tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58193857509596768882024-03-14T04:27:22.721-04:00Diary of a Morning GirlUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-71555771185354895042016-05-10T11:01:00.004-04:002016-11-02T08:45:05.230-04:00Robins & Rainstorms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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It's been a long while since I've posted anything to this blog. I thought maybe I would reawaken it, but not as it was before. It will be more of a personal journal for my thoughts, and not a show recap. Life has changed since we last spoke. It's been good, and difficult, and weathering. I've grown, as I'm sure you have as well. It's spring again, and the hills of Kentucky are rolling in new life. We've had lots of rain lately which is typical for Spring. It's what makes all of those blue-grassy knolls so glorious and lush. I welcome rainy days when I'm lost in thought. There's something about the rhythm on the rooftops that soothes the constant stream of thoughts rushing around my mind. This morning, the rains were heavier than normal, and I noticed a robin out of my office window. She stood there in the midst of the storm sheltering herself under a bench. She stood there waiting for the storm to pass, and I watched. Her sweet silhouette was still and beautiful against the stormy sky. I've felt like her often over the past few years. Still.. and small. Hardly noticeable in the swirl around me. Yet, I noticed her. Actually, I always seem to notice. My attention is captured by small birds, especially sparrows. Perhaps, because God promised that He too notices. Nothing escapes Him, and that fascinates me. He's endless propensity toward kindness; He constantly chooses to love even when everyone would understand if He chose not to. Robins and sparrows may not attract much attention from the crowds, but small as they may be I love that He uses them in my life to remind me that while I huddle in the storm He notices my still, small silhouette amid the chaos and He extends grace.<br />
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Lately I've wrestled with wonderings about the impact of my voice. Will it matter? Can I etch a mark upon time that will impact a generation to come? Does my voice even register above the thundering of the crowd? I've grown silent in the struggle to curate my thoughts. Yet, amid so many restless nights I've come to appreciate that Spring brings back the small voice of the sparrow, the robin, and the cooing of the turtledove. Voices that most probably sleep through in those hours before dawn; yet to me, they bring the hope of morning and the promise of a sunrise. Hope can conquer fear, and one small voice singing alone in the dark can erase the horror of the unknown that hides in the shadows. Hope is what makes faith possible. It is the joyful anticipation of good. It is a song in the twilight hours declaring that dawn is on the horizon. Be silent no more, little one. You never know who will be most impacted by your song or find inspiration in your silhouette standing strong in the middle of the storm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-46296800915945247872013-12-15T07:50:00.000-05:002013-12-16T07:51:30.792-05:00German Chocolate Macaroons: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 12: German Chocolate Macaroons</b><br />
German Chocolate Cake is my dad's favorite cake. Over the years, it has become a favorite of mine too. I love coconut and chocolate together. These little cookies from <a href="http://www.bakeaholicmama.com/2013/01/german-chocoalte-macarons.html" target="_blank">Bakeaholic Mama</a> look so decadent! Your family and friends will be raving over this recipe at your next get together. I've had fun finding some unique recipes to share with you this year. If you try any of them, let me know how what you think. Enjoy!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">2 cups confectioners sugar</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">1 cup almond flour</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">3 tbs of cocoa powder </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">The egg whites from 3 large eggs (1/3 cup+ 3tbs</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">1/4 cup granulated sugar </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">FOR THE FILLING:</span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">2 cups sweetened flaked coconut</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">1 cup of chopped pecans </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">1 can of sweetened condensed milk</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">1/4 tsp salt </span></li>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees F </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">In your electric mixer mix the egg whites until foamy. Slowly pour in the granulated sugar. Whip on high until stiff peaks form. </span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">In a large bowl sift together almond flour, coco, and confectioners sugar<b>.</b></span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Using a rubber spatula carefully fold egg whites with your dry ingredients.</span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat. Transfer cookie mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1m tip or larger. Pipe 1 1/2 inch circles onto your cookie sheets spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Recipe should yield about 24 cookies. </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">After you have finished </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">piping the cookies out using a wet finger carefully smooth any bumps on the top out. Then give the cookie sheets a good whack on the counter. This removes any air bubbles that might have formed. </span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Allow cookies to sit out on your counter for about an hour. Or until the tops have started to dry. </span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Bake at 325 on the center rack of your oven. The cookies are done when they have risen and formed a wider layer around the bottom (also called the feet) and they are dry and hard to the touch. Should take about 15 minutes. </span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Allow cookies to cool at room temperature and remove from cookie sheets. </span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">TO PREPARE YOUR FILLING:</span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">In a medium sauce pan whisk egg and condensed milk together. Over medium low heat whisk constantly until the mixture has come to a boil. Mix in coconut and pecans. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cold.</span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Spoon filling onto one cookie and top with a second creating a sandwich. </span></span></span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="quantity">Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they are best the next day. But also quite yummy if eaten right away! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-28539090331763797072013-12-14T07:32:00.000-05:002013-12-16T07:33:49.174-05:00Chai Spiced Pistachio Snowdrop Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 11: Chai Spiced Pistachio Snowdrop Cookies</b><br />
Wedding Cookies are one of my favorites during Christmas time. From their snow covered elegance to their delicate taste, I love it all! This recipe from <a href="http://www.savorysimple.net/chai-spiced-pistachio-snowdrop-cookies/" target="_blank">Savory Simple</a> is a great twist on the wedding cookie. It has the delicious spiced flavor of the chai mixed with a bit of crunch from the pistachio topped with all the sugary goodness we all love about wedding cookies. <br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the final recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">2 1/2 ounces (1/2 cup) confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">8 1/2 ounces (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">4 1/4 ounces (1 1/4 cup) pistachio flour (see note)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Topping</span></div>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1 cup confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1 teaspoon ground cardamom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1 teaspoon ground allspice</span></li>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees F </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b>
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<br />
<ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-1" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, confectioners sugar and vanilla for several minutes until light and fluffy.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-2" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sift the all purpose flour and salt together.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-3" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn the mixer speed down to low and slowly add the pistachio flour followed by the all purpose flour. Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure the dough is evenly mixed.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-4" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to measure out cookies. Use your hands to roll each cookie into a ball.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-5" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chill the cookies for 15 minutes and then bake for 20 minutes. While the cookies are baking, sift together the topping ingredients in a bowl.</span></li>
<li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-6" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove the cookies from the oven. While they're still warm, carefully coat each cookie in the sugar mixture and set aside to cool. Once the cookies have cooled (about 15-20 minutes), toss them again in the sugar mixture.</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-notes" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(185, 183, 177); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 15px; outline: none; padding: 2px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notes</span></div>
<div id="zlrecipe-notes-list" style="border: 0px; line-height: 39px; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="notes" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can order pistachio flour <a class="notes-link" href="http://www.nuts.com/nuts/pistachios/flour.html" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">online</a> if it's not available in your local store. Almond flour, which is available in most grocery stores, may be substituted for the pistachio flour. You can also making your own pistachio flour by grinding roasted unsalted pistachios in a food processor.</span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-17148009978564228902013-12-13T06:57:00.000-05:002013-12-16T06:57:53.775-05:00Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Day 10: Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
Everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie recipe, but if you are looking for something to spice up your cookie exchange this lovely recipe is just the thing! This recipe from <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1021845/gingerbread-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe" target="_blank">She Knows</a> pairs delicious chocolate chip cookies with the exquisite flavors of gingerbread! So yummy! I hope you give this one a try<br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3/4 cup whole wheat white flour (you could substitute all-purpose)</li>
<li id="yui_3_5_0_7_1387192633228_368">1/2 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</li>
<li>Pinch salt</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>2 tablespoons milk</li>
<li>1 tablespoon melted coconut oil</li>
<li>1 tablespoon molasses</li>
<li>1/4 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1/4 cup chocolate chips</li>
<li>Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F </span></i></b></div>
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<div style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<ol id="yui_3_5_0_7_1387192633228_372" style="line-height: 20px;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine all the dry ingredients (flours, baking soda and spices) in a large bowl.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk together the remaining ingredients except the chocolate chips in a small bowl until smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add the wet ingredients to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and mix together with a spatula. This will take some effort as it will be a dry dough.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fold the chocolate chips into the dough. You might want to use your hands to incorporate everything.</span></li>
