I hate being sick!

So I was on pinterest the other day (if you dont have it get it! its free and will change your world) and this was a remedy for colds! check it out and tell me what youthink!

You just eat 1tsp. honey mixed with 1/4 tsp. cinnamon twice a day for three days, beginning at the earliest sign of a cold.  The honey and cinnamon are both said to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.

Goodbye 2011

The last few days I have been sitting back and thinking about 2011. I have been thinking what a year so much has happened to me personally and professionally that I cant comprehend all that has gone on. But it was an amazing year. I learned alot and I grew alot. I can say I am the happiest I have been in a very long time.

I am learning to stand on my own and find out who I am. But I am also learning to stand with someone beside me and make decisions together. Which isnt as easy as it looks. you would think someone elses opinion would be a good thing lol.  but its wonderful having someone to lean on.

I said good bye to my dearest friend of 15 years as I made the heart breaking decision to send her to doggie heaven. But shes in a much better place and showing the doggie heaven God that shes the princess. Then I welcomed the most wonderful, amazing, funny puppy into our lives. Miss Marley. Shes one of a kind but shes very much mommies dog. but she loves her brothers so very much. I have never met a dog who had so much love to give. She does things i dont understand but I still love her. its defently a growing experience for both jonathan and I.

Jonathan and I bought a house. I moved out from my mom (even though I have said I was never leaving lol) and now we are renovating it and making it our own. I love every minute of it. i get stressed out about it. but its all coming together. I moved to a little village called Doaktown. A place I would never imagine I would be. But I love this little community. Its quite and I am happy.

I am learning to restart my business in photography. to go back to the basics. I am in a new place and people have no idea who I am or what my business offers. But because I have to go back to the basics I am learning to fix the mistakes I had last time. I am getting a second chance. and again learning to stand on my own.

I am learning to be a "step" hockey mom. I spend my saturday mornings at the very cold hockey rink. And in the summer the very hot soccer field. But I love those boys. I love watching them grow and change over the year. And have their personalities shine on and off the ice.  I never thought in a million years I would want to be a step mom. But these boys bring more joy in my life that I could ever imagine. as sad as it sounds I am turning into my mother. I had a great step father whom I call DAD. Who was always there for me through thick and thin and as I learn from the best I know he is proud.

I have always loved to bake. but was always afraid to take a big step and try different recipes. this blog allows me to do that. I have had so much fun showing you different recipes and have lots more to show this year. I loved going to town and people stopping me saying oh i made this and it turned out great. and it was soooo easy!! thats my plan to make everything as easy as i can.

I have learned to have a little more Faith in my God. I have been tested and tested but I know that I have an awesome God who will never leave me nor forsake me. And will always walk with me and carry me when I need Him too.
This last few days I have heard whispers from some people wondering why I do what I do and questioning the things I have. its been really bothering me. I have worked very hard this year. and I have am proud to say I have alot to show for it. I have come so far and I have never been more happier in my life. But as I trust in God I know that its just Satan being very jealous.  As I look back at  a year full of events I cherish and love each one of them. God has blessed me with so much and I am thankful every day.

2011 was out of this world. I can only imagine what 2012 holds for me. I cant wait to see.But I am in such a good place I know that it can only get better!

Goodbye 2011. What a year.. I cant wait to see what 2012 brings!!

so 2012 what are my plans? to bake more, try and become a fulltime photographer, take more time for me, be proud of what i have done, and renovate some more. and take more time for fun! see you in 2012! I have also to try not to care what others think. I may say things or do things that people may snicker and or dislike me but its ok.

No fail chocolate peanut butter fudge

you will need:
1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups icing sugar

directions
melt in large sauce pan butter then add peanut butter
remove from hear
stir in cocoa, vanilla, and icing sugar
then place in a square pan
place in fridge

Enjoy!

Breton Brittle

You will need:
25 (or more) breton crackers (original, big ones)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions
preheat oven at 350
linen cookie sheet with tin foil
place crackers on sheet
combine sugar and butter in a sauce pan and bring to boil for about 3 mins
poor over crackers and bake for 10-15 mins
when they come out place chocoalte chips on top and spread around once they are melted

for decoration you can put sprinkles or whatever you want on top

Candy Cane Blossoms

These are super easy and super good!
a few little things i learned while making these: make sure your balls are small. they expand really easy.
also most pics i have seen of these the sprinkles are red and green separated i put mine together

you will need:
1 bag hersheys candy cane kisses
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups of flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tblsp milk
red and green sprinkles (sugar)

preheat oven at 350
mix all together
then roll into small balls
then roll into sugar
then flatten a little
place on cookie sheet and bake for 8 mins
when they come out place hershey kiss on top!

