Colorful Candy Bar Cookies

Want an easy Christmas cookie recipe?  Try this Colorful Candy Bar Cookie recipe.  These are sweet and have a candy surprise in the center.  I’m not generally a fan of Snickers bars but they worked well in the cookie.  I’m sure this would work with any  candy bar.

Colorful Candy Bar Cookies | Bakewell Junction

This is my first time joining the Annual Christmas Cookie Recipe Swap hosted by Julie from White Lights on Wednesday.  Be sure to visit Julie to see all the other great recipes.  You can also find all the other cookies here.  Many thanks for hosting, Julie.

I was paired with Laura from Pink Cake Plate.  Her blog has great recipes and I’m thrilled to be paired with her.  Laura makes these cookies for her Christmas baking and now I’m making them too.

Enjoy!

Colorful Candy Bar Cookies

Yield:  24 cookies                 Cook Time:  12 minutes

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 extra large egg
• Alternatively, you can use 1/2 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened plus 1/4 cup flour

Filling:

• 24 mini (1 inch squares) Snickers candy bars or 12 snack size Snickers candy bars, cut in half

Garnish:

• red and green colored sugar

Step 1:  For the dough:  If using the scratch cookie dough recipe, in a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine the butter, egg, vanilla and sugar and blend with an electric mixer, since this is a small dough a hand held mixer will do.  Stir flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined – this will be more of a folding motion rather than stirring.  If using the alternative for the dough, combine the store bought cookie dough and 1/4 cup flour in a medium bowl.

Step 2:  Assembly:  Place red and green sugars in two separate small bowls.  Using about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough for each cookie, make a flattened circle with the dough, place the candy bar square in the middle and spread the dough around the candy evenly.  Roll the dough ball in one of the colored sugars until completely covered.  Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet two inches apart.  Repeat until there are 12 cookies on the pan.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.  Repeat with the remaining dough on another cookie sheet.

Storing:  Store at room temperature in a sealed plastic container for a few days until ready to serve.

Enjoy!!!

Sugar cookie recipe adapted from Family Circle magazine, 12/12/2000.
Cookie recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

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Cannoli Cream Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups #ChocolateParty

Cannoli Cream filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup | Bakewell Junction

Oh, no!  I missed the last two weeks of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop and haven’t posted in a while because my laptop went kaput.  Not fun.  A nasty virus took over the entire machine and blocked me from doing anything.  While it was an old machine anyway, I was trying to eek out some more time with it.

On to better things with this month’s #ChocolateParty.  The theme for the December Chocolate Party is any type of chocolate cookie.

I love Cannoli Cream filling but I was never fond of the Cannoli shell.  To me, the shell is only a vehicle to get my fill of Cannoli Cream yumminess.  I’ve made cookie cannoli shells before but they were very delicate.  I thought that making the shell out of my favorite chocolate chip cookie dough would be less fragile.  My attempt failed because I couldn’t shape the cookies after they were baked.  They broke instead of curling into a cylinder.  I had to change plans quickly, so I changed the shape with the remaining dough into cookie cups using a regular sized cupcake pan.  Boy, you can get a whole lot of Cannoli Cream into those cookie cups!  Yum!

These would be wonderful as an addition to your New Year’s dessert table.  You will need to begin preparing the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving.  I served them as one of the desserts for Thanksgiving and there was no talking as everyone was eating them, just mmmmm’s from the very first bite.  Great endorsement, wouldn’t you agree?

Cannoli Cream filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Yield:  30 servings                  Cook Time:  15 minutes

Dough:

• 4 ounces chocolate bar (I used Hershey’s)
• 1 cup room temperature butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• 2 1/4 cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli’s)

Cannoli Cream Filling:

• 2 lb container Polly-O ricotta cheese, drained overnight in a 2-ply cheesecloth (it drains best at room temperature, provided it’s cooler than 70 degrees)
• 1 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 c powdered sugar, sifted
• 2/3 c mini chocolate chips; plus some additional for garnish

Topping:

• mini chocolate chips (I prefer Ghirardelli)
• Chocolate sprinkles or colored sprinkles (Holiday colored)

Directions:

Step 1:  For the Cannoli Cream filling:  at least three days before serving, mix drained ricotta, vanilla and sugar together.  Move the mixture to a food processor (I used a small Kitchen Aid chopper) and mix until the filling is smooth and is the right consistency.  Depending on the size of your food processor or chopper, you may need to mix in small batches.