<li id="yui_3_5_0_7_1387192633228_371"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll into 1 to 1-1/2 inch balls with your hands.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll the balls in sugar if using and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake at 350 degrees F for 9-10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from oven and gently press down on the tops of the cookies (they will have remained in the shape of a ball) to get the "cracked" gingerbread effect.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.</span></li>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-899582597653657922013-12-12T06:41:00.000-05:002013-12-16T06:43:46.148-05:00Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 9: Soft-Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies</b><br />
Peanut butter and chocolate are two of my favorite things so naturally this recipe is heaven for me! You do have to make up two sets of dough for this recipe, but it's worth it. Recruit your favorite helpers, and have fun with this recipe I found on <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/24/soft-baked-peanut-butter-chocolate-swirl-cookies/" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction Blog</a>.<br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #76cdd3; font-family: Solomon, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.07em; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
</h4>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;">CHOCOLATE COOKIE DOUGH</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #6c6e70; line-height: 24px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 3px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup light brown sugar <em>(or dark brown)</em></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large egg<div class="spx_wrapper ng-scope" id="spx_reset_1" ng-controller="bootstrapCtrl" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; display: inline-block; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible;">
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</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt<div class="spx_wrapper ng-scope" id="spx_reset_2" ng-controller="bootstrapCtrl" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; display: inline-block; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible;">
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</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tablespoons milk <em>(almond, cow's, soy, or half-and-half)</em></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup dark chocolate chips <em>(or semi-sweet or milk chocolate)</em></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit;">PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH</span><br />
<ul style="color: #6c6e70; line-height: 24px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 3px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup light brown sugar<em> (or dark brown)</em></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large egg</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup creamy peanut butter</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/wp-content/themes/sallysbakingaddiction/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup dark chocolate chips<em> (or semi-sweet or milk chocolate)</em></span></li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F </span></i></b></div>
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<div style="line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Make the chocolate dough:* Cream the butter and sugars together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix it into the wet ingredrients. The dough will be very thick. With a spoon or rubber spatula, mix in the milk and then fold in the chocolate chips.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Make the peanut butter dough:* Cream the butter and sugars together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed. Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla (in that order). Scrape down the sides as needed. Slowly mix in the baking soda and flour. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chill both doughs for at least 1-2 hours. 2 hours is preferred.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line cookie sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Measure 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter cookie dough. Roll into a ball. Take 2 Tablespoons of chocolate cookie dough. Roll into a ball. Smoosh the two balls together and roll them into 1 large ball. Repeat for each cookie. The chocolate cookie dough will get onto your hands, so wash/wipe them after you roll each cookie. It is important the chocolate cookie dough is chilled or else it will be even more messy.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes, not exceeding 13 minutes. The cookies will look very soft, puffy, and almost undone. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet and they will continue to "bake" and set up. Sometimes I press a few more chocolate chips into the top of the cookies when they are still warm, for looks. As the cookies cool, they will firm up. Cookies remain fresh (and soft) for up to 10 days in an airtight container.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-31807942843564113922013-12-11T15:30:00.003-05:002013-12-11T15:31:54.792-05:00Lemon Heart Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 8: Lemon Hearts</b><br />
These adorable little cookies from <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/lemon-hearts-1499" target="_blank">Good Housekeeping</a> look like the perfect after dinner treat. These would be perfect with a cup of hot tea or coffee! I made lemon cookies for my grandma one Christmas, and I loved them. With so many rich traditional holiday recipes, the refreshing and light taste of the lemon cookies really popped. <br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">cup(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">tablespoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">cornstarch</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">3/4 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">teaspoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2</span> <span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">cup(s) </span>(3 sticks) <span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">butter (no substitutions)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">cup(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">tablespoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">grated fresh lemon peel</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2</span> <span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">teaspoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">lemon extract</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/4 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">teaspoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">almond extract</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Lemon Glaze:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2</span><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">cup(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">confectioners' sugar</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">5 </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">teaspoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">fresh lemon juice</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="amount" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2</span><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="unit" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">teaspoon(s) </span><span class="name" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">grated fresh lemon peel</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees F </span></i></b></div>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Prepare lemon cookies:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">On waxed paper, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugar until creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in lemon peel and extracts. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in flour mixture until blended, occasionally scraping bowl.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Divide dough in half. Between two 20-inch sheets of waxed paper, roll half of dough 3/8 inch thick. (If paper wrinkles during rolling, peel it off, then replace it to remove wrinkles.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">With floured 2 1/4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut dough into as many cookies as possible. With floured 3/4-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out and remove centers from cookies. Reserve centers and trimmings to reroll. With lightly floured wide spatula, carefully place cookies, 1 inch apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. (If dough becomes too soft to transfer to cookie sheet, freeze 10 minutes until firm.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Bake cookies 15 to 16 minutes or until edges are golden. Transfer cookies to wire rack; cool 10 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Meanwhile,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">prepare lemon glaze</span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">:</b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">In small bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and lemon peel until blended. Dip top side of each warm cookie into glaze. Place cookies on wire rack set over waxed paper to catch any drips. Allow glaze to set, about 20 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Repeat with remaining dough, reserved centers, trimmings, and glaze, adding a little water to glaze if it begins to thicken. Store cookies, with waxed paper between layers, in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week, or in freezer up to 3 months.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 21px;">
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-18711656675163930062013-12-10T11:01:00.001-05:002013-12-10T11:03:00.212-05:00Shortbread Sugar Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Day 7: Shortbread Sugar Cookies</b><br />
Growing up, the cookies I loved the most at Christmas time were surprisingly enough the really simple recipes. I love Shortbread cookies, butter cookies, and the like. They remind me of my childhood. So the combination of a shortbread cookie with a sugar cookie sounds like, well.. amazing-ness. Today's recipe is from <a href="http://www.chelsa-bea.com/2013/12/shortbread-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">This Grand Adventure</a>. <br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/8 cup sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 sticks of butter (1 lbs.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 ½ cups flour</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ cup cornstarch</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pinch of salt</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Several tablespoon of crystallized ginger nibs (She uses ones from </span><a class="external" href="http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/crystallized-candied-ginger-chunks-slices-and-nibs" style="line-height: 18px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Opens new window"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Spice House</span></a><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">) </span><i style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Optional</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Zest of one lemon or orange (</span><i style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Optional)</i></span></li>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 250 degrees F </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream together 1-cup sugar and all butter. Once creamed together nicely, slowly add the flour, then the cornstarch and salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If adding, mix in ginger, lemon or orange zest. This recipe is best when you make it your own. Add the candied ginger, the lemon, orange zest or whatever additive you think might be delicious. Feel free to experiment. You probably can’t go wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pat it into baking pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 1 ½ hours at 250°.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove shortbread from the oven, but do not turn the oven off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut into small bite size pieces, cutting down the middle then cutting across into section. Sprinkle cookies lightly with remaining sugar, until they are evenly coated. If you are feeling really fancy, feel free to use sanding sugar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn the oven off. Place pan back in oven for 1 hour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from oven and allow shortbread to cool, in pan, for 10-20 minutes. The cookies will be very fragile when they first come out of the oven and will easily fall apart if handled. Once cooled, they can be enjoyed and stored in an airtight container or are easily frozen and saved for a later date. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-21316307967195560552013-12-09T07:45:00.001-05:002013-12-09T07:46:09.518-05:00Red Velvet Cookies (2 Recipes): 12 Days of Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Day 6: Red Velvet Cookies (2 Recipes)</b><br />
