Double Chocolate Toasted Almond Clusters are so very easy to make and yet look super elegant and gift worthy! Toasting the almonds takes a little extra time and effort, but so worth it for the extra flavor and crunch. Toast them ahead of time, if you want, while baking dinner one night or another batch of goodies. Only ten minutes in a 350 degree oven makes a big difference. When adding white melting chocolate to slow cooker, break into pieces at the score. Or some brands come in little “cubes” in individual cups. Easier to melt than a big chunk. Baker’s German Chocolate is a sweet baking chocolate – also scored to break into easy to melt chunks. The chocolate chips add a different flavor to the mix. I have also used dark chocolate chips--but I like dark chocolate. Use the low ... [Read More]
12 Days of Christmas
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies
Eggnog Sandwich Cookies are a unique holiday treat. The nutmeg and ginger sugar topping, the soft cookie, the creamy filling -- all the eggnog flavors in your hand. The dough is soft and a little sticky, even after chilling. Just do the best you can to make round cookies. Flatten them with a drinking glass (patterned bottom optional) dipped in flour so they are even height all the way across. When baking, watch the time so cookies just begin to turn golden when you remove them from the oven. (Some of mine got a little too brown this time!) We really liked them plain, but the filling definitely lifts things up a notch. Wait until they are well cooled before assembling sandwiches. The yield is approximately 72 cookies which will make 36 sandwiches. These are better eaten within a ... [Read More]
Almond Cheesecake Squares
Almond Cheesecake Squares are a rich and delicious dessert that makes an elegant addition to a cookie tray or a flavorful end to a holiday dinner. It is a New York style cheesecake because it includes sour cream among the ingredients -- another notch up on the flavor scale! The toasted and ground almonds give the crust a nice flavor and texture. The filling is quick and easy. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake -- and then cool before slicing! Can be made ahead and frozen. Don't worry about freezing leftovers because there won't be any. :-) Almond Cheesecake Squares Print Prep time 15 mins Cook time 47 mins Total time 1 hour 2 mins Light and creamy cheesecake on a nutty graham cracker base and topped with toasted almonds. Author: A Pinch of ... [Read More]
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Buttery and loaded with pecans, Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic. They are very simple to make -- quick and easy! Use a cookie scoop to keep the cookies uniform when putting them on the baking sheet. Making cookies uniform using a tablespoon depends on your own judgement to keep them all the same size. Mine grow a bit larger with every cookie! Chop the pecans ahead of time with a chopper or food processor. This makes the process, then, just one of measure and stir. Watch closely toward the end of the baking process so cookies don't brown as that will cause them to be dry. Cookies really do need to be rolled twice in powdered sugar. The first coat absorbs oil and moisture, the second coat makes snowballs! Pecan Snowball Cookies Print Prep time 10 mins Cook ... [Read More]
German Chocolate Cake Nibbles
German Chocolate Cake Nibbles are reminiscent of the popular coconut and chocolate cake sometimes served during the holidays. These cookies are really easy to make, but the results look fabulous. Since these are drop cookies they are not make ahead and bake later cookies. In other words, prepare the batter and bake the cookie in the same day. However, they are quick and easy to make you won't mind. And the smell is heavenly. Not to mention -- chocolate!! German Chocolate Cake Nibbles Print Prep time 10 mins Cook time 8 mins Total time 18 mins Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Serves: 3 dozen Ingredients 2 sticks butter, softened 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large eggs, beaten 2¼ cups ... [Read More]
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls -- a yummy takeoff on a certain peanut butter filled chocolate cup. They are easy to make with only five ingredients and go together very quickly. Plan for time - and space in the freezer - so they set up firmly before dipping in melted chocolate. You can use melted chocolate chips for dipping. I prefer the melting chocolate wafers with a bit of coconut oil added. I've also used almond bark with coconut oil. Practice does help! (These Peppermint Patties were my first attempt at dipping candy.) Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Print Prep time 20 mins Total time 20 mins Creamy peanut butter filling wrapped in chocolate. Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: cookie Serves: 30 Ingredients 1 ½ ... [Read More]