Step 2:  Fold in the mini chocolate chips, cover loosely and store at least overnight (better yet two nights) in the refrigerator.  When ready to fill, transfer the filling to a gallon size Ziploc bag make a 1/2 inch cut on one corner of the Ziploc bag.  Use as a pastry bag to fill the chocolate chip cookie cups.

Step 3:  For the cookie cups:  Grate the chocolate bar and set aside.  Grind the oatmeal to a fine powder in a blender, food processor or mini chopper.  Since I only have a mini chopper, I grind this in two batches.  This isn’t mandatory but to make sure the oatmeal is ground finely enough, I put the oatmeal through a sieve and whatever is left gets ground again.  I repeat this process until my mini chopper can’t grind it anymore.  At the end if there’s a small amount that can’t be ground finely enough, I discard it.  In a large bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.

Step 4:  With an electric mixer beat the butter and sugars together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.  Beat the eggs and vanilla into the butter mixture.  Add in the flour mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until incorporated.  Mix in the chocolate chips and grated chocolate bar.  Optionally chill dough for several hours to overnight.  This helps the flavors meld.  Try not to eat too much of the dough.

Step 5:  Line a regular sized cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners.  Lightly press about a tablespoon of cookie dough into the bottom of each liner.  Add about another tablespoon of cookie dough for the sides of the cup.  Carefully spread the cookie dough evenly around the sides.  Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 minutes.  Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 5 minutes.  The cookie cups will be puffed up and look like cupcakes.  Cool 5 minutes.  Using a mini ladle (1 or 2 ounce size), press the cup side down into the cookie cups to make a well in the center.  You can also use the back of a spoon or a pestle to create the well.  Let the cookie cups cool completely.  Repeat for the remaining dough.

Step 6:  Fill the cookie cups with Cannoli cream.  Top with mini chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles and or red and green Christmas sprinkles.  Serve immediately.

Storing:  Store empty cookie cups in a sealed plastic container for a few days.

Enjoy!!!

Recipe adapted from the fake Neiman Marcus Cookie recipe e-mail that’s been all over the internet.

Our #ChocolateParty December theme is any type of chocolate cookies.  If you’d like to join in, please follow these rules:

1.)  Blog about your chocolate treat.  Your recipe must include the two ingredients we choose.  It can be a simple no bake treat or a sophisticated layer cake; the complexity level of the recipe is totally up to you.
2.)  Include a link back to the Chocolate party page.  Optionally, add the Chocolate Party logo in your blog post or on your sidebar.
3.)  Your recipe must be published during the current month.  Please do not link old recipes, they will be deleted.

I hope you’ll join our party and bake along with us.  Also, if you’d like to know what are we up to and what ingredients we pick for the next parties, join our Facebook group.

All submitted posts will be pinned to the Chocolate party Pinterest board and will be promoted on other social media platforms using the #chocolateparty hashtag.

Add your link to the Chocolate Cookies Party.  Your link will be displayed on the Roxana’s Home Baking site.

This post may also be entered in these linky parties.  Click the here to visit the other great posts in the blog hops.

Jelly Belly Cookies #12WksXmasTreats

Jelly Belly Cookies | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the tenth week of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

Time is flying by so fast.  I can’t believe we’re nearing the end of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats.  For this week’s entry, I intended to post a pumpkin pie but it was a failure (a.k.a I didn’t like it).  I had to find a quick and tasty recipe and decided on this one that my friend Chris had given me last year.  This is a tender butter cookie with raspberry jam or preserves in the center.  You can add powdered sugar if you like but I think they are great without.  The hubby and his friend loved them.