I've been loving red velvet recipes lately, and after I tried some really good red velvet doughnuts I decided that I would like to find a recipe for red velvet cookies. The beautiful color would be so festive! I found a lot of great recipes over the weekend, but I couldn't decide on just one to share. Sooo, here are two. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe... or maybe two!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAw0VFHnReBFNXAgZm-APBzLzHTthdvlAE_3ALYh-_ENaiijDENxwFiY1NrdV2ExWV2sNgLP3QxjXenDoQGrOpDZTr1r9740BxdJ1YEQUehIOc3XU6SbfhjdOE7nxpl1yqBDj8r2__mG5/s1600/red+velvet+cookies+bubble+and+sweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAw0VFHnReBFNXAgZm-APBzLzHTthdvlAE_3ALYh-_ENaiijDENxwFiY1NrdV2ExWV2sNgLP3QxjXenDoQGrOpDZTr1r9740BxdJ1YEQUehIOc3XU6SbfhjdOE7nxpl1yqBDj8r2__mG5/s320/red+velvet+cookies+bubble+and+sweet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Recipe 1: Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
<i>(from <a href="http://bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com/2013/11/this-aint-no-plain-vanilla-red-velvet.html" target="_blank">Bubble and Sweet</a>)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This is the first of two recipes. I found this one on the <a href="http://bubbleandsweet.blogspot.com/2013/11/this-aint-no-plain-vanilla-red-velvet.html" target="_blank">Bubble and Sweet Blog</a>, which you should visit sometime. I love her recipes and beautifully illustrated instructions! I left the measurements as she wrote them since she has already converted most of the measurements for her friends in the U.S.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">220g (7 and 3/4 oz) plain (all purpose) flour</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">40g (1 and 3/8oz) cup cocoa</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 tsp baking powder </span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">115g (4oz) unsalted butter room temperature</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">100g (3 and 1/2oz) white sugar (I used superfine sugar - use regular white if you can't find superfine)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">100g (3 and 1/2oz) brown sugar firmly packed</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 egg</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1/2 tsp raspberry essence (optional)</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1/4tsp red food colour</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">85g (3 oz) milk chocolate chips</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">85g (3 oz) white chocolate chips</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 320 degrees F (160 degrees Celsius)</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Line 2 trays with baking paper (parchment paper). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sift together the flour, baking powder (soda), salt and cocoa.</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">In a large bowl cream together the butter, white and brown sugar at high speed for a few minutes until light and fluffy.</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Reduce the speed to medium low and mix in the egg, vanilla, raspberry essence and food colour until <span style="font-family: inherit;">combined.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Add the sifted flour mixture and mix at low speed until the mixture has just combined.</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Using a spatula or large spoon mix in the white and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Spoon dough onto the prepared trays about 1 1/2 Tbsp (2 US Tbsp) in size and flatten slightly.</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Bake for around 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven allow to rest on trays for around 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">add some extra white chips by removing the tray and gently pressing about 3 into the top of each cookie about 7 minutes into baking so they look good but don't over brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for at least 3 days. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<b>Recipe 2: Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies</b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i>(from <a href="http://www.duncanhines.com/recipes/cookies-bars/Duncan%20Hines%C2%AE/red-and-white-velvet-cookies/" target="_blank">Duncan Hines</a>)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second recipe is semi-homemade from the Duncan Hines site. I really appreciate delicious, yet easy recipes this time of the year so this one is for all of my busy friends out there.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ cup butter</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1 box</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span>Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 large egg</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 20px;">White Chocolate Dip:</span></span><br />
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 bars (6 oz. each) white chocolate premium baking bars, broken into pieces</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tbsp. vegetable shortening</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions:</span></b></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F </span></i></b></div>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Melt butter; set aside to cool. Place cake mix, egg, cooled butter and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Mix by hand until well blended and dough is formed.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Form dough into a smooth 12" log on wax paper or parchment making sure it is even in thickness end to end. Wrap in wax paper; seal in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Lightly grease baking sheets. Unwrap dough log and set on wax paper. Using a sharp knife, cut into 48 slices about 1/4" thick. Place on cool baking sheets about 2" apart.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in center of oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Make dip by placing pieces of baking bar in small, DRY, microwave-safe bowl along with shortening. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir to blend. If needed, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals. Blend each time. Avoid overheating.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Dip each cookie into chocolate to coat half of cookie. Place on wax paper or parchment-lined sheets and refrigerate about 15 minutes or until dip is set. Store in airtight container with wax paper or parchment separating layers.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Tips & Tricks:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">For best results, bake only one sheet of cookies at a time. If two are baked at time, rotate sheets midway through baking.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">For variation, top white chocolate with chopped pistachios or pecans, crushed peppermint candies, crushed pretzels, praline crunch, colored sugar or other cookie decorations before it is set.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Do NOT thin white chocolate with butter, margarine or water. Moisture will cause the chocolate to seize or tighten.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Place melted white chocolate in a freezer-weight zippered plastic bag. Snip a very small hole from bottom corner and drizzle white chocolate over top of cookie in place of dipping half of cookie.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
</div>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-13708677131983361242013-12-08T13:53:00.001-05:002013-12-08T14:02:58.623-05:00Spicy Molasses Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLNaTxoGvidSuA2QPygRkc-TmRRnrPypzXRQWRii0gDsfATDZQx8DHAT2pqWVNwPNr0cdSYqrxCJDHbJnbi7lbZCiSRcs_COtdVFqF_U9pAmIqnbapd0Nf8GHv3dmgaAqsSwK1AuVP_s_/s1600/spicy+molasses+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLNaTxoGvidSuA2QPygRkc-TmRRnrPypzXRQWRii0gDsfATDZQx8DHAT2pqWVNwPNr0cdSYqrxCJDHbJnbi7lbZCiSRcs_COtdVFqF_U9pAmIqnbapd0Nf8GHv3dmgaAqsSwK1AuVP_s_/s1600/spicy+molasses+cookie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe and photo from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/12/spicy-molasses-cookies-seriously-delicious/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Day 5: Spicy Molasses Cookies </b><br />
If you like making spicy cookies like gingerbread cookies during your holiday baking then this cookie would be a great one to add to your list. I found the recipe on <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/12/spicy-molasses-cookies-seriously-delicious/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's blog</a>. I love her recipes and she also has some great pictures to go along with each step of this recipe. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup sugar</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cups Crisco Vegetable Shortening</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup molasses</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 whole egg</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups flour</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon ground ginger</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Mix sugar, shortening, molasses, and egg together until well combined. Dump in dry ingredients, stirring dry ingredients together lightly. Mix together until dough is combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">In your hands roll dough into walnut-sized balls, then generously coat each ball with sugar. Place balls on a baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, allowing to bake for about a minute after cookies begin to crack.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Remove cookies from baking sheet and allow to cool…though these are delicious while still warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 19px;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Tips from the Pioneer Woman:</b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">"Fun variation: drizzle melted white chocolate in decorative stripes over the top of each cookie. Allow to harden before serving. Or: dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate. Yum. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Another fun variation: make sandwiches using two cookies and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. Yikes. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Another really fun variation: eat all the cookies yourself, then hide all the evidence."</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">Previous Recipes</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="line-height: 21px;">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/italian-spumoni-cookies.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</a></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</a></span></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-51525398321022274142013-12-07T10:27:00.000-05:002016-05-10T14:20:48.179-04:00Sunday SuppersI like lazy Sundays that fall rhythmically into the day of rest that God intended them to be. Today has been exactly that, beautifully restful. In the South so much of our togetherness is centered around conversations in the kitchen and the good food that follows. Most of my lovely family memories are times spent laughing in my grandma's or mom's kitchen. What fond memories do you have of family time?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-78351066047172681212013-12-07T09:19:00.003-05:002013-12-07T10:32:32.678-05:00Italian Spumoni Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ4c23MXVSfgMpWOmo-3wxX5xgMHfmH5a5KgF1zMc8BEk2fXU_wydNjGYVMnCJVybzXd4Us0rTt7Lyn_QbEnegnZ2jE9lCLOqvokRSkVbsItartUbqIg5VcW-_7RA35oqWt1tmYfCjIRA/s1600/Italian-Spumoni-Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ4c23MXVSfgMpWOmo-3wxX5xgMHfmH5a5KgF1zMc8BEk2fXU_wydNjGYVMnCJVybzXd4Us0rTt7Lyn_QbEnegnZ2jE9lCLOqvokRSkVbsItartUbqIg5VcW-_7RA35oqWt1tmYfCjIRA/s320/Italian-Spumoni-Cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Day 4: Italian Spumoni Cookies</b><br />
During the 12 Days of Cookies, I try to find at least a couple of recipes that are based on traditions from around the world. That is why I chose this cookie. This recipe is from the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jeff-mauro/italian-spumoni-cookies-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Food Network</a>, and based on the taste of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spumoni" target="_blank">Italian Spumoni</a> which is actually a layered ice cream dessert. The look of traditional Spumoni reminds me of Neapolitan ice cream. Traditional Spumoni is usually three flavor layers with a layer of candied fruits (often cherry) and nuts between them. Cherry, pistachio, and either chocolate or vanilla are the typical layers.<br />
