Triple Chocolate
When putting together the Citrus Ricotta Cookies I noticed an additional recipe by Beads and Basil in Values, an Owasso & Collinsville Values Magazine. I knew if I baked these first I’d be making them mostly for me. Chocolate is a favorite flavor of mine. Not that my visiting family friend wouldn’t enjoy chocolate too but he had his heart set on the Citrus Cookies. My thought about the triple chocolate cookie was … Is it going to be too chocolatey? You might be thinking nothing is too chocolatey! To me when there is too much I can’t appreciate the other additional flavors. This is not the case. It truly is a cookie with at least two distinct chocolate flavors, a hint of vanilla and crunch of toasted pecans. Enjoy this recipe I’ve revised slightly to make a smaller bounty without losing the brownie-like chocolatey cookie that amazingly hangs onto its moistness (unlike most brownies).
It’s not unusual for a guy friend of mine to bring along a new recipe when he comes to visit. Anything with ricotta and citrus seems to catch his eye and this recipe has both. (I need to give acknowledgement to Beads and Basil for this recipe she shared in a monthly values magazine.) When I look at a recipe for the first time I not only anticipate the taste, just how good is this going to be, but also the complexity. Sometimes complexity doesn’t equal a better product. Cookies, I usually bake on a whim. So, the recipe must have a simple list of ingredients (mostly already in my pantry) and must be limited in prep time. This original recipe calls for overnight or at least 8 hours. As you might have guessed this is too long for me, and I found a way to cut the time to 4 hours without changing the outcome in my opinion. The prep is simple and the bulk of time is in the freezing. Hope you enjoy this citrusy taste treat. We did!
Now, chocolate chip cookies, I’m a connoisseur! I’ve been baking these since I was 10 or so and I’m … well, let’s not get into details. These are my favorites, 
These are the best! But don’t take my word for it … Bake them up today! Chewy Buttery Good … not too flat, not too thick, just right. I’m using the new Nestle Dark Chocolate Morsels. Make sure you try this recipe with your favorite chocolate chips. This way you’ll be able to taste test the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies you ever ate. Seriously Good! Just can’t say it enough and I’m a chocolate chip cookie aficionado. If you’re into chocolate chip cookies with a touch of oatmeal and like the chewy variety these are for you!
It’s a toss up! The filling and the cookie are both a star in this recipe. Lightly sweet cookies similar to traditional chocolate chip cookies but without the chips and nuts. The small bit of filling is a perfect apple pie taste. These are a great Valentine treat … especially if a heart shape cookie cutter is used.
These giant cookie cutters are irresistible. A festive way to decorate your batch of cut out cookies. Much faster (all cookies are cut at once) and the result is a lovely display. Choose your dough carefully. This example (above) is delicious but the dough wasn’t the best choice.. A smooth dough is recommended. The cuts will be cleaner and more defined for decorating and for removing dough in some areas. The house shaped cookie cutter is perfect for a one dimensional gingerbread house and can be purchased at 
Great cookies for the Holidays. Chocolatey and not too sweet. Delicious quick recipe with few ingredients. Easy to put together for unexpected guests. Chocolate shortbread keeps well but let me warn you, they’ll go fast. You can also personalize by adding your favorite nuts, candy bits or mini chips. Amazing without any addition, my preference. The cocoa used makes a difference. So, use a cocoa product you love. No skimping is my thought.
Sandies, Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cakes are pretty much the same cookie recipe. I love taking this family favorite cookie and tweaking it a bit to match the mood. Today I’m into pumpkins! It was easy to change this cookie into a Fall Pumpkin Spice Cookie. I switched out the vanilla extract with a bit of dark rum for that extra special Holiday Season treat. I hope you’ll enjoy this change-up!