Jelly Belly

Yield:  48 cookies                  Cook Time:  12 minutes

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature or softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/8 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 3/4 cups raspberry jam or seedless preserves (I used preserves)

Directions:

Step 1:  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2:  With an electric mixer, cream together butter, salt and sugar for a few minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.  Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually mix in flour until well combined.

Step 3:  Form level teaspoons of dough into balls (mine had a little more dough) and place on cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.  Indent each dough ball with knuckle or thumb and fill with 1/4 teaspoons of jam or preserves.

Step 4:  Bake 12 to 14 minutes at 350 degrees until edges begin to become pale golden (mine didn’t change color but after they cooled the bottoms were light golden).  Cool completely before removing them from the pan as they are delicate.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Storing:  Store cookies in a sealed plastic container.

Recipe minimally adapted from friend Chris’ family recipe.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 10, November 27, 2013

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Gingered Monkey Bread #12WksXmasTreats #TwelveLoaves

Gingered Monkey Bread | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the ninth week of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

This is the ninth week of Christmas Treats.  This recipe combines the #TwelveLoaves and #12WksXmasTreats.  Since the theme for Twelve Loaves November is spice and I wanted to make something I’ve never made before, I looked for a Monkey Bread recipe.  Monkey Bread usually has cinnamon but I thought it would be more seasonal for a gingery version.  Plus I added a twist with mascarpone icing instead of cream cheese icing and lightly echoed the spice flavors in the icing.  This Gingered Monkey Bread would be great for breakfast, brunch or dessert for your holiday table.  If you like super gooey and sweet treats, this one is for you.

Gingered Monkey Bread

Yield:  6 to 8 servings                 Cook Time:  35 minutes

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees
• 1/2 cup water, warmed to 110 degrees
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 1/4 cups flour, plus extra for work surface
• 2 teaspoons salt

Coating:

• 1 to 1 1/2 packed brown sugar (I used 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
• 8 to 12 tablespoons (1 to 1 1/2 sticks) butter (I used 1 1/2 sticks)

Icing:

• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 or more teaspoons milk

Directions:

Step 1:  For the Dough:  Mix the milk, water, melted butter, sugar and yeast in a two cup measure.  I used a microwave safe glass measure and heated the milk and water at full power for 1 minute, 20 seconds to reach 110 degrees.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour and salt.  Using the dough hook attachment, start the mixer on low.  Add the milk mixture slowly.  Scrape down the sides as needed until the flour is incorporated.  Increase the mixer speed to medium (raised my KA to the 5 setting) and let it knead for another 6 to 7 minutes.  If the dough looks overly wet, add 2 tablespoons of flour at a time and continue mixing until the dough forms a mass.  Spray a large bowl with cooking spray.  Transfer the dough to the bowl and spray the dough also.  Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and use my tip below to aid the rise.  Let the dough rise until doubled.  If using my tip, it will double in 45 to 60 minutes.  If not, it may take 1 to 2 hours.

Step 2:  For the coating:  As the dough rises, combine the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a bowl.  Place the melted butter in a small bowl.  If you would like to dial back the sweetness and gooeyness of the recipe, use the lesser amounts of sugar and butter.  Set aside.

Step 3:  For the shaping the dough balls:  Sprinkle a clean work surface with flour.  Transfer the dough onto the floured surface.  Spread and press the dough into about an 8 inch square.  Cut the dough into 8 by 8 slices with a bench scraper or knife.  This will give you 64 pieces.

Step 4:  Spray the bundt pan with cooking spray.  Roll each piece of dough into a ball shape.  Dip each dough ball into the melted butter individually.  Then roll them in the brown sugar mixture until they are well coated.  Place the dough ball into the bundt pan.  Layer the dough balls so they are offset and the dough ball on top is placed on the seam of dough balls below.  Repeat until all the dough balls are in the bundt pan.  If there’s any remaining melted butter or brown sugar, set aside.