Enjoy!

My favorite things in my Kitchen

I have been recieving emails about what to get their baker in their life. well here are somethings that I have in my kitchen that I cant live without!

1. Spoonula
This is from Racheal Ray and I LOVE them. Sooo love them. I dont know what I would do without them! when you are making soups or sauces you can just set it on the pot how awesome!

2. My Wooden Spoon ~ you always need a wooden spoon!!

3. Bench Scrap ~ at first i didnt think this would be good. but as i got to using it. i noticed i was using it more and more

4. Rubbermaid Containers ~ I have the best mother inlaw. Well I have the best mother in law either away! but she gave me these containers and when i went to the US I bought a ton of them cause they were on sale. they take up very little space and i love it!!

5. My Wilton Pans ~ these are made for baking. I only have 2 but I am so buying more!

Gingerbread Snowflakes

I make these every year. and every year I complain about how much I hate decorating them. My back gets sore and I get tired. But I still do it every year! lol but they are just so pretty!

You will need:
6 cups of flour
1 tblsp baking powder
1 tablsp ginger
1 tblsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup butter
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
mix all the dry ingrediants together. then mix all the wet ones then add them to the dry.
You may have to kneed it a little
roll out and cut into your favorite shapes

Bake at 350 for 9-12 moins ( my oven took 11 mins)

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Jonathans special request this week was mac and cheese. I made it once before and well it didnt turn out. so i was really scared. Thankfully the amazing Paula Dean didnt let me down! and this recipe is pretty easy!

you will need:
4 cups of Macaroni
3 cups of cheese ( of your choice)
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tblsp of butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of milk

Directions:
cook macaroni and drain. then add cheese until melted. In another bowl mix the eggs, sour cream, salt and milk together. then mix into macaroni. put in a baking dish.
bake for 30 -45 mins at 350 degrees

I added bread crumbs and cheese to the top of mine.

Cinnamon Rolls

I love cinnamon rolls but have been afraid to make them. mymom makes amazing cinnamon rolls. I had been thinking how hard can they be? like really...

well the other night I had Chef Michaels Smiths recipe. its was 6pm and I wanted cinnamon rolls. So i read through the ingrediants and knew I had all the stuff. But what I should have done was read the WHOLE recipe. 2hrs later... the cinnamon buns went in the oven... 45 mins later I had cinnamon rolls... 20 mins later I had cinnamon ROCKS!!

So while I was hanging out with my bff Vanessa she said remember those cinnamon rolls from high school cullinary class? I was like yeah those where awesome... well she said I have the recipe! she was heaven sent!!!

So this morning I got up and made the grade 12 cinnamon rolls... and they were just like I remember!

You will need:
4 cups of flour
1/2 cup white sugar
6 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 pound shortening
1 cup of half n half (1/2cup canned milk and 1/2 cup water)
1 egg

filling:
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2tblsp cinnamon

Directions:
In a large bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
then add shortening and mix together
then in another bowl add half and half and egg. then add to dry mix. and mix it. then knead dough gently

then flour work surface and roll out into a rectangle. the spread margarine (melted) and then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon. roll up and cut into pieces and place into greased muffin cups.

bake 15 mins at 400 degrees

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Sandwiches

I love oatmeal anything... and then you add choclate chips and then you add icing.. cant get any better right?

You will need:
cookies:
¾ cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar
¼ cup  sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups rolled oats
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

filling:
¼ cup salted butter, softened
¼ cup vegetable shortening
2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Place the butter and both sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer, fixed with a paddle attachment, and cream together (about 3 minutes).
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the egg and vanilla and continue to beat for another minute.
5. With the motor running on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold the oats and chocolate chips into the cookie dough until fully combined.
7. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. While the cookie dough chills, make the cream filling: Place the butter and shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer and cream together.
9. With the motor running, add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, 2 tablespoons at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
10. Add the cream and vanilla and continue to beat until smooth. Set aside until ready to use.
11. With clean hands, roll out 48 (nickel sized) balls and place onto two parchment lined sheet pans.
12. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Allow the cookies to cool for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

so i have started my christmas baking. kinda excited about that. these are a new recipe for me. but they taste sooo good!!