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Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon table salt</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, melted</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup light brown sugar</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon almond extract</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup semisweet chocolate chips</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup chopped pistachios</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup dried cherries</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Preheat oven to 325 degrees.</i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl and set aside.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Add in the whole egg, egg yolk, and almond & vanilla extracts. Mix until incorporated.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slowly fold the flour mixture into the sugar-egg mixture with a rubber spatula until even. Fold in the chocolate chips, pistachios, and cherries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide the batter into about 1/4 cup balls and space about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the sheets 180 degrees, switch racks, and then bake until slightly golden brown, an additional 8-10 minutes. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;"><b>Previous Recipes</b>:</span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies-12.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-62979938047026002282013-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-07T09:44:42.493-05:00Frosted Peppermint Mocha Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DzjgdatZ2NPQpUxwYREWUzeuJ1PdDgXMzo0ZAZ9zTnOyaXjunFh4TAIfChdWgLtAIZDZ2MfWNrJYoh30i1xJDchuHgozm_b9tWn-E5HKkK7h6RgAJYrfxDXvl452hW0WLWWr3JhN6t4h/s1600/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DzjgdatZ2NPQpUxwYREWUzeuJ1PdDgXMzo0ZAZ9zTnOyaXjunFh4TAIfChdWgLtAIZDZ2MfWNrJYoh30i1xJDchuHgozm_b9tWn-E5HKkK7h6RgAJYrfxDXvl452hW0WLWWr3JhN6t4h/s320/frosted-peppermint-mocha-cookies.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b>Day 3: Frosted Peppermint Mocha Roll-out Cookies</b><br />
I found this recipe on <a href="http://bestfriendsforfrosting.com/" target="_blank">Best Friends for Frosting</a> this morning. This recipe is for all of you Peppermint Chip fans. Look how charming these cookies look! Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup dark unsweetened cocoa</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 packet Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Via (optional)</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 tsp. salt</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cup fine granulated sugar</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 egg, room temperature</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp. coffee extract or emulsion</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 oz. Andes Peppermint Chips, chopped into small pieces</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</i></b></div>
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Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together; set aside.</div>
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Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. If you have a KitchenAid mixer, mix at level 4. Add the egg, coffee extract, vanilla, and Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Via (the via is optional. If it is not available near you, just omit it). Beat until the mixture comes together.</div>
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Gradually add the flour mixture in two different parts. After mixing each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat on low until just combined. Mix in the peppermint chips on low speed. It is important to avoid over-mixing the dough.</div>
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Refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours to let the flavors develop. I like to form the dough into two discs and cover with plastic wrap. If you are not going to use the dough right away, cover in plastic wrap and place the discs in a freezer bag. The dough will freeze well for up to 3 months.</div>
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Remove the dough from the fridge. Let it soften. Place on a floured surface and roll to your desired thickness. You can use different size dowels to roll out your cookies to a consistent thickness. I like to use 1/4 inch dowels. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Place dough cut-outs on parchment or silicon baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes. Enjoy!<br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;"><b>Previous Recipes</b>:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies-12-days-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</span></a></h3>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-5128095545428665422013-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-07T09:44:58.148-05:00Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtxukdrlbQ2XLrZQMkmhQP4zfHWlYBkZBPOwJh2notZhTh1G-th0JLfI7pQ5a5TsPishUDqWfamZdi3U1R0gE48ohLrzfV-An59FqIVMw-INH7XSdYntBjXpL24TOkrUVNjXDwETa83QE/s1600/12+days+of+cookie.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SJneonozP6j7_3JftTflp7qnq6vpY2mt95gaUeA6Wm0D-kuMCpJWZy5GAdu8qDB1jt9pLUVeMXg4o3OpiNDIMBSsuwWTI4jchCmId4bbS0dcajkbZg1EBpoFIRthKI2hMYuB37tCiZVD/s1600/Caramel+Fudge+Turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SJneonozP6j7_3JftTflp7qnq6vpY2mt95gaUeA6Wm0D-kuMCpJWZy5GAdu8qDB1jt9pLUVeMXg4o3OpiNDIMBSsuwWTI4jchCmId4bbS0dcajkbZg1EBpoFIRthKI2hMYuB37tCiZVD/s320/Caramel+Fudge+Turtle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Day 2: Caramel Fudge Turtle Cookies</b><br />
This super yummy recipe came from the <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/caramel-fudge-turtle-cookies/5882a917-d945-4bc2-b31f-531b2f8b49c0" target="_blank">Betty Crocker</a> website. So decadent, but so easy! I love that this recipe calls for a packaged cookie mix so that takes out half the work, and during the holidays that helps so much! Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Parchment Paper</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Butter (As called for on cookie mix pouch)</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Egg (As called for on cookie mix pouch)</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12 caramels, unwrapped (I like Kraft)</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Tablespoon milk</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup hot fudge topping</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">36 pecan halves</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</i></b></div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Make cookie dough as directed on package, stirring in flour. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place about 2 inches apart on Reynolds Parchment Paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 375°F 11 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute; place cookies on cooling rack.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
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<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Microwave caramels and milk uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring once, until caramels are melted. Dip one side of each cookie at an angle into caramel mixture to coat top half; spread if necessary. If caramel thickens, add up to 1 teaspoon additional milk and reheat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Spread about 1 teaspoon fudge topping on top of each cookie. Place pecan half on topping. Let stand about 15 minutes until toppings are set.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>Tips & Tricks: </b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Place food directly on Parchment Paper and bake as directed. Treats will bake evenly and release from paper with ease. Plus, because you're baking right on the paper so clean-up is a breeze.</li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: normal;">You can bake the cookies up to two months ahead stored tightly covered in the freezer.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">For even baking, make sure cookies are of the same shape and size.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: MuseoSlab-500, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;"><b>Previous Recipes</b>:</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Dancing Script'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://thatmorninggirl.blogspot.com/2013/12/12-days-of-cookies-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</span></a></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-19159777428453650712013-12-04T07:55:00.000-05:002013-12-04T08:26:43.392-05:00Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies: 12 Days of Cookies 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Day 1: Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies</b><br />
Today is National Cookie Day so I thought it would be perfect starting point for this year's 12 Days of Cookies! I found this recipe on <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/318683/peanut-butter-toffee-cookies?xsc=soc_pin_2013_12_2_Holiday_Holiday+Gift+Ideas_T&crlt.pid=camp.jheBt1rhtV4s" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's website</a> this morning. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another recipe.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus some for finger tips</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teas baking soda</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/8 teas salt</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 Tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup sugar</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup smooth peanut butter</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 large egg</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 chocolate-covered toffee candy bars (1.4 oz each), chopped</li>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Directions:</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</i></b></div>
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.</div>
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In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and egg; beat until smooth. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture. Stir in toffee.</div>
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Using 1 level tablespoon batter per cookie, drop onto baking sheets, about 1 inch apart; flatten slightly with floured fingertips. Bake until the edges are golden brown, 16-18 minutes. Rotating the cookie sheets halfway through. Transfer cookies immediately to a wire rack to cool completely.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-27049957675593777322013-11-29T06:16:00.000-05:002013-11-29T08:34:15.520-05:00Money Savers for One-Day Shopping Trips plus 5 Black Friday Tricks to Avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGKA-DSgKukjW1k_PP6xq81qR6S91CEZdyjlR8wFBlDPWvHw9QkrmaveZv4xztlDqBUvzyz5ys7VJVQGMUSxonuEJMsSCkk4vJntNQZ5AmowTBFKFiOUzS0r7CadhSrJ8mf-FEIBhJ1r0/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGKA-DSgKukjW1k_PP6xq81qR6S91CEZdyjlR8wFBlDPWvHw9QkrmaveZv4xztlDqBUvzyz5ys7VJVQGMUSxonuEJMsSCkk4vJntNQZ5AmowTBFKFiOUzS0r7CadhSrJ8mf-FEIBhJ1r0/s320/shopping.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
This morning I found some tips on how you can maximize your shopping trips and maybe save a little money while you are at it during this Christmas Season.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Before you leave the house:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Eat a good breakfast that includes energy boosting protein, fiber, and healthy fat. It will help you think clearly, shop sensibly and negotiate the best bargains.</li>
<li>Nix the comfort clothes if you end up feeling blah in them. Studies show that if you dress in something stylish your confidence will get a boost and you will be less likely to give into pushy sales tactics. Darren Dahl, a professor of applied marketing research says that when people feel insecure they buy more.</li>
<li>Listen to your power music. The music in your favorite store may sound nostalgic and festive, but it is designed to make you feel warm, fuzzy, and linger in their store.</li>
<li>Download free apps offerend by your fav stores for web announcements, coupons, and the latest info on sales.</li>
<li>Look for online discounts and coupon codes</li>
<li>Cash in your rewards. If you are eligible for reward programs consider using your points to buy gift cards or make online purchases through the rewards site for potential discounts or more reward points.</li>
