Caught in the act!

I was experimenting tonight.  I wanted to make some cookies but didn't want to drag out all the ingredients and I didn't want to make a huge amount.  So on to the internet I went and found several recipes using a cake mix to make cookies.  After reading several, I combined  a couple that sounded good.  You can see the result.  I caught him red handed this time!  The DH (Darling Husband) liked these so much he was going to help himself to my little photography sample.  Not to worry, he got to sneak off with a few.  Hopefully some of them will last long enough for me to put them into his lunches this week.

Here is the version of the recipe I used,

1 cake mix (any flavor, I used a white cake mix I had in the cabinet)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup sprinkles (the valentine ones I forgot to use the other day)

Mix the first 4 ingredients together until all the dry mix is incorporated then mix in the chocolate chips and the sprinkles.  Use a small scoop and place rounded dough on to an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, let cool on the cookie sheet at least 5 minutes before removing.  That's it, easy peasy! I thinking these are cute enough to package up and give as quick little Valentine gifts too.

Going to a "what's new in children's literature" conference tomorrow.  It should be fun.  I'll talk to you again soon.

Thankful

Today is the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday for our house.  We are blessed to have this day to decompress and reflect on everything we're thankful for, before the big day tomorrow.  We started off slow with a leisurely breakfast.  Tea in my favorite tea cup and cranberry scones fresh from the oven.   Sitting around just talking and petting the dog as she wanders between us catching crumbs before they have a chance to hit the floor.

These are very quick to mix together and yummy with butter and a little drizzle of honey or just plain (my DH's favorite way).  Here is my recipe.

Cranberry Scones

2 cups flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 to 1 cup milk

3/4 cup of dried cranberries

Mix dry ingredients.  Cut in butter until crumbly, I use a dough cutting tool but a food processor will work too, just don't over process.  Add milk a little at a time and blend well; dough should be sticky but hold together.  Flour a flat surface and knead the dough a couple of times.  Pat it out into a round shape about 1/2 an inch thick and cut the round into triangles.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

  Makes about 12 scones. 

 Sometimes I add orange juice to the recipe if I have some in the fridge, if you do, cut back on the milk in an equal amount up to 1/2 a cup.  These are great hot from the oven or rewarmed in the microwave.

I hope your holiday preparations are happy and eventful!  I'll talk to you again soon.