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup finely chopped unsweetened chocolate (2 oz/60 g)

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup Rogers All Purpose Flour

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup white chocolate chunks

3 candy canes, crushed

1. In a microwaveable bowl, combine butter and unsweetened chocolate. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then microwave again in 30 second intervals until chocolate is mostly melted. Stir to melt the remaining chunks. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Sprinkle flour mixture over chocolate mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in white chocolate chunks. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake 7 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Return to oven 2-4 minutes longer, until edges are crackled and centres are just set. Remove and cool 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Rootbeer Cookies

I seen this recipe and thought I love rootbeer so its gotta be good. i thought you had to use a can of rootbeer. not so much. you need rootbeer flavoring. which i dont know if you canget around here. I checked the bulk barn its not there but I am sure you can get them to order it in. I got mine in the states when I was there.
These are so good. you eat them and its like your shocked that they are rootbeer!

Recipe for Root Beer Cookies:
Makes about 4 dozen

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. root beer extract
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup water (optional–only use if dough is too dry)
• Root Beer frosting (recipe below)

Cream butter and dark brown sugar until very light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the root beer extract. Whisk dry ingredients together. Add a little at a time to the creamed mixture. The dough should be slightly sticky
Chill for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease several baking sheets, or line them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Roll into small balls (about 1″ diameter). I like to use a mini-ice cream scoop so that the cookies end up evenly sized.

Place them on the pan, leaving a bit of space between the cookies. Gently press the tops of the dough. (If you leave out the water, sometimes the cookies don’t spread very much.) Bake for 6-8 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through.
Let cookies cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Recipe:

• 1 cup butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. root beer extract
• a few tablespoons hot water

Beat butter on high with an electric mixer until it is fluffy. Add a little powdered sugar and the root beer extract. Beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar alternately with a little hot water until a nice spreading consistency has been reached.
Frost the cooled cookies and let stand for a few minutes to let the frosting set up. (It should dry a bit on the top.) You can leave out the root beer extract and you’ll have a tasty, soft brown sugar cookie. I have substituted maple extract, added pecans, and even made chocolate chip cookies out of this recipe. It’s a keeper.

christmas cookie tips

Making cookies at Christmas used to overwhelm me a bit.  There are so many people I want to make cookies for....and so little time.  I still don't get them made for everyone on my list BUT I've learned how to de-stress the whole process and just have fun with it.

1. Take a look at what you need or want. also what ever you need get it NOW or else it wont be there next time you go back. especially if you live in the miramichi!
2. Start early.  Cookie decorating is really more fun if you break it up into chunks.   

Do one of the following to make life easier

• make the dough ahead and freeze (thaw in the fridge overnight)
• bake the cookies and freeze (thaw at room temperature for a few hours)
• bake the cookies the day before decorating
• make the icing a day (or so) before decorating (if you are doing fine detail work, you'll want to make this the same day you are using)

3.If you are making hundreds of cookies, you might want to make and decorate a few dozen at a time, THEN freeze...yes, cookies decorated with royal icing can be frozen.  I individually bag the cookies, then place in freezer baggies, then place those in plastic containers to prevent crushing.  Thaw at room temperature in the packaging for several hours.

hope these few little tips help!

Happy Baking!

Christmas Baking...

The last year or so I have made the trip crazy november trip to the US. I love it.. every minute of it. I also love when I go to the grocery stores and find products that we dont have here that I can bake with. or stuff I do bake with I can get really cheap.
This year I had 3 finds that I cant wait to start baking with Rootbeer Flavoring and 92 cent packs of Margarine (its about 1/2 the size of the box of margarine squares we have here that we pay $5 for) and a mitten cookie cutter.

This year my list includes:
Candy Cane Cupcakes
Rootbeer Cookies
Scotch Cookies
Sugar Cookies
and much more... I cant wait!! and I have a few little crafts and decorating ideas to show along the way. Welcome to the most wonderful time of year!!

Also if you have any baking questions that I can help you with dont hestiate to email me at paigehambrook@hotmail.com or find me on facebook!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

The other day I was in the mood to bake. its was 8pm on a saturday night. Man i live an exciting life! But i wanted something quick and easy... these look difficult but its not. I got this from Rachael Ray. So you know its not that difficult!