<li>Buy toys online a lot of retailers offer the same discounts and free shipping saving you time and the frustration of visiting multiple stores for this year's hot toy.</li>
<li>Go solo. I know it's not as much fun, but if savings are your intent leave your pal behind. Subconsciously we mimic others shopping habits according to Martin Lindstrom, the author of Brandwashed. This means that if your friend stocks up on a particular item you are more likely to as well.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">On your way</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Stop at the bank. You will curb your impulse buys by leaving your credit cards at home. According to Martin Lindstrom, shopping with cash cuts your overall spending by 23%. Also, if you withdraw cash at the teller and request larger bills (ie. 50s or 100s), you will be less likely to break them on unnecessary purchases.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">At the mall</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Avoid the main entrance and any lavish displays designed to entice you. Side entrances or the food court entrance will help you bypass unneccessary temptation.</li>
<li>Buy your less expensive items first. Scott Huettel, Associate professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, says that once you spend money on something costly your brain loses perspective on what is a good price.</li>
<li>Eat Lunch. Don't forget to recharge with a protein-rich lunch if you are planning an all-day shopping trip. It will keep your energetic all day.</li>
<li>Perk yourself up after a few hours by taking a music break or grabbing a cup of coffee. Paul Herr, professor of Marketing at Virginia Tech says you are more likely to make good buying choices if you stay in a pleasant mood, because you will more carefully consider pros and cons before making your decision.</li>
<li>Skip lines. Whenever possible, pay for purchases in less crowded areas of the store. The less you linger in the line, the less likely it will be that you will pick up extra items on a whim while you are waiting.</li>
<li>Don't linger at sales counters. The longer you listen to a sales pitch, the more likely you are to buy something.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/make-every-day-great-article/article.aspx?cp-documentid=31180424&OCID=LIVB213" target="_blank">Article Referenced</a></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">5 Black Friday Tricks to Avoid:</span></b><br />
<div class="first" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.453125px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Black Friday has become known as the best day of the year to find deals, but retailers have a few tricks up their sleeves as well by either enticing you to spend more or to buy lower-quality products. Check out these tricks to </span><b style="font-size: 14px;">avoid</b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> this season that I found on Yahoo! Finance. </span><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-black-friday-tricks-avoid-121900400.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Article Referenced)</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.453125px; margin-top: 11px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>1. Inferior products:</strong> That big screen television in the sale ad may be an inferior model. Many retailers sell cheaper versions of TVs, laptops, tablets and other hot gift items for the holiday season. The items look like the higher-priced model, but typically have fewer features, less storage capacity, lower resolution, or even shorter warranties. <i><u>Protect yourself by:</u></i> having the product specifications and model number of the product you want and make sure to ask about warranty terms.</div>
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<strong>2. Read the fine print:</strong> Some Black Friday sales ads include fine print that says the full discount requires a mail-in rebate meaning you'll have to pay a lot more upfront. Some stores advertise "one day blowout" with storewide sales, but they are really only offering a discount on a select assortment of items.</div>
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<strong>3. Limited Supplies:</strong> Many stores carry very limited supplies of their best deals so you'll likely have to be one of the first people in the store to snag them, Cohen said. </div>
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<strong>4. Misleading "original" prices:</strong> "Some retailers may try to make you think you're getting a deeper discount than you actually are. Oftentimes, the original price they show in ads or next to the product in stores is higher than the price the item will usually sell for, said Patricia Huddleston, a professor of retailing at Michigan State University."</div>
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<strong>5. Bait and switch:</strong> Retailers will often place a similar product near the advertised product so that when they are sold out of that one you may buy the inferior more expensive "alternative." <u><i>Protect your self by: </i></u>using a price comparison app, like Shop Savvy or RedLaser.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-52443949135813938542013-08-16T08:17:00.000-04:002014-05-06T14:48:22.350-04:00What do you need?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEToFFUoveyIqBAlpOoUdFJDpC3pkm8ZFKLl_XMgAgF3VkRYvJAYDhSiEj3l3bw8JFYjHm-2lgQ_VcTxCXFt9yK-MZfB6AGj-4QtVR6B_6c-An2MjWexnaETkSCTN8RRJBTKgWsevTV_98/s1600/tumblr_mb57s3ftim1qihodeo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEToFFUoveyIqBAlpOoUdFJDpC3pkm8ZFKLl_XMgAgF3VkRYvJAYDhSiEj3l3bw8JFYjHm-2lgQ_VcTxCXFt9yK-MZfB6AGj-4QtVR6B_6c-An2MjWexnaETkSCTN8RRJBTKgWsevTV_98/s400/tumblr_mb57s3ftim1qihodeo1_500.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<h2>
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: normal;">Some thoughts ...</span></i></h2>
Hello there! It's been a while since I've been able to post anything. My year has been a whirlwind so far. Plus I am having some issues with my domain name at the moment due to a change over in the hosting company so for now I will just have a blog spot address and that's ok. Hopefully you will still be able to read this, because I would like to start writing again. <br />
<br />
This year (so far) can be summed up as one very long season of patience building. My biggest prayer for the year was finally answered in July. I was finally able to buy a home of my very own. I've been looking for a while, and I was finally able to get the house I wanted. It's a cute cottage-y fixer-upper. It's actually not even a cottage, but there's something about it that has a coziness that reminds me of a cottage. So that's probably what I'll refer to it as from here on. It's a peaceful place, and that is my favorite feature. However, in spite of all of it's cozy cute potential, it's still a complicated mess; and I've still not been able to move in. (Enter more stress, prayer, and <i>proactive </i>waiting.) <br />
<br />
Crazy, huh? You'd think that when God answers your prayers that everything would instantly be o.k. That it would all work, but it's not always like that. You see we don't get to choose how God helps us, who He sends to help us, or even how long we have to hold tight until everything is good again. It's during the in-between time that you really have to lean hard upon Him. Ironically, it's been the in-between time that has taught me the most about God, about myself, and about what my relationship with God <i>really </i>looks like. <br />
<br />
This year has been tough. I'm learning all about my weaknesses, yet I'm also learning that I am much stronger that I realized. It's not a strength that I've always had though. It's strength that has been born of years of God using the in-between times just like this one. As I step back and look at myself in this new season I see a different person. I see shadows of who I was, but I also see more of who I think I was meant to be. It's certainly not been comfortable, but I'm learning to embrace these seasons and to appreciate how God uses them to bring about good in me. It's seasons like this, that I realize that everything I do needs to flow from my relationship with Jesus. My relationship with Him brings me strength; and from my relationship with Him, I find that everything else I need falls into place.<br />
<br />
Last week I was reading some things that Laura Story had written in her blog about abiding. Here's a excerpt, but you really should read the entire blog <a href="http://www.laurastorymusic.com/john-15-learning-to-be-a-branch/" target="_blank">post</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fcf6eb; color: #7e7a73; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">"As I was reflecting on this passage that I’ve read a thousand times, I asked God for a fresh understanding of what it meant to abide. I spend so much of my life working and worrying, striving and stressing, and very little time being still and listening. So as I attempted to practice this somewhat elusive abiding that scripture speaks of, I let these words seep deep into my restless soul. “I am the vine and you are the branches,” Jesus spoke (and John writes). “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” </span><span style="background-color: #fcf6eb; color: #7e7a73; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">A few things I instantly noticed. First of all, Jesus isn’t against doing. He calls us to do a great many things, yet the source of our strength for the doing </span><i style="background-color: #fcf6eb; color: #7e7a73; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">must </i><span style="background-color: #fcf6eb; color: #7e7a73; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">come from abiding. As counter intuitive as it seems, our very first step in doing anything must not be a step at all: it must be abiding. Secondly, I took a moment to gaze out my living room window and noticed something about the trees. None of the branches seemed to be struggling to connect with their trunks, or vines, if you will. It is the most natural thing in the world for these branches to stay attached to their source of life and strength and nourishment. These branches acknowledge the blatantly obvious: to be severed from their roots would mean all growth would cease." - Laura Story</span></blockquote>
Abiding has always been the tricky part for me too. I struggle with having a bit of both Mary <i>and</i> Martha in me (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:38-42&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 10:38-42</a>); I long for the presence of Jesus, yet I struggle with a need to be <i>doing</i> something all the time. My desire gets misplaced, and what was once good intentions can somehow cause me to take my focus off of what's most important - Jesus. His presence is always going to need to be my first choice. Everything I am needs to flow from my relationship with Him. When I am truly honest with myself, all of the struggling and frustration usually stems from those moments when I've let a distance come between us. The good that I want to do means nothing if I neglect the one(s) that I am doing the good for. Isn't this true in all relationships? How many times have I intended to do something for my family that I know they would enjoy, but in the process it has some how become more about what I'm doing and less about them? Then before I know it, all of those well-intended things would end in an argument or frustration all because I lost my focus.<br />
<br />
Abiding should be the most natural thing in the world. My relationship with God should flow naturally, easily - like a stream through the forest or blood through my veins; and so mingling that you cannot tell where He begins and I end. When we look at branches, we hardly notice the branches. Instead, we see the tree. It's one body with a united purpose. Sin messed that up, and it's a shame that such a beautiful picture was marred and divided. Yet, how much more beautiful does that make grace? My sin is a tragedy, yet it makes the love and forgiveness that I received from Jesus through His death and resurrection so much more precious. His love means more. His presence means more, and I need to abide all the more. It may not be as natural as it could have been if sin had never entered the world...or even as easy, but I certainly need Him. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-11578702857701201672013-05-24T08:28:00.000-04:002013-05-24T08:35:09.101-04:00We remember you. Thank you for your Service! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1ESclDNBG8h5DsQbwg_gZxoi5k4VrFmb4Lcbi-uMDgxI21ohAR9QCSqgZTDXEfiyF-l51awEolAIlgGlIWOU6W70j7wyqPbBd9hjIw1vGDceoTTYTBMfDv2uIITvSHoL2IMDI4xxQTnW/s1600/Memorial-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1ESclDNBG8h5DsQbwg_gZxoi5k4VrFmb4Lcbi-uMDgxI21ohAR9QCSqgZTDXEfiyF-l51awEolAIlgGlIWOU6W70j7wyqPbBd9hjIw1vGDceoTTYTBMfDv2uIITvSHoL2IMDI4xxQTnW/s400/Memorial-Day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Happy Memorial Weekend:</b><br />