Step 5:  Cover the bundt pan with a clean dish cloth or plastic wrap.  Let rise until puffy and until they are about an inch or two from the top of the pan.  If using my oven tip below, let rise for 45 minutes.  If not, let rise for 1 to 2 hours.  If there’s any remaining melted butter, drizzle it over the top of the dough balls.  If there’s any remaining brown sugar, sprinkle it over the top of the dough balls too.

Step 6:  Bake unwrapped 30 to 35 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.  When done the top should be browned and the coating begins bubbling a bit.  Let bread cool in the pan for a maximum of 5 minutes.  Any longer and it will be difficult to depan.  Invert bread onto a large plate.

Step 7:  For the Icing:  While the doughs cools a bit, add butter and mascarpone cheese to a large mixing bowl.  Beat 4 to 5 minutes.  I beat them on high using a hand-held mixer.  Beat in vanilla extract, ginger and cinnamon.  Mix in the powdered sugar at a lower speed (this prevents having powdered sugar everywhere).  Mix in the milk.  If you want a thinner icing, add more milk in teaspoons increments until you reach desired consistency.  While the bread is still warm, spread the icing on top of the bread – the icing will drizzle down the sides of the dough.  Serve warm or cold.

Recipe inspired by Cooks Illustrated.

Tips:  If your house is chilly like mine always is and your dough doesn’t rise, you can boil a pot of water while preparing the dough and place the water and dough in a cold oven.  The boiling water will create a warm moist environment in the oven for the dough to rise well.  Leave the oven light on and it will add to the warming effect.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 9, November 20, 2013

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#TwelveLoaves November-Spice.  October #TwelveLoaves was about baking with Root Vegetables.  It was quite a delicious month! Temperatures are dropping and it is the right moment to explore bread and SPICE!  Share your November Spice Bread (yeast or quick bread).  Let’s get baking!

If you’d like to add your bread to the collection with the Linky Tool this month, here’s what you need to do!

1. When you post your Twelve Loaves bread on your blog, make sure that you mention the Twelve Loaves challenge in your blog post; this helps us to get more members as well as share everyone’s posts.  Please make sure that your bread is inspired by the theme!

2. Please link your post to the linky tool at the bottom of my blog.  It must be a bread baked to the Twelve Loaves theme.

3. Have your Twelve Loaves bread that you baked this November, 2013, and posted on your blog by November 30, 2013.

#TwelveLoaves is a monthly bread baking party created by Lora from Cake Duchess.  #TwelveLoaves runs so smoothly thanks to the help of the lovely Paula from Vintage Kitchen Notes and Renee from Magnolia Days.

Are you hungry for amazing bread? Check out what the Twelve Loaves bakers have created this month:

• Cinnamon-Cardamom Buns by Heather at girlichef
• Cinnamon Crusted Pumpkin Bread by Liz at That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins by Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
• Cinnamon, Orange and Chocolate Chip Bread by Deepti at Bakingyummies
• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Rolls by Karen at Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Cocoa Clove Pumpkin Bread by Renee at Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Ginger Pull-Apart Bread by Lora at Cake Duchess
• Honey Spice Bread by Holly at A Baker’s House
• Persimmon Gingerbread Muffins with Caramel Drizzle by Krista at A Handful of Everything
• Pumpkin Cardamom Bread by Dionne at Try Anything Once Culinary
• Spiced Buns by Renee at Magnolia Days
• Sumac Spicy Crackers by Rossella at Ma che ti sei mangiato
• Sweet Potato Spice Swirl Bread by Paula at Vintage Kitchen Notes

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Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie #12WksXmasTreats #ChocolateParty

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the eighth week of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

This week I’m combining the #12WksXmasTreats with November’s #ChocolateParty.  The theme for the Chocolate Party is pecans.  I’ve always wanted to make pecan pie…not just regular pecan pie, I’d seen this decadent version has chocolate and another layer of flavor with the bourbon.