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 sticks (8 ounces) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

One 16-ounce jar creamy peanut butter

3 cups crispy rice cereal

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups confectioners' sugar

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, melt half of the chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Remove from the heat; stir in 1 cup peanut butter, then 2 cups rice cereal. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan; refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Wash out the saucepan.  

In the saucepan, combine the remaining 2 sticks butter and the salt; melt over medium heat, stirring. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining peanut butter and the confectioners' sugar. Spread half of the peanut butter mixture over the cereal layer. Top with the remaining 1 cup cereal.  

In a small bowl, microwave the remaining chocolate at medium power until melted, 1 1/2 minutes. Stir into the remaining peanut butter mixture. Spread evenly on the cereal-topped peanut butter layer; refrigerate until set, about 45 minutes. Cut into 16 pieces.

Watermelon Cupcakes

Arent these the cutest things ever!!


You will need:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
couple drops of red food coloring
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
preheat oven at 350
Mix all ingrediants together except for chocolate chips. after everthing is together then add chocolate chips
place in muffin cups and bake for 20 mins

Then take your favorite icing and add a few drops of green food coloring.

Rice Krispie Roll

So I havent been baking as you can tell. I have been super super busy with pictures so baking gets the back burner. But today I took sometime to do some baking. and it felt good and relaxing. I did learn something though.... DO NOT BUY DOLLARSTORE WAX PAPER!!! if you see me buying it knock me over and rip it out of my hands!

theres a few things I need to tell you about
1. i started a new adventure that lets me bake and cook!! its called EVERYDAY STYLE check it out!

2. I love christmas i really do. but for those who are planning on putting up your tree or putting up your lights isnt it a bit too early? just sayin... please dont do anything until after nov 11

ok recipe time



3/4 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 tblsp of butter
4 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies

middle:
1/3 cup butter
3 tblsp milk
1 1/2 cup icing sugar
2/3 cup cocoa

Directions:
Melt corn syrup and sugar together in a pot until it bubbles on  med heat
then add sugar , peanut butter and butter after all that is melted then add rice krispies

get a greased baking sheet then place a greased waxed paper on top then spread out mix

then mix butter, milk, icing sugar and cocoa together the spread out on rice krispie mix

then start rolling into a jelly roll

then wrap it up and place in fridge

the worst blogger in the world!

sorry everyone I have been meaning to blog but I havent had a chance. Between trying to get caught up on pics, make some halloween treats, and blog we decided to renovate. I have to be crazy.... more than crazy....
so i will try and get caught up. so wanna know what i am giving out for halloween... well candy apples! and gormet caramel apples and then this halloween mix

you will neeed
carmel corn
candy corn
candy corn pumpkins
pretzels
mini rolos
smarties

1 pkg of chocolate chips
and anything else you want to add

so then you put this all on a cookie sheet. then melt chocolate chips and drizzle over top. simple! and easy!

Double Chocolate Oreo Cookies

What a week. I havent stopped. I didnt even know if i was gonna have time to bake this week. theres so much on my plate. this maybe the last installment till saturday or sunday.

These cookies are amazing! probably another new favorite in myhouse.

You will need:
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
2 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup smashed oreo cookies

Directions
preheat oven at 350
mix butter, sugar and eggs together. then add rest. add choc chips and oreos last. actually fold them in slowly.
put in freezer fro 20-30 mins
then place on cookie sheet
and bake for 10-12 mins

Fall Sugar Cookies

I have been thinkingabout these cookies for a bit now. but had to find the perfect sprinkles.then I went to Winners and found these sprinkles.I am going to try different variations as they are jonathans new fav!.

You will need:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
3 cups flour

Directions
Preheat oven at 350 degrees
Mix butter, sugar and egg together. then add rest of the ingrediants. Hint add flour one cup at a time.
Then put in freezer for 20 to 30 mins
then roll into balls and squish on cookie sheet
Bake for 10 mins
let cool
add icing and sprinkles for decorations

Apple Toffee Blondies with Brown Sugar Icing

I still have apples floating around. I am pretty sure I am using the rest to make candy apples for Halloween.

But these are good! very sweet but sooo good!

You will need:
2/3 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup apple
1/2 cup toffee bits

Directions:
Preheat oven at 350
Mix everything together except fr the apple and toffee. once everything is mixed well then add apple and toffee bits
place in pan
Bake for 30 minutes
let cool

Brown Sugar Icing
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups icing sugar

mix all together and put on blondies

Chocolate Rolo Cookies

I like easy.. I have said that over and over and over... cant get any easier than this.