Memorial Day is about remembering those who have gone before us and especially the courageous men and women who have bravely sacrificed and put their lives on the line to ensure our protection and maintain our freedoms. Thank you to everyone, past and present, who has served in the armed forces or as a local hero within our police and fire departments. Today we thank you, pray for you, and applaud your bravery. <br />
<br />
If you would like to show a little extra kindness to our soldiers this weekend, here's a couple of easy way to give back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbkPYyNF1GVT1MRKhgiTrkx00PELWSNuGpWbakyPy7ohTvyNarqqGmNFfJWEQnt3JhFCAFMmQgGZKN-hjmITZSpLURtapDxyhCeCVbvvQr03wNB8e8MvWRAD_B_JsRvNNfCoDUbnfX-eP/s1600/adopt+a+soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbkPYyNF1GVT1MRKhgiTrkx00PELWSNuGpWbakyPy7ohTvyNarqqGmNFfJWEQnt3JhFCAFMmQgGZKN-hjmITZSpLURtapDxyhCeCVbvvQr03wNB8e8MvWRAD_B_JsRvNNfCoDUbnfX-eP/s320/adopt+a+soldier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>ADOPT a Soldier:</b> This kindness mission idea came from <a href="http://randomactsofkindness.org/" target="_blank">randomactsofkindness.org</a>. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.4em;">Raise a soldier's spirits and make a friend by adopting a soldier as a pen pal. Showing your encouragement and gratitude for the hard work they do will be appreciated.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often soldiers don't get enough sleep or food and are dealing with difficult weather and high pressure situations in a foreign country. They are far from the comforts of home and working 24 hours a day. Let them know you care about them and are thankful for all that they are doing.</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Benefits:</i></span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your encouraging note or package may be the only mail they receive for weeks or months. While some soldiers to have loved ones back home, others may not have any. They may have become a soldier for a fresh start and may not have a support network to help them through the tough times. You can be the person that makes their day!</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Or.. Step It Up: </i></span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't just send a letter or card, send a care package. Shop for items that would be hard for a soldier to find in a foreign country--favorite foods or snacks, even some hygiene products. Put together a package and send it on it's way to a lucky soldier. Get your friends, family, co-workers or classmates involved. Have everyone in your family write a letter to include in the care package. Or encourage your entire class to adopt a soldier together. Each day have a different student write a letter, ensuring that your soldier will receive a different letter everyday for a month! If you really want to step it up, think about adopting an entire platoon of soldiers.</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Email:</i></span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can even use email to express your thanks. Ask your friends and family if they know someone who has served or is serving. Chances are someone will know a soldier. Ask if you can write to them and thank them for their service. If you are not able to consistently write or send care packages you can still help! Make a one-time donation to an organization that adopts soldiers. If that organization is located near you, offer to volunteer to help with filing or making cold calls.</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Related Resources:</span></h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 20px 30px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you live in the US, visit <a href="http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Adopt a Soldier </a>to adopt a soldier as your pen pal.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can adopt an entire <a href="http://adoptaplatoon.org/site/" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">platoon </a>as well! A great option for a classroom, church group or athletic team.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe you know of a soldier who could use some encouragement. There is a "submit a soldier" feature on the <a href="http://soldiersangels.org/submit-a-soldier.html" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Soldier's Angels</a> website.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3pCYgC8ef024WQkfyKV7yvHYX6Lr0zL3yHTxS5KxadPczj-9XEeM2VjnsaCjoVUYzlnRb6pWtVF7ru7XqNeobuhHrqTJnW5pgzITz8zIvSi-ZS_yZseV8VJxxXQ6YhSyDjhsnSzo6xU1/s1600/home-banner_11_7_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3pCYgC8ef024WQkfyKV7yvHYX6Lr0zL3yHTxS5KxadPczj-9XEeM2VjnsaCjoVUYzlnRb6pWtVF7ru7XqNeobuhHrqTJnW5pgzITz8zIvSi-ZS_yZseV8VJxxXQ6YhSyDjhsnSzo6xU1/s320/home-banner_11_7_2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>A Million Thanks:</b> A Million Thanks is another great organization working to provide encouragement and support to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> our troops. It<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;"> is a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to <span style="font-family: inherit;">our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They ask that individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations to write cards, letters, emails, and prayer messages of appreciation for our military, past and present. It is our goal to see that our military – active, reserve, and veterans – receive these messages, whether they are serving at home, abroad, or are injured in hospitals. To get started, read the guidelines below then find a location nearest you on our <a href="http://www.amillionthanks.org/find-a-drop-off-location.php" style="color: #00467a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Drop-off Location</a> list so your notes of appreciated can be sent to our troops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If there are not yet drop-off locations near you, letters can also be sent to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Million Thanks<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Villa Park, CA 92861</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do not put letters or cards in individual envelopes or include additional postage. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Send multiple letters together in the same envelope or box, but please bundle the letters in stacks of no more than 50 with rubberbands to keep them together. Bundle the letters or cards in like sizes.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do not send edible items or other care package items.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do not use glitter, confetti, or anything that is not securelyattached to the letter or card.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only include positive messages. Any negative messages will be discarded.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be creative! Draw pictures, talk about you, and let them know their service does not go unnoticed.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Include your address or email address if you wish. Most military will write back to you!</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">*Attention parents and/or teachers of young children:</strong> We ask that if children are too young to include a message of thanks, please write one on their behalf so our service members get a message along with a drawing.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to send themed cards, we ask that you respect the following deadlines:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 1. Thanksgiving cards and letters should be postmarked no later than <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nov 1.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2. Christmas/holiday cards and letters should be postmarked no later than <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dec 1.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 3. Valentines cards and letters should be postmarked no later than <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jan 15. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </strong>4. Memorial Day themed cards should be postmarked no later than <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Apr 15.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 5. Fourth of July themed cards should be postmarked no later than<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> June 1. </strong></span></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">**If any of the above guidelines and deadlines are not followed, please know your letters may not be sent. Thank you!</span></strong></div>
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<b>Visit the website here: </b><a href="http://www.amillionthanks.org/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">www.amillionthanks.org</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-41699954426755710572013-05-22T10:56:00.000-04:002013-05-22T11:17:30.466-04:00Disaster Relief: How to Get Involved.. effectively<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>How to Effectively Get Involved in Disaster Relief:</b><br />
All of our attention has been focused on the communities affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes, and I think most of us are wondering what can we do to effectively be of help. <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/reject-apathy/creation-care/5-ways-get-involved-disaster-relief" target="_blank">Relevant Magazine</a> posted an article that had some really great points to remember when thinking about disaster relief. I shared a few of them on-air this morning, and I've paraphrased them below. Click the link above to read the full article.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; line-height: 23px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Here are five key things to remember when thinking about disaster relief:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1) Get prepared and received proper training, <i>before </i>sending volunteer teams.</b> The time to prepare to help in a disaster is <em>before</em> a disaster strikes. Rushing off to a disaster zone without proper training and support doesn't make the situation better; it just adds to the chaos. So, do this instead. Contact reputable organizations like Samaritan's Purse or the Redcross who have volunteer networks with a list of specific projects you can help with. You can also get your church involved by training in disaster relief now. Ask the trained professionals for suggestions on how your ministry can effectively help in the case of a disaster. The Lutheran Disaster Response Mini<span style="font-family: inherit;">stry says, "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-style: italic; line-height: 23px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is nearly impossible to predict when or where a disaster is going to take place. It is possible, however, for communities to prepare for what may happen. Disaster preparedness readies us for the unexpected, and it allows for a more organized, timely, and efficient response when disaster strikes."</span></span><br />
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<b>2) Monetary Donations are often more helpful than volunteers.</b> I know that when disaster strikes we want to <i>do</i> something to help. It's a natural response when you see someone in need, but we need to remember that disaster victims needs are ever changing and monetary donations give Relief organizations like the Red Cross the ability to help with the current needs of victims. <br />
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<b>3)</b> <b>Make sure you donate to established reputable relief agencies.</b> These relief agencies have been at work preparing for potential disasters long before anything happens, and you can trust that your donations are going to be effective and used for the assistance of those affected by disaster.<br />
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Here are a few links of some long standing relief agencies:<br />
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank">Red Cross</a><br />
<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/" target="_blank">Samaritan's Purse</a><br />
<a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a><br />
<a href="http://www.convoyofhope.org/?gclid=CLvml8H5qbcCFVLNOgodmm8AoQ" target="_blank">Convoy of Hope</a><br />
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Each of these organizations have opportunities to assist with the relief efforts of the Oklahoma Tornado as well as other resources for you and your ministry. "<b>By giving to agencies already in place, you minimize inefficiency and get resources to the areas of need."</b><br />