I had boxed pie crust mix left over from a bout of pie baking my husband had a while back, so I used that for the crust of this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe.  You can use a homemade crust or a pre-made crust from the supermarket.  Two of my brothers-in-law were visiting yesterday and this pie came together rather quickly while they were here.  They loved the pie and my hubby (who doesn’t like pecans) even asked for a second piece.  He also demanded that I make it again not just this once for the blog.  I’d say this recipe is a winner.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Yield:  8 – 10 servings                  Cook Time:  60 minutes

• 1 – 9 inch deep dish prepared pie crust
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup light of corn syrup
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (I used honey Jack Daniels)
• 1 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups pecans, divided
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions:

Step 1:  Chill the prepared pie crust in the refrigerator or freezer while you make the filling.  Mix the eggs, corn syrup, butter, sugar, bourbon, vanilla and flour in a large bowl.  I used an electric mixer.

Step 2:  Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on the bottom of the pie crust.  Coarsely chop 1 1/2 cups of pecans the pecans and sprinkle evenly on the bottom of the pie crust.  Carefully pour the filling into the pie crust.  For a pretty presentation, place the remaining pecans on the top in a circular fashion.

Step 3:  Bake in a 425 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes.  I used a glass pie plate so I baked the pie at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.  Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees.  Continue baking for 45 minutes.  Cool pie until set, at least one hour.  Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Storing:  Store covered by plastic wrap at room temperature.

Recipe adapted from Amateur Gourmet and She Wears Many Hats.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 8, November 13, 2013

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Our #ChocolateParty November theme is pecans and chocolate.  If you’d like to join in, please follow these rules:

1.)  Blog about your chocolate treat.  Your recipe must include the two ingredients we choose.  It can be a simple no bake treat or a sophisticated layer cake; the complexity level of the recipe is totally up to you.
2.)  Include a link back to the Chocolate party page.  Optionally, add the Chocolate Party logo in your blog post or on your sidebar.
3.)  Your recipe must be published during the current month.  Please do not link old recipes, they will be deleted.

I hope you’ll join our party and bake along with us.  Also, if you’d like to know what are we up to and what ingredients we pick for the next parties, join our Facebook group.

All submitted posts will be pinned to the Chocolate party Pinterest board and will be promoted on other social media platforms using the #chocolateparty hashtag.

Add your link to the Chocolate Candy Party.  Your link will be displayed on the Roxana’s Home Baking site.

This post may also be entered in these linky parties.  Click the here to visit the other great posts in the blog hops.

Anise Cookies #12WksXmasTreats

Anise Cookies | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the seventh week of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

I’m always looking for recipes that remind me of childhood favorites and homemade versions of commercially made ones.  This Anise Cookie fits the bill for both and reminds me of the Stella D’oro Anisette Sponge cookies we had all the time as kids.  My Dad used to work for the company when I was in grade school and we had all different types of their cookies in the house all the time.

This Anise Cookie recipe is easy and you can add powdered sugar if you like but I think they are lovely as is, possibly with coffee or tea.  My husband and his friend gave their hearty approval.  Although the cookie has the shape of biscotti, they are a sponge cookie.  I know you would love them too.

Anise Cookies

Yield:  24 cookies                  Cook Time:  20 minutes

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup oil (I used olive oil)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons anise extract or 2 1/2 tablespoons Anisette Liquor
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

Directions:

Step 1:  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl, mix together flour and baking powder and set aside.

Step 2:  With an electric mixer, beat together oil and sugar.  Beat in each egg individually.  Beat in the anise extract.  Mix in the flour in two additions until just combined.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let batter relax in a warm place for 25 minutes.

Step 3:  Transfer half the batter to one cookie sheet and form using a silicone spatula into an oblong log about 6 inches wide and 14 inches long.  The dough will be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.  The edges will begin to become lightly browned.  Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife.

Step 4:  Repeat step 3 for the remaining batter.  Serve when cool and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Storing:  Store cookies in a sealed plastic container.