This is also one of the recipes for the fundraiser I will be making...

You will need:
1 pkg of small rolos
1 box of devils food cake chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil


Directions:
prheat oven at 350
mix cake, eggs and oil together.
the make little balls and flatten the stick a rolo in the middle and fold the batter around it
place on baking sheet
cook for 7-8 mins

Supper Tonight ~ Pizza Casserole

Meal time is nuts in my house. and there is only 2 of us. So I can imagine what its like at everyone elses house. Tonight we are having pizza casserole. I stole this from Pinterest. and I stole it all from "For a mama buy a mama" blog.

You will need:

1 bag of Egg Noodles

1 bottle Ragu sauce

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese {or more depending on how much you ♥ cheese!}

1 1/2 lbs hamburger meat

1 package pepperoni

 

Directions:

Brown meat

Cook Egg Noodles

Preheat oven at 350

 

Then you layer:

a little bit of sauce

 half of the meat

half of the sauce

 rest of the noodles

half the cheese

rest of the meat

rest of the sauce

rest of the cheese

pepperonis

 

now cover in foil and bake for 30 mins

then take off foil and bake for 15 mins

 

WHAT I DID: I added mushrooms, green peppers and onions cause thats what we like in this house and I aslo added parasan cheese at the end.

 



Black and White Square aka Nanaimo Bars

October is breast cancer awareness month. I will self proclaim myself as one of the biggest supporters. having my grandmother, my step mother and a very close friend of the family whom have been diagnosed  and are survivors and many more. I see the work that they are doing. I have no problem shouting it from teh roof tops!

This weekend there is a fundraiser happening for my stepmother whos been diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to donate something but wasnt quite sure what to do. So I decided since there was going to be lots of food, I would look after the dessert part. Well do I have a line up for you today.

Growing up I was taught that these are called Black and White Squares. I have learned thats not the only name for them! Call them what you want they are soooo delish!!

you will need:

BOTTOM LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter (Euro-style cultured)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut  Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.

SECOND LAYER

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of milk
2 tablespoosn of vanilla pudding
2 cups icing sugar

Cream butter, cream, pudding powderand icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

THIRD LAYER

4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

yes i know i have a post about jam thumbprints a few posts ago. these are different.. even the way you cook them are different.

I am baking up a storm because I am having a Scentsy Party tomorrrow. If you are interested you are more than welcome to come! its 13O storeytown road.

You will need:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour

Filling: 2 tbls butter,1/4 cup chocolate chips. and 1 tsp corn syrup

Directions:
Preheat oven at 350

mix everything together. you really have to mix it... it takes awhile but it will start to come together. then you roll into little balls and flatten on the cookie sheet.

bake for 10 mins

when they come out of the oven take your 1/4 tsp measuring spoon and put holes in the cookies. use back part.

when cooled filled with filling

Paula Deens Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

I love Paula Deen. Shes so funny! She cracks me up!
So I am all about easy... why not? no one has time to bake stuff. To be honest I dont. thats why all these things are easy... Like these cookies



You will need
1 egg
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all together
pre heat oven at 350
place on cookie sheet
bake for 10 -12 mins

TA DA! Delish cookies!!

Baked Apple Donut Holes

I hate rain. Today all my photo sessions got cancelled because of stupid rain. But on the bright side I got to do some baking and get caught up on editing. As I watch Julie and Julia I realized I should put these recipes on my blog lol ... i love that movie.

I got this brownie pop maker thing from my friend ness. so when i saw this recipe I knew that I could use it. but you can use a muffin tin. These are very good btw! the picture of the red thing is my brownie pop maker

You will need:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup flour
1 3/4tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup cold butter
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cup chopped apples

Coating:
1/4 cup melted butter
1//3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
preheat oven at 350

mix brown sugar, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg together. then add butter, egg and milk
then add apples

then place in a greased small muffin tin

bake for 10-13 minutes
let cool

then melt butter in one dish and in another dish mix sugar and cinnamon.

then roll donut hole in butter then role in sugar mix

Candy Corn Cupcakes

I dont like Candy Corn. I think its a useless waste of sugar on my part. The only thing I really hate about Halloween. and now they came out with Christmas ones too.
But when I saw how easy this recipe was I couldnt help my self. Especially when we have 2 little guys this weekend. Who think that changing white batter to orange and yellow is cool.. had to try them.