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<b>4) Find out what is actually needed <i>before </i>needed. </b> "Avoid the temptation to load up a tractor-trailer with supplies unless you are directly connected with someone on the ground.." <i>and</i> they have made a specific request for those items. Again, we need to keep in mind that our goal is to meet needs and not add to the chaos. So if you want to do fundraising efforts to support a reputable relief agency, it is better to either donate money or ask the organization for a list of specific items that they need donated. Disaster zones don't need any unnecessary items piled up and unfortunately that's what happens when well meaning individuals send items that haven't been requested. Needs will vary with time and depending on location. So it's better to ask so we can be most effective and get the right resources in the hands of those who need them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvDNIHDTpZsKoQrCnqlIkfDCc3SIskMwkMEfxwAykLaP1nmOneriZPyNcnh8-S5o8nBax4FMAzDUM8x3I9kLAJ1JIT4GN1fnblvNg8yIGT4mKK6AwunAq35ZtXIuNDuSDwqEmIcLM1B5w/s1600/prepared+app.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvDNIHDTpZsKoQrCnqlIkfDCc3SIskMwkMEfxwAykLaP1nmOneriZPyNcnh8-S5o8nBax4FMAzDUM8x3I9kLAJ1JIT4GN1fnblvNg8yIGT4mKK6AwunAq35ZtXIuNDuSDwqEmIcLM1B5w/s320/prepared+app.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Cross now offers a Tornado App</td></tr>
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<b>Prepare YOUR Family: </b><br />
The Red Cross now has many great resources to help you prepare your family for any scenario. We are entering severe weather season, and while we put our trust in God we should have an emergency plan. Make sure your family knows the safest place to go in case of severe weather in different scenarios (home, while driving, in a store, etc). <a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank">The Red Cross Website</a> will help you teach your family about severe weather safety. Here are a few of their suggestions:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(180, 213, 255); border: 0px; color: #3c7fad; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><b style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SAFETY STEPS</b></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Red Cross urges everyone to pick a safe room in their household where loved ones and pets can gather, such as a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornados. If someone is in a mobile home, they should get to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately—do not wait until the tornado is visible. People should also:</span></div>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Know your community’s warning system.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepare for strong winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If someone is caught outdoors, they should seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If that’s not possible, they should take the following steps:</span></div>
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<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get into a vehicle immediately, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park. They can stay in the car with the seat belt on with their head down below the windows, covering their head with their hands and a blanket if possible.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If it is possible to safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, another option is to exit the car and lie in the low area, covering their head with their hands.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(180, 213, 255); border: 0px; color: #3c7fad; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">More information on tornado safety</a>, including videos and downloadable checklists, is available in the Preparedness section of <a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank">redcross.org</a>.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-49768224426614979362013-05-21T06:53:00.000-04:002013-05-21T09:40:20.049-04:00Ways to Strengthen your Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LuW-k7Y4ukvLfS7CrL2XLC63FXyTaulgoWKXwkwBn6PA2HDelS6KOtNcvTjqjneOIuWooFbaarxUaFTEE668aGy0mWiamlFZnqTcT-eEZmz6lHnmFmbjdub3ufQcCSiK1m7AS82BNre/s1600/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0LuW-k7Y4ukvLfS7CrL2XLC63FXyTaulgoWKXwkwBn6PA2HDelS6KOtNcvTjqjneOIuWooFbaarxUaFTEE668aGy0mWiamlFZnqTcT-eEZmz6lHnmFmbjdub3ufQcCSiK1m7AS82BNre/s320/brain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>11 Ways to Strengthen your Brain:</b> This morning, I shared some ways you can strengthen different areas of your brain. Some of them are kind of unusual. <b>I found these great tips on </b><a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/The-Science-Behind-Brain-Activity-Enhancing-Brainpower" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Oprah.com</a><b>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Volunteer</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stimulates:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> The prefrontal cortex, which analyzes, plans, and problem-solves</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> A Johns Hopkins study found that older women who tutored kids for six months developed sharper cognitive skills. The social and mental activity required for teaching sends blood rushing to this part of the brain.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Work out</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stimulates:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> The hippocampus, which forms memories </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> Arthur Kramer, PhD, a researcher at the University of Illinois, used MRIs to show that exercise actually makes your hippocampus bigger. Physical activity may increase the number of capillaries in the region, which in turn helps new cells grow. Kramer prescribes one-hour sweat sessions three times a week.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Learn a skill</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stimulates:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> The intraparietal sulcus, which directs hand-eye coordination</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> At Oxford University, researchers taught 24 people to juggle and found that after six weeks this region had a higher density of white matter (the fibers that let neurons communicate). Any novel activity that is practiced intently, such as tennis or guitar playing, will likely have this effect, says study author Heidi Johansen-Berg.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Keep the weight off</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">As the number on the scale creeps upward, it's hard to imagine that anything's getting smaller, but extra pounds can actually shrink your brain. In a 2009 study, brain scans of older adults revealed that overweight individuals had an average of 4 percent less brain tissue than normal-weight folks. And in obese people the loss of tissue was so significant that their brains appeared 16 years older than those of thinner people. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">"By eating more calories, you're also consuming more fat," says study author Paul Thompson, PhD, a neurology professor at UCLA School of Medicine. "The fat clogs arteries that feed the brain, which in turn causes brain cells to wither." That loss can impair memory, mood, movement, speech, and more. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Aerobic activity will not only help you shed pounds but increase the amount of blood, oxygen, and nutrients flowing north to your neurons. And more nourishment means a faster processor.</span><br /><br /><b>5. Wiggle your eyes</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Can't remember where you stashed your glasses? Try looking from side to side. Rapid horizontal eye movements cause the brain's two hemispheres to interact with each other more efficiently, explains memory researcher Andrew Parker, PhD. In moments of temporary amnesia, that action may help you pull up information.</span><br /><br /><b>6. Take a snooze</b><br /><span style="background-color: white;">In a University of California, Berkeley, study, participants improved their scores on a memory test by 10 percent when they repeated the test after catching some </span><i>z'</i><span style="background-color: white;">s. (Nonnappers saw a 10 percent decline in their scores the second time they took the quiz.) Here's why: New facts enter your brain like e-mails arriving in your in-box. And as your in-box can overflow over the course of a day, so can your brain. During sleep, your brain shuffles recently received data into storage, creating space for fresh info.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. Eat brain foods—rich in B12, antioxidants, or essential fatty acid</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bananas </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kale </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tomatoes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blueberries </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Swiss cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chocolate </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salmon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brussels sprouts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apples </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Olive oil </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coffee beans </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oranges </span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch out for Memory Stealers:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Thief: Chronic Stress</b><br /><b>The Damage:</b> Prolonged exposure to the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and other brain chemicals can actually kill neurons by exciting them to death.<br /><b>The Fix:</b> Stay connected. A six-year Harvard University study of 16,638 people found that those with the largest social networks had the slowest rate of memory decline. Family and friends can mute the intensity of stress—and the brain's chemical response.<br /><br /><b>9. Thief: Cholesterol</b><br /><b>The Damage:</b> If plaque gets lodged inside one of the tiny blood vessels in your brain, it can cause a "silent" stroke (the kind you don't even know you've had). The harm this can do to your brain tissue could slow the speed at which you absorb new information.<br /><b>The Fix:</b> In addition to eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, go nuts for nuts. Eating about 2.4 ounces a day can lower bad cholesterol by ten points. The type of nut doesn't seem to matter, though raw nuts are healthiest.<br /><br /><b>10. Thief: Sleep Apnea</b><br /><b>The Damage:</b> In this disorder (marked by loud snoring and exhaustion upon waking), your airway spontaneously closes or becomes blocked for several seconds at a time. The result—a dip in the oxygen level in your blood, which can cause brain cells to starve.<br /><b>The Fix:</b> Studies show that losing 10 percent of your body weight is enough to improve symptoms. And your doctor may recommend using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine while you sleep. It fits over your nose and mouth and generates a steady flow of air to keep the airway open.<br /><br /><b>11. Thief: Hypothyroidism</b><br /><b>The Damage:</b> An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, which leads to fatigue, which leads to a foggy brain. One of the symptoms of this disorder, affecting about 17 percent of women 60 and over, is difficulty committing new info to long-term memory.<br /><b>The Fix:</b> A common cause of the problem is insufficient levels of iodine, which the body needs in order to produce thyroid hormones, so seek out lots of iodine-rich foods, such as seafood and dairy products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-40688129689729915492013-05-01T08:04:00.000-04:002013-05-01T08:27:00.096-04:00Happy May Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>It's May Day,</b> a worldwide celebration since the Middle Ages that welcomes the end of harsh winters. It's been celebrated many ways such as by decorating the May Pole. One of the traditional foods for May Day is actually a type of Funnel Cake which fits perfectly with all of the Festival Foods we have in Louisville each May. Check out the <a href="http://pinterest.com/885wjie/" target="_blank">May Pole Cake Idea</a> Jim pinned on his Pinterest Board!<br />
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<b>May Day Baskets:</b><br />
