Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

As a passionate cookie lover, I can honestly say that these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are heavenly and this recipe is one to add to your collection!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purposed flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl beat together the butter and sugar.
• Add the egg and vanilla and continue mixing until well combined.
• Slowly add the mixture of dry ingredients on low speed until well combined.
• Stir in chocolate chips (leaving a few to add to the tops of dough balls)
• Cover bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for roughly 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
• Take dough out of fridge, let sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat.
• Roll dough into balls (I use roughly 2 tablespoons of dough per ball) 
• Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. 
• Transfer cookies to cooling rack.
• Serve and enjoy!

* To change things up, consider using white chocolate chips or adding mini M&M's to the dough mixture! 

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

These super quick, easy and delicious shortbread cookies will melt in your mouth and are a family favourite during the Holiday Season!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup margarine
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• Maraschino Cherries (optional)
• Festive Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cream together the butter, margarine and icing sugar.
• Mix remaining dry ingredients and gradually add to batter.
• Blend until the batter mixture is creamy.
• Roll dough into 1" balls and flatten with finger-tips or spoon and place onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
• To add some colour, dice up a few Maraschino Cherries OR add some festive sprinkles to the top.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden on the bottom.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know how they turned out! I would also love to hear about your favourite Holiday Cookies! 

Hot Chocolate Station

For me, the thought of a steaming mug of hot chocolate conjures up memories of crisp cold days playing outside, roaring fires and of course the holidays. 

This year I’ve decided to introduce a hot chocolate station to my regular holiday décor. Not only is it pretty; but very practical, since it keeps all of my favourite drink toppings in one location (except the whipped cream which has to stay in the fridge).  

The station includes:

-dehydrated marshmallows

-packets of hot chocolate

-colorful sprinkles 

-candy cane stir sticks

-milk chocolate chips

I’ve even been toying with the idea of dipping some plastic spoons in melted chocolate and letting them harden to be used for stirring.  As a special treat I purchased some seasonal themed mugs and added some chocolate shavings. For those that are a bit more adventurous some cayenne pepper provides a bit of a kick… but use sparingly!  You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg or other spices that you enjoy!

There are so many options when it comes to hot chocolate there is truly a flavor for everyone. I see speciality packets of white chocolate; eggnog, smores or even peppermint flavors at local shops. If you like to give homemade gifts or stocking stuffers you can mix together someone’s favorite ingredients, add instructions and place it in a colorful airtight container or bag.

If you’re planning a special evening you can even add a flavoured liquor or top with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.  The sky’s the limit when looking at options, so be sure to have lots of choices if you decide to create your own station.

Recipe's Ive Loved: Magnolia Table

(Pictured: Country Potato Soup)

If you know me, than you are aware that I love all things Chip and Joanna Gaines. A few months ago I purchased Joanna's Magnolia Table Cookbook and it has not disappointed!

The book is broken down into the following sections: Breakfast, Lunch, Soups & Salads, Appetizers & Starters, Side Dishes, Dinner, Desserts and features so many other fun surprises!


Here are 10 Recipes that I have loved and highly suggest you try!

• After-School Banana Bread
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Baked Chicken with Bacon Bottom & Wild Rice
• Meat Loaf
• Brownie Pie
• Buttermilk Blueberry Puff 
• Bevie's Chocolate Roll with Hot Fudge Sauce
• Sausage & Hash Brown Casserole 
• Country Potato Soup
• Homemade Whipped Cream

Here are 10 Recipes that I can't wait to try in the near future!

• JoJo's Biscuits
• Three-Cheese Quiche 
• Overnight French Toast
• Chicken Spaghetti 
• Lemon Pie
• Dulce De Leche Apple Pie
• Chocolate-Cola Cake with Chocolate-Cola Buttercream 
• Lemon Bundt Cake
• Mina's Lemon Bars
• Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

If you have not purchased your own copy of Magnolia Table, I highly suggest you give her collection of recipes a try! If you would like to purchase her book on Amazon click here or if you'd like to try a few recipes before purchasing, Pinterest has some of her best dishes! 

If you have tried some of the recipes from her cookbook please leave a comment letting me know your favourites or which one to try next! 

No Bake Energy Bites: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip

Need a healthy treat or energy to get you through the week? These super easy No Bake Energy Bites are perfect. Only a few simple ingredients, these energy bites taste just like a cookie and are easy to adjust depending on your taste preferences, dietary needs or to add in your favourite treats, nuts or candy!


Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a small-medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir. The mixture should be a little sticky.
2. Refrigerate mixture for 20-30 minutes.
3. Take mixture by the spoonfuls and roll into he shape of a ball. You should be able to get approximately 10-12 energy balls out of this mixture.
4. Refrigerate the balls as you enjoy them throughout the week!