Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie

Mint chocolate chip cookie

I struggled with this one.   I started with a delicious looking pin for cookies made from http://tidymom.net/2011/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies

They included crème de menthe chips and a simple combination of instant ingredients. I am well know to honor the art of “Magic” food.   This fit the bill.

Magic = Simple combinations of ingredients (preferable 3 or less) that I almost can’t fail with. 

The bummer was I couldn’t find mint extract or the chips. I fear these are holiday type ingredients. I even tried Tony’s meats where more quality and specialized ingredients can usually be found but no luck. 

I pressed on!  I wanted to make these cookies…  I failed mightily with a homemade extract of peppermint oil and vodka mixed with everything except the crème de menthe chips. It was not minty enough and the color I used barely registered in the cookie.  So… after finally finding the mint extract at the craft store in the baking isle I tried a new version that Kaden really liked. Here it is and it the cookie pictured above. I think it is yummy with vanilla ice cream.

Cake mix cookie base from Duncan Hines: http://www.duncanhines.com/recipes/cookies-bars/hackshins/cake-mix-cookies

I use this base for lemon cookies, chocolate, strawberry cookies, etc. I prefer to find the mix with the flavor and keep it simple but in this case I went with white cake and added the prescribed mint portion from the previous recipe.

1 Duncan Hines White cake mix

2 eggs

½ cup of oil

½ teaspoon mint extract

Green food coloring ( I used wayyyy too much and they are a bit hulk looking)

1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips 

In large missing bowl cream the eggs, oil, food coloring, and extract. Add cake mix and combine thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips (use any flavor of chip you like).

Drop by tablespoons full onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

FYI: I can’t wait until I find the mint chips they will be especially delicious.

Waffle Iron Possibilities

The waffle Iron (My best weapon)

I can’t help but notice all the waffle iron like products available now.  You can get one for cupcakes or donuts, or convert to Panini.  All told it would be a lot of money and storage space to house the many varieties. But the display in Macy’s got me thinking, and then googling and the ideas started flowing.

Idea number 1:

It all started with a blog detailing a “cupcake waffle” http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.com/2011/07/cupcake-waffles.html

Splendid! Cake mix and simple scream “Try this Jenny”. So I did. It was awesome and I told my friends on facebook.

Idea number 2:

Then I got to thinkin… Yep it hurt! Muffin mix is a lot like cake mix and dirt cheap. So I tried strawberry and it worked so well I told my friends on facebook. My friends K & M (yep initials, for the record this how we refer to each other in text messages) hit the idea and made a number of flavors. It is tested and certified for success.

Idea number 3:

Yesterday I got a text from my bud H and her hubby and boys took it to the next level.  Imagine a drum roll because this deserves it.   Grands Cinnamon Rolls in the can. Genius, Brilliant, wonderful.  Her boys added syrup or glaze to the finished masterpiece and they looked so delicious.

I will update this Waffle  Iron idea list with all tested and wonderful creations.

Christmas Craft Day Lineup

I am having a Christmas Craft Day. I have planned out a bunch of gift ideas and invited all my friends.  The goal is quickly and inexpensively while having fun make lots of gifts affordable and quick. Each of these ideas are based on things I have seen or have patterns for. I made printable labels, tally cards, and signs to make it easy.  The SilhouetteSD will be working overtime for this day.

Pick your gifts or propose new ones and then…

1. I will purchase, organize and prepare everything for that gift assembly on gift day.  I assume everyone will help each other with each series of gifts if people need a hand. On Christmas craft day **BAM** it is all ready and the group will bust out the presents they wanted in no time flat. 
2. Let’s leverage our coupons and sales.  If we can agree on supplies and fabric etc. we can buy it with the best bang for our buck. I may enlist some help hitting the stores:)
3. Propose changes or offer other gift ideas.  These are just mine, what did you need/want to make this year?
4. Set the date. I propose 2:00pm till done on November 26^{th (I am guessing about 4 hours)}.

5.       Bring a laundry basket or 2 on craft day to house and carry this serious haul.

6.  Invite anyone else you want. If it gets big I can arrange to use our church. Otherwise I will host it at my house in Littleton.  I will provide lots of snacks and drinks to keep our energy up.

I created some tags, cards, labels etc. You can use them or create new ones. A link to the pdf I made for each is in the boxes below.

Gift Idea Line-Up
Note Click on the title to advance to the proposed supplies and cost breakdowns.

Lemonade Stand in-a-box Click to link to gift idea contents and supplies. Total cost of gift $7.00 (depending on how many ingredients). Lemonade Stand box kit for kids: Idea is to package them in a clear top bakery box with ribbon and label. Click here to download the .pdf with labels, tally sheet, strategies, sign, etc. Ice tray $1.99 Wash cloth $ .39 Whisk $.99 Lemonade stand sign: On plastic vinyl with black letters 17x12. Rolled up with a yellow ribbon. Drink Mix any brand Cups (25) 6 oz. size Labels, lemon images, etc. Copyright of Mixedupcraftingblog	Cookie Jars (I will have labels and fabric unless you want a special idea) M&M Christmas Gingerbread Sugar Hot drinks The list goes on $3.50 each unless I get a good deal on jars:) Bakerella.com idea Done with a Christmas or snowy theme FYI: gingerbread Jar recipe we can add a cookie cutter Note from my bud Stacey for Jar success: Lessons learned about cookie jar craft... A funnel helps a lot, also when making jars having a cake pan catch all the crumbs makes for easy & fast clean up.
Christmas Card Holder $5.99 at Ikea and $1.50 for sign filled with hand-made thank you cards. The sign for above is optional it can fit with the thank you card design we use. Merry Sign NOEL sign	Cabinet Measuring Spoons Ikea and the dollar store have supplies.  $5.00 I plan to make a set for myselfJ Inspired by http://www.curbly.com/craftmel/posts/11130-cupboard-organization-hanging-measurers
Cinch and Ruffle Cinch bags $3.00 Inspired by: LittleBirdieSecretsblog  as a copy of a ThirtyOne bag. Note: I will cut any iron on design desired with my silhouette so don’t assume it has to be ruffled or with a skull. These are just the designs I am doing.	Hats, Scarf, and Ear-Warmers scarf $2.00, earwarmer $2.00 Flannel and felt are very inexpensive and I will also use a coupon. Inspired by a bunch of places: momtastic.com, instructables.com, prudentbaby.com, fleecefun.com Note: The options are endless for this series I will have templates, ideas, etc. printed for this station so you can go crazy or stick to a plan. If you want special designs cut for iron on get them to me in time to have)
Leather and Pearl Jewelry Inspired by: LoveMaegan.com Real freshwater pearls and leather and supplies $2.00  with real bleached fresh water pearls and leather cord. I created a sample to be sure it all worked nicely. Card to attach for gift giving  Based on the steps Maegan outlined this is very fast and super beautiful. I made some cards to hang them on for gift giving