Little Jelly Bean

I'm back after a long hiatus. I've happily been busy with my first born. Yes I've had a baby! I know I'm prejudiced but he's the cutest thing ever!

I kept thinking about blogging but I was busy working on a nursery (I have lots to share!)

After nine wonderful weeks of motherhood I ventured back into baking. A new cookie recipe tempted me (jelly bean cookies). If you know me, you know I have a weakness for cookies! You can find the recipe here. 

My husband, J was doing yard. He came in the kitchen surprised to find me baking (I haven't in months - with a newborn who has time?!). Well I finally found a recipe crazy enough that he wasn't trying to sneak a taste before the cookies were done! We'll see how the kids like the cookies tomorrow!

Cream shortening & sugar (I substituted butter).
Add egg, milk & vanilla.

Whisk together (seperately) flour, salt & baking powder.

Add flour mixture into sugar mixture.

Mix completely.

Stir in jelly beans.
I used Starburst jelly beans.

Side note: I love this scraper spatula that my mom got me for Christmas.

Place on cookie sheet.

Bake & enjoy!

This is how I bake with a newborn!
Baby L is the cutest reason for not blogging!

Happy Easter!

Easy Peasy Popsicles

Looking for a cool treat on a hot summer's day? Then these popsicles are for you! They're easy and you can change and add in whatever you like!

I've started a paleo/whole 30 diet and have been looking for something sweet to eat. I normally love fruit popsicles but the ones I buy from the store have sugar in them (which is a no no on the whole 30). So I decided to make my own!

My first thought was to blend different fruits together and freeze the juice. I may try that next but for my first try I used frozen 100% juice. I used grape because it's my favorite popsicle. 

What you'll need to make your own:

- Frozen 100% Juice (I used Old Orchard)

- Water

- Juice Pitcher

- Popsicle molds

- Funnel (optional - we used it to fill the molds)

Simply mix the frozen juice with water as you normally would, pour the juice into the popsicle molds, and let them freeze for about 3 hours.

Enjoy these yummy easy popsicles!

Happy Crafting!

Super Bowl Football Cookies

If you ask me the best part of the Super Bowl are the commercials and the snacks aren't bad either. In honor of tomorrow I've turned my chocolate cookies into footballs with a little frosting! Hope you have a great Super Bowl Sunday!

Ingredients:

1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter (room temp),

1 cup granulated sugar,

½ teaspoon salt,

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract,

2 large eggs, room temperature,

3½ cups all-purpose flour,

½ cup cocoa powder,

optional: assorted sprinkles or jimmies for decorating

How To Bake Them:

Preheat oven to 375F. In stand mixer beat together butter, sugar and salt.

Add eggs & vanilla one at a time, beat until smooth.

Gradually add  in flour and cocoa powder 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until a soft dough is formed.

Spoon into cookie press and choose your shape disc. Press dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on rack and enjoy!