Thursday, January 9, 2025

Quick and Easy Sugar Cookies

 

INGREDIENTS
1 c. salted butter, softened
3/4 c. canola oil
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 T. sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
5 1/2 c. flour

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In an electric mixer combine butter, oil, granulated sugar and powdered sugar and beat on medium speed until well blended. Add salt, cream of tartar, baking soda and continue blending ingredients until the mixture is a creamy consistency. Add sour cream, eggs and vanilla and continue mixing until combined. Slowly add flour but don't over mix. 

Use a large cookie scoop to form balls and place onto cookie sheet. A large cookie scoop will allow approximately 6 cookies to fit onto a large cookie sheet. Using a flat bottomed glass cup or bowl, gently press down on each cookie to slightly flatten. If the cookies are sticking, place a second parchment sheet on top of the cookie balls while flattening. 

Bake cookies for 12 minutes until the edges are set. If baking a smaller sized cookie, reduce the time by a couple minutes. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes and then use a spatula to remove each cookie to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, frost with buttercream frosting. Makes 21 large cookies.





Monday, December 30, 2024

Christmas Grinch Party


For our Christmas Grinch Party this year we found cute green and white Christmas tree shaped pasta. Our 11 year old created our fun Grinch charcuterie board. I think she did a pretty great job! We also made a delicious white chocolate grinch cocoa, and caramel corn puffs dyed green. Our girls had fun decorating and insisting on adding the last minute touch of an onion and banana peel to the table display. 


INGREDIENTS for Grinch Charcuterie
pepperoni slices
salami slices
raspberries
olives
cheddar cheese
swiss cheese
green grapes
asparagus
1 small red sweet pepper
rosemary sprigs














Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

 


INGREDIENTS
3 chicken breasts, cleaned and butterflied
2 T. al pastor seasoning mix (use taco seasoning mix as an alternative)
1/3 c. chicken broth
1 c. salsa

Topping Options:
corn tortillas
red cabbage, shredded
lettuce, shredded
avocado, sliced
medium cheddar cheese, shredded
tomatoes, diced
limes, sliced
sour cream
refried beans, warmed
salsa

DIRECTIONS
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle seasoning mix. Add chicken broth and salsa. Place lid securely on instant pot and press "poultry" option. Cook according to the pots directions. Once done, release pressure and shred chicken. Warm tortillas and and serve with chicken and toppings.