Recipe minimally adapted from My Italian Grandmother.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 7, November 6, 2013

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Vanilla Venetians #12WksXmasTreats

Vanilla Venetians | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the sixth week of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

I’ve been looking for a Venetians recipe that I could make for my sister-in-law.  Although she hasn’t tasted the almond flavored ones I’ve made (which can be found here), she always says she doesn’t like them.  I looked for a Venetians recipe that didn’t have the almond paste.  This was no easy task because they sometimes go by Rainbow Cookies, Tri Color Cookies or Seven Layer Cookies and most of them have almond paste.  I found this one that looked good.  My husband and his friend said they were fantastic.  I like them but I may need to try some more recipes so don’t be surprised if you see some more.

Vanilla Venetians

Yield:  36 cookies                  Cook Time:  10 minutes

Batter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 4 to 6 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 8 to 10 drops red food coloring
• 8 to 10 drops green food coloring

Filling and Icing:

• 8 to 10 ounces apricot or seedless raspberry preserves
• 6 ounces special dark chocolate bar (I used Hershey’s)

Directions:

Step 1:  Prepare 3 11 by 7 inch pans.  I used the half tray disposable aluminum pans for this.  Spray the pans with cooking spray, line with wax paper and then spray the wax paper with cooking spray too.  You can make these in a pan that’s just been sprayed with cooking spray but they are very thin and you will have difficulty taking them out without breaking them.

Step 2:  With an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar for about five minutes.  Add the egg yolks and vanilla and beat until combined.  Mix in the flour in small batches.

Step 3:  In a medium bowl beat the egg whites on high for about 10 minutes until stiff.  Fold into the batter until incorporated.

Step 4:  Take 1/3 of the batter (about 1 cup) and add 8 drops green food coloring.  Mix the food coloring using a folding motion to mix the food coloring throughout the 1/3 portion of the batter.  Add additional drops as necessary to get the color you want.  Spread the batter as evenly as possible in a prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  This works best if the rack is in the middle of the oven.

Step 5:  Take 1/3 of the batter (about 1 cup) and add 8 drops red food coloring.  Mix the food coloring using a folding motion to mix the food coloring throughout the 1/3 portion of the batter.  Add additional drops as necessary to get the color you want.  Spread the batter as evenly as possible in a prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  This works best if the rack is in the middle of the oven.

Step 6:  Take the remaining batter (about 1 cup) and spread the batter as evenly as possible in a prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  This works best if the rack is in the middle of the oven.   Cool all three cakes completely.

Step 7:  Warm the apricot preserves in a bowl in the microwave at 30 second intervals while stirring between intervals.  Heat for a maximum of 1 1/2 minutes.  Place wax paper on a cookie sheet and then the invert the green layer onto it (be sure to invert the green layer if you’re using a pan with ridges on bottom).  Spread 1/2 the apricot preserves on the green layer.  Place the untinted layer on top of the green layer.  Spread the remaining apricot preserves on the untinted layer.  Place the red layer on top of the untinted layer right side up and cover with wax paper.  Place another cookie sheet on top of the layers and place weight on top.  Chill everything overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 8:  Remove the cookies from the refrigerator and remove the weight.  Cut the edges of the layers so there are clean edges.  The cut pieces are great for snacking.  Carefully melt 1/2 the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave.  Spread the chocolate on the top and sides of the cookies.  Let the chocolate dry.  Turn the cookies over, melt the remaining chocolate and spread on the bottom also.  Let the chocolate dry.  Turn the cookies over and cut into 6 by 6 pieces.

Storing:  Store cookies in a sealed plastic container.