Another May Day tradition that I love is May Day Baskets. It's a great opportunity to show some random kindness. All you do is hang a small basket or your own decorative creation on your neighbor or strangers door, then fill it with flowers and treats. I posted a lot of photos and links to give you some ideas for your own May Day Baskets. You can check them out [<a href="http://thatmorninggirllife.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-day-basket-ideas.html" target="_blank">here</a>]<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-16932879836656804142013-04-13T12:03:00.000-04:002013-04-13T12:05:20.778-04:00Hello.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2013 started out a little crazy for me, which means that blogging just wasn't feasible there for a while. I'm going to try to do a little better. I've got some great health and fitness tips, recipes, and some thoughts on hope that I'll be sharing later today. In the mean time, I did at least pin some great new articles to my Pinterest board. You can check those out by clicking {<a href="http://pinterest.com/885wjie/christin/" target="_blank">here</a>}Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-69715650288097063612013-02-11T08:30:00.000-05:002013-02-11T08:30:01.088-05:00Heart Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Matters of the Heart:</b><br />
Since Valentine's Day in just a few days away and this is heart health month, Bob and Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club stopped by the studio to give us some tips for keeping our hearts healthy.<br />
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"Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle it must be worked to remain healthy. So it's very important to incorporate some type of cardiovascular exercise into your routine at least 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes each time. There are so many activities that you can do for cardiovascular health. They include, but are not limited to: brisk walking, running, biking, swimming, elliptical, tennis, jumping rope, climbing stairs, etc. Basically, anything that gets your heart rate up and gets it into an aerobic zone which is about 70-80% of your max heart rate. A real simple way to find out your max heart rate is to simply subtract your age from 220." - Caroline Scott</blockquote>
Other Heart Health Tips from Bob:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Eat heart healthy foods,</b> like those super foods we mentioned last week. Heart healthy foods include: lean proteins, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and good fats.</li>
<li><b>Less Sodium: </b>Limiting your sodium intake will help keep your heart healthy.</li>
<li><b>Portion Size:</b> Make sure you keep an eye on proper portion size. Try not to overeat at meals.</li>
<li><b>H2O:</b> Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying properly hydrated helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease.</li>
<li><b>Recharge:</b> Get plenty of rest; aim for 8-9 hours of sleep per night if possible. Sleeping gives your body time to heal and repair itself so it is extremely important.</li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-80977214815803585932013-02-04T10:03:00.000-05:002013-02-04T10:03:07.892-05:00Super Foods for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>10 Super Foods for 2013:</b><br />
This morning Bob and Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club shared 10 of the best "super foods" to eat for optimal health during 2013.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Grass-fed Beef: </b>It's lower in overall fat, higher in Vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, and Omega 3s. Studies show it is also useful in preventing cancers, improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, and lowering body fat.</li>
<li><b>Eggs:</b> Excellent and inexpensive source of protein. Full of vitamins D and A, B Vitamins, Potassium, and Folic Acid.</li>
<li><b>Dark Chocolate: </b>the darker, the better. It is filled with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure.</li>
<li><b>Artichokes:</b> These are a powerhouse for supporting the liver and maintaining a healthy digestive tract.</li>
<li><b>Celery:</b> It contains good fiber and helps to lower high blood pressure.</li>
<li><b>Cabbage:</b> It supports healthy liver function, improves blood circulation, and promotes healthy vision.</li>
<li><b>Butter:</b> After decades of misleading negative information regarding fats in the diet, researchers are now realizing that unprocessed, natural forms of saturated fat are actually good for us even crucial for physical and mental health. Butter helps calm inflammation in the gut.</li>
<li><b>Coconut Oil:</b> Another good saturated fat, coconut oil contains numerous nutrients that are anti-microbial, support optimal thyroid function and brain health.</li>
<li><b>Mushrooms:</b> Strengthen the immune system and promotes cancer prevention.</li>
<li><b>Kale:</b> High in lutein and several vitamins, kale lowers the risk of cancer and helps detoxify the body.</li>
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For these and more great health and fitness tips, check out Caroline's blog at <a href="http://carolinescott.org/" target="_blank">carolinescott.org</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-68988402541568452692013-02-02T09:34:00.001-05:002013-02-02T12:35:42.388-05:00Thoughts on Joy & Healthy Living<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iDIfCA1lg4inRdLzp0rF0azw8EIIvRonIs5uL1piAPG-wXrDpUrCq7GEclYFLcA0Y_SsroNRYzRj2-k4NCiXW0qfTBSixMurEg2gdRdkJZRvbvsfpuwneOZOIIupQppIABYi9Mf87ELD/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iDIfCA1lg4inRdLzp0rF0azw8EIIvRonIs5uL1piAPG-wXrDpUrCq7GEclYFLcA0Y_SsroNRYzRj2-k4NCiXW0qfTBSixMurEg2gdRdkJZRvbvsfpuwneOZOIIupQppIABYi9Mf87ELD/s320/joy.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful image is by <a href="http://donnadowney.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Donna Downey</a></td></tr>
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<b>Thoughts on Joy:</b><br />
On this morning's show I shared from a devotion I came across about Joy and what it really means in comparison to happiness. The author, Kay Warren shared that finding Joy was a challenge for her. I don't know about you, but I can relate. I think we all would agree that happiness is less substantial than joy. It's fleeting and emotion based, but Joy it's something altogether different. It's like a deep current underneath the surface of our lives that remains (or should) even when our happy gets shaken. Being a passionate and emotion driven person, I sometimes struggle to find joy too, but like Kay I think my problem isn't in finding or even holding onto Joy. I think my problem is that Joy has never clearly been defined. We talk about Joy being something that God can give us, but what is it? I understand happy. Happy crashes over us in an instant like a large wave causing us to lose our selves in the moment. Happy is beyond our control. Happy depends on the moment, and just like the tide it can be gone almost as quickly as it appeared. Joy is a bit more of a mystery. Joy is in the same category as Love and Faith for me. It is more than an emotion although they all certainly contain them. Yet, to limit Joy, Faith and Love to only the emotional level would cheapen them since all three also contain a resolve that causes them to be much more stable and multifaceted. Joy isn't simply feeling happy all the time. As I was researching Joy, one writer described Joy as the bottom portion of an Iceberg with happiness as the small peak above the waterline. I like Kay's definition though. Here's what she says,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"J<strong style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">oy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.
You’ll find nothing in that definition about happy feelings, because, as we all know, happiness is fleeting and temporary. We tend to think that life comes in hills and valleys. In reality, it’s much more like train tracks. Every day of your life, wonderful, good things happen that bring pleasure and contentment and beauty to you. At the exact same time, painful things happen to you or those you love that disappoint you, hurt you, and fill you with sorrow. These two tracks — both joy and sorrow — run parallel to each other every single moment of your life. That’s why, when you’re in the midst of an amazing experience, you have a nagging realization that it’s not perfect. And while you’re experiencing something painful, there’s the glorious realization that there is still beauty and loveliness to be found. They’re inseparable." -</strong><span style="line-height: 15px;">Kay Warren</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="line-height: 15px;">If you would like to read the entire article, click </span><a href="http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=10448" style="line-height: 15px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="line-height: 15px;">.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Surprising Rules from the World's Healthiest People:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">You would expect the world's healthiest people to tell you never to stick to a strict diet and exercise regime, but that's not exactly the case. In fact, some of these are a bit surprising. Here are the 9 rules to live by that I shared with you on-air this morning. I found these on both <a href="http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/wellness-rules-dr-andrew-weil" target="_blank">Prevention.com</a> and <a href="http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2013/01/30/9-wellness-rules-of-exceptionally-healthy-people/#9-wellness-rules-of-exceptionally-healthy-people-1" target="_blank">Well and Good NYC</a></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Hang out with positive people. </b>Research is starting to confirm that the people around you can be good or bad influences. Spend time with folks who have the habits you want!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Take a break from your militant diet and exercise regime.</b> If you never, ever indulge, that's not living well. Take Sunday off and you’ll wake up eager to get back on track Monday morning.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Get back to or into nature.</b> There’s a reason why apartments overlooking the park are more expensive. Whether we realize it or not, humans have a profound connection with nature. Try walking through green spaces on your way to work or bringing your Kindle to a park bench.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Practice Hari Hachi Bu:</b> This is the Japanese practice for eating until you’re 80 percent full, which is helpful because we’ve all heard that it takes about 20 minutes for our brains to catch up with our stomachs. Eating less is not only associated with avoiding weight gain, but also living longer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Double Your Vitamin D:</b> Particularly on those dreary winter days, it’s important to get enough vitamin D. Docs used to only think vitamin D was good for bones, but new research has associated it with preventing a host of maladies, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Try some Tulsi</b> - Known as holy basil, this herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Usually sipped in tea or taken in supplement form, tulsi is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Even better, tulsi also lowers cortisol, the hormone associated with stress and belly fat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Eat your mushrooms:</b> Shiitake, enoki, oyster, and maitake boost immune system activity and have anti-inflammatory properties. They’ve been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and are getting more recognition as health-boosters in the West.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Get some HIIT</b> - That’s high intensity interval training. Short bursts of activity have been shown to be even more effective at burning fat than prolonged periods of exercise. That’s really good news for those barely able to find the time to exercise as it is.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Know your “trigger points”</b> Everyone has a tendency to overuse certain muscles, whether they're related to your desk work or your workout. It’s important to be aware of your trigger points, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and limit your range of motion and use massage and stretching to prevent injury. </span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;"><b>Super Bowl Recipes: </b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;">I found some great recipe ideas for your Super Bowl parties this weekend, but since there are so many I pinned them on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/885wjie/christin/" target="_blank">Pinterest Board</a> for <a href="http://wjie.org/" target="_blank">88.5 WJIE</a>. Check them out for some great ideas. There are some healthy links too. Have fun this weekend!</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819385750959676888.post-53108543177230033792013-01-29T07:14:00.002-05:002013-01-29T07:16:14.968-05:00Listen Live Now: Colton Dixon Interview on 88.5 WJIE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Colton Dixon </b><b>Interview</b><br />
You can still catch Jim's interview with Colton Dixon. Listen now at 88.5 WJIE or online at wjie.org or by clicking the link to your left.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0