Cookies, Cookies and more COOKIES-

So remember yesterday when I said I was off to make cookies?? I made cookies alright, it's been awhile so I went a little overboard, I wanted to have them for Thanksgiving and to try out some new ones to practice for Christmas cookies. The result? LOTS of cookies!! :)
Not that anyone is complaining around here :)

This first cookie is a variation of a cookie my Gram used to make, it's her recipe.

We always went to my Grandparents house for Thanksgiving and the cookie jar was ALWAYS full. As my Grandparents got older sometimes there would be store bought cookies in it and my Gram would joke and say that Grandpa made the cookies, because he was the one who did the shopping.
When she made cookies it was always a huge batch and when it got to the end of the stirring she would call Grandpa in to help her stir. They are the sweetest couple in the world, they were definitely made for each other.
They, very conservatively, had only 2 children, a girl and a boy, who then went on to give them 17 grandchildren, lol. As for Great-Grandchildren I am making a guess of 30 + 2 on the way. They had no idea it would happen that way :)
My Wonderful Grandpa passed away last year and he is very much missed. The holidays last year were really hard, I thought this year might be easier but I know he is still missed much by all. He had a long battle with Parkinsons, cancer and heart problems so I know he is no longer in pain, but I still miss him very much.

Cookies, back to the cookies, this cookie is my favorite of hers. I have many happy memories of making these with her-

Thumbprints

Ingred;
1-1/4c. flour
3T. sugar
1/2c. butter

Oven 325
Stir together the flour and sugar- cut in the butter- if dough is too dry add in a little water.
Roll into balls, place on greased cookies sheet and make thumbprint in them. Bake for 15-18 minutes. When done immediately fill with jam or jelly.

I added green food coloring and mint flavoring to the dough. Then I made a chocolate mint ganache for the filling-
1/4c. chocolate mint coffee cream
3/4c. chocolate chips.
Then topped them with andes mints.

These are called Monkey Peanut Butter Bars I got the recipe for AR, they turned out pretty good, the peanut butter frosting needs to be doubled though. The recipe is HERE.

Then I made an old favorite from AR- Big Soft Ginger Cookies. These are Awesome. Recipe is HERE.

And last, and my childrens favorite of the bunch, Andes Creme De Menthe Chunk Cookies, from Donna's- My Tasty Treasures- Thank You Donna! The only thing I did different, I didn't chill the dough like I was suppose to, I just went ahead and baked it. No patience, remember? :)

The result of my crazed baking?

COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!!!!!

Does it get any better???

Than Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Pretzels?
I saw a recipe for these tasty little goodies on a blog a few months ago, but of course last night when I went to look for it..... POOF! It was no where to be found, and I can't for the life of me think of where I found it, soooooooo if any of you remember seeing them or posting about them I would love to know. I made up my own filling for them but am really wanting to know what the original filling for them has in it. Ugh, you all know who I blame my memory loss on right??

No, not Aliens!!! Geezzzzz.

I blame it on my kids, have you ever noticed that kids NEVER forget anything?!?! Unless it pertains to chores or homework, but I am convinced that is voluntary forgetfulness. But say you tell them- Sure, I will wash your blue and white striped shirt for you to wear tomorrow, and you forget (big surprise) and they remember right before they are heading out the door next day for school!!! And the only reason they remember is because the little stinkers took YOUR memory and are hoarding it all!!!!!
Anyway the only help for Memory loss is Chocolate of course. So a few of these little treasures ought to fix me right up, for a little while anyway :)


Chocolate PB Pretzel Bites
Ingred;
1 bag Pretzel Butter Snaps
1/2c. chocolate chips
2c. peanut butter
1/2c. graham crackers
1/2c. saltines crackers
2c. powdered sugar
2t. vanilla

Run the crackers through a food processor until they are finely ground, then mix them together with the peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl and heat in the microwave in 30 sec. intervals until melted. Roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls and press in between 2 pretzel squares. Then dip one end in the chocolate and place on wax paper till dry.

I need a little Chocolate

I have been craving chocolate, it's that time of month when chocolate is a must. And since it's probably not appropriate to do this

Or this

OR THIS

I decided to make something with chocolate in it, this is one of my chocolate quick fixes. For emergencies only!

Chocolate Mousse & Peanut Butter Pie

Ingred.

15 oreos

2T. melted butter

1 pkg peanut butter chips

4 oz softened cream cheese

1/3c. powdered sugar

1/2c. milk

1 pkg unflavored gelatin

3T. cold water

3T. boiling water

1/2c. sugar

1/2c. dark cocoa powder

1c. cold whipping cream

1t. creme de cocoa

Run the oreos through a food processor until finely ground, mix with the melted butter and press into a pie plate. Beat the cream cheese, melt the pb chips (save a few aside to garnish with)in microwave. Add powdered sugar and milk to cream cheese- mix well. Stir in the melted chips. Spread over the crust in the bottom of the pie plate.

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, stir then add in the boiling water, set aside. In a mixing bowl, stir together the sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in the cream and creme de cocoa. Beat until peaks form, add in the gelatin and beat until there are stiff peaks. Spread over the PB layer.

Sprinkle with the remaining chips and refridgerate, for about 3 hours. Slice and serve, (or just grab a fork and dig in)

I guess this will do, unless anyone has a tub full of chocolate handy???? = )