Tips:

• When the apricot preserves are heated, you can remove any large apricot chunks before spreading.  Heating the apricot preserves allows the preserves to soak into the layers and helps the layers cling together better.
• To cut the layers into pieces, carefully use a sharp serrated knife.  Have the layers placed with the long edge closest to you. Run the knife under hot water and dry it.  Cut the layers in six slices along the long edge of the layers.  To minimize cracking in the chocolate, start cutting in a sawing motion with the warm knife until you break through the chocolate; then press down until the knife cuts through to the bottom of the layers and chocolate.  You will likely need to repeat running the knife under hot water after four slices.  Turn the pieces that look like long narrow logs sideways.  Repeat running the knife under hot water.  Using the same sawing motion to get through the top layer of chocolate and then pressing down to cut through to the bottom of the layers and chocolate, cut each log into 6 pieces.  You will likely need to repeat running the knife under hot water for each log you cut.  Plus if some of the chocolate cracks, then you have a great snack.
• Making these a few days ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and they taste even better.

Recipe adapted from My Italian Grandmother.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 6, October 30, 2013

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Butterfinger Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles #12WksXmasTreats #Chocolate Party

Butterfinger Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop again.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

This is the fifth week of Christmas Treats and I’m combining #ChocolateParty and #12WksXmasTreats.  Since the theme for Chocolate Party for October is candy bars, I decided to make these Butterfinger Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles.  This recipe is a variation of the dough I used for my Deep Fried Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.  I liked it best when it was frozen.  My hubby wanted baked cookies, so I did bake some at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  They turned out sort of flat but he thought they were great.

Butterfinger Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

Yield:  40 – 45 truffles

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pasteurized eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed Butterfingers (about 8 or 9 fun size candies)
• 1 cup holiday sprinkles

Directions:

Step 1:  For the dough:  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.  With an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugars for about five minutes.  Add the eggs in two additions; mixing to combine after each addition.  Mix in vanilla and then flour in small batches.  Stir in chocolate chips and crushed Butterfingers.

Step 2:  Chill dough for 1 to several hours to make the dough easier to form.  Form cookie dough balls (about 2 teaspoons), roll in holiday sprinkles, pressing them into the dough so they adhere, and place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet.  When all dough balls are formed, chill in the freezer at least 1 hour.  Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Recipe adapted from Food Network, courtesy of George Duran.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 5, October 23, 2013

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Our #ChocolateParty October theme is candy bars and chocolate.  If you’d like to join in, please follow these rules:

1.)  Blog about your chocolate treat.  Your recipe must include the two ingredients we choose.  It can be a simple no bake treat or a sophisticated layer cake; the complexity level of the recipe is totally up to you.
2.)  Include a link back to the Chocolate party page.  Optionally, add the Chocolate Party logo in your blog post or on your sidebar.
3.)  Your recipe must be published during the current month.  Please do not link old recipes, they will be deleted.

I hope you’ll join our party and bake along with us. Also, if you’d like to know what are we up to and what ingredients we pick for the next parties, join our Facebook group. All submitted posts will be pinned to the Chocolate party Pinterest board and will be promoted on other social media platforms using the #chocolateparty hashtag.

Add your link to the Chocolate Candy Party.

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Gingerbread #12WksXmasTreats #TwelveLoaves

Gingerbread Loaf | Bakewell Junction

It’s time for the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop again.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

This is the fourth week of Christmas Treats and I wanted to make something that would work for the #TwelveLoaves and #12WksXmasTreats.  Since the theme for Twelve Loaves October is root vegetable and I wanted to make something different than everyone else, I looked for a Gingerbread recipe.  I found this recipe online and it’s made in a loaf pan.  As with quick bread recipes, it’s easy to make.  I wasn’t sure I would post this recipe because I generally like a sweeter gingerbread and it fell in the middle when I checked it too soon.  Adding a heavy sprinkling of powdered sugar before serving helps with the sweetness I look for and it has a strong gingery flavor – just what you want in gingerbread.

Gingerbread

Yield:  1 loaf                 Cook Time:  60 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons crystalized ginger, 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions:

Step 1:  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and baking soda and set aside.  Blend egg, butter, molasses and brown sugar with an electric mixer to combine.  Beat in the flour mixture.  Stir in water until just combined.

Step 2:  Prepare an 8 by 4 inch loaf pan (9 by 5 inch pan but I believe it was too big) by spraying with cooking spray.  Transfer the batter to the pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 to sixty minutes.

