an Oregonian Food Day section caught my eye. Whoopie Pies. Hmmm. Apparently, they are the new cupcake (Remember when those were all the rage?). The article started out, London is in love with them. So is New York. San Francisco and Los Angeles are developing a serious crush, and Portland is next in line. For a snack that first gained its following in gas station convenience stores, whoopie pies have certainly come up in the world. It's not really a surprise. Though these portable snack cakes fall into the same category as Twinkies and Ho Hos, they aren't the same frightening wonders of chemistry. Plus, Keep Reading
Chewy Chocolate Almond Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Gluten-Free Chewy Chocolate Almond Cookie Recipe Today I am going to talk about cookies. But not just any cookies. These sweet babies are chewy, chocolatey perfection. And I don't follow a gluten-free diet, so it's not like they taste like sawdust but I'm saying they taste good because it's all I can eat. I have options, and I would still choose these cookies any day of the week. Every time I serve them, they receive rave reviews and recipe requests. The recipe is simple, only five ingredients long, featuring almond flour and melted chocolate. I buy my almond flour at Costco or from the Winco bulk bins. You could also grind your own almond Keep Reading