Step 3:  Let gingerbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.  Depan and let cool completely.  Serve with sprinkled with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe from The Fresh Loaf.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 3, October 9, 2013

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Our #TwelveLoaves October theme is Root Vegetables.  September was about baking with our finds from the Farmers Markets.  We are continuing exploring what is in season and our October baking mission is about Root Vegetables.  Share your October Root Vegetable Bread (yeast or quick bread).  Let’s get baking!

If you’d like to add your bread to the collection with the Linky Tool this month, here’s what you need to do!

1. When you post your Twelve Loaves bread on your blog, make sure that you mention the Twelve Loaves challenge in your blog post; this helps us to get more members as well as share everyone’s posts.  Please make sure that your bread is inspired by the theme!

2. Please link your post to the linky tool at the bottom of my blog.  It must be a bread baked to the Twelve Loaves theme.

3. Have your Twelve Loaves bread that you baked this October, 2013, and posted on your blog by October 31, 2013.

#TwelveLoaves is a monthly bread baking party created by Lora from Cake Duchess.  #TwelveLoaves runs so smoothly thanks to the help of the lovely Paula from Vintage Kitchen Notes and Renee from Magnolia Days.

Here are the amazing creations posted by the cohosts:

• Caramelized Vidalia Onion Focaccia by Lora at Cake Duchess
• Carrot, Apple & Walnut Bread by Anne at From My Sweet Heart
• Carrot Bread by Rossella at Ma che ti sei mangiato
• Carrot Cake Breakfast Bread by Dionne at Try Anything Once Culinary
• Garlic Herb Mini Rolls by Kathya at Basic N Delicious
• Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Biscuits by Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
• Onion-Bacon Fantans by Holly at A Baker’s House
• Parmesan Garlic Rolls by Alice at Hip Foodie Mom
• Potato Bread by Liz at That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Potato Onion Dill Bread by Karen at Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Rustic Potato Buns by Heather at girlichef
• Sweet Potato Quick Bread by Renee at Magnolia Days

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Anise Biscotti with Almonds #12WksXmasTreats

Anise Biscotti with Almonds | Bakewell Junction

I’ve joined the blog hop 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats again this year.  It’s hosted by Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com.  The blog hop goes live every Wednesday until Christmas.  If you’d like to join us, please fill out the form on Brenda’s blog.

I missed the first two weeks but I made it for the third week.  Many of my Christmas recipes were submitted in last year’s blog hop but I still have some more to share and may find some new ones too.  This recipe is slightly adapted from my Mom’s distant cousin’s recipe.  It’s easy to make, not too sweet and loved by all.

Anise Biscotti with Almonds

Yield:  18 – 24 biscotti                 Cook Time:  40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled
• 2 teaspoons anise extract
• 1 1/2 cups blanched slivered or sliced almonds (coarsely chopped)

Directions:

Step 1:  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.  Blend eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for three minutes on a medium to high speed.  The mixture should have a custard-like/creamy consistency.  Add butter and extract to the egg mixture and beat about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2:  Add 1/2 the flour and mix in at low speed.  Mix in the remaining flour, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate completely.  On low speed, mix in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of the almonds in small increments to evenly distribute them.

Step 3:  Divide dough in half.  The dough will be sticky, so wet you hands with water to keep the dough from sticking to your hands.  On a parchment lined cookie sheet, shape the dough into a 2 inch by 13 inch log.  If using a large baking sheet, leave room for the second log.  Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 4:  With wet hands, smooth the logs.  Remove any excess water on the cookie sheet with paper towels.  Spread the remaining nuts evenly on top of the logs.  Press the nuts lightly into the dough.  If the logs become a bit misshapen, reshape them a little.

Step 5:  Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 23 to 24 minutes.  Remove cookies from the oven and reduce the temperature to 300 degrees.  Let logs cool for 10 minutes.  Cut logs on a slant into equal 1 to 1 1/2 inch slices.  Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 17 to 18 minutes.

Recipe adapted from my Mom’s cousin.

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop

Week 3, October 9, 2013

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