As always this is pretty easy and straight fwd. thats my motto, if its complicated I am not trying it. I dont have time.

You will need:
your favorite white cake mix ( I used a box kind)
yellow food coloring
orange food coloring
your favorite icing
candy corn for decoration


Directions: bake at 350
Mix cake mix as you normally would
then separate in 2 bowls.
Mix yellow food coloring in one bowl and orange in the other
put half of one color in the bottom  and then use the other color on top
bake as the box says

cool
top with icing and candy corn!

DONE!

Sinful Cinnamon Muffins

I am no longer going to hide this fact. Its really not that bad... but I know that I will get you all addicted... its call Pinterest.com  the most addicting thing next to facebook. And anyone who has it, you know I am not lying. This muffin recipe had been floating around for a bit. I keep going back to you it. so I decided to make them. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!! Cause they just came out of the oven and I ate 2. and the one in the pic is going to be gone pretty soon. The truckers arent getting these tonight thats for sure! Sorry loaderman these are mine!!!

This is probably the most difficult recipe I have done. it took a lot of dishes but after you get everything ready its a breeze!

Topping
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Flour
3 tablespoons soft butter

Filling
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon
3 to 4 tablespoons water
Batter
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups Flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon  nutmeg


Prepare the topping by mixing the ingredients together until crumbly. Set aside.

Prepare the filling by mixing all the ingrediants and then enough water to make filling with a soft, pudding-like consistency. Set it aside.

To make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the chips. Add the dry mixture to the liquid, stirring just until combined.

Divide half the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Dollop 2 teaspoons cinnamon filling onto each muffin, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle with topping, pressing it in lightly.

Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven, and wait 5 minutes before transferring them from the pan to a rack to cool.

Icing Topping:
1 tblsp of Milk
1/2 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of icing sugar

mix all together and place on top when cooled!!Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Well hello!!

Hey Everyone

I started this blog as a way to share all my favorite recipes with my friends and family and facebook followers. I want to thank you all for visiting. I have average about 25 visitors a day!! I am so thankful an blessed.

I love to bake. I find it such a stress reliever. Some day... maybe sooner than I want it to be I would love to open a cupcake shop. Stay tuned for the many changes.

Fall is my favorite time of year. I have so many recipes stirring up and then I have a ton of recipes for christmas. If there is something you like and youre not a baker I do sell my product. if you are interested!! I recommand a 24 hr notice and may not be able to take all orders.

Thank you !
Paige

Apple Cobbler Cookies

So I went to Greenes the other day and got some fresh lobo apples. Cortlands are my favorite but I have to wait a little longer for them. But these will do. I have to think or find recipes with apples cause I gotta use them up.

You will need:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cup oats
1 apple

Directions:
Pre heat oven at350
Mix sugar and butter together first. Then add the rest of the ingrediants BUT the apple.
spoon mixture on cookie sheet
cut apple up into slices and place a slice on top of each cookie.
Bake at 350 for 10 mins

Enjoy!

Banana Bread

My mom makes the worlds best banana bread. No word of lie... even better than Irvings Banana Bread. and thats amazing banana bread! Especially if you go to Curtis Corner Irving... highly recommend it!!
Heres my take on Banana Bread!

You will need:
3 or 4 bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
a pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup flour

Directions:
preheat oven at 350
Mix bananas and sugar together first. I dont know why but apparanetly its better that way!
then mix butter, egg, vanilla, baking soda and salt
then mix in flour
then place in greased baking pan
makes one loaf
cook for 1 hr

Enjoy!

Whoppie Pies

Another one of Jonathans favorite is whoppie pies... and I have to admit I have come to enjoy them too!

You will need:

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

5 tablespoons butter

1 cup milk

1 egg

5 tablespoons cocoa

2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Beat together sugar and butter, add egg and mix until combined. Sift together dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture and milk and mix well. Drop on an un-greased cookie sheet by small tablespoons. Bake 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a wire rack.

Filling:

1 c. milk
6 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

Cook milk and flour in saucepan until thickened. Cool, and beat in remaining ingredients. Beat until filling is light and fluffy.

Grammy Hambrooks Cornflake Cookies

Jonathan loves Cornflake cookies. When we first started dating and I asked him what kinda baking he liked he said he LOVED cornflake cookies. So I started searching for them. When looking through my grammy hambrook cookbooks I discovered her cornflake cookies and then started remembering eating them and how good they were.

 

 

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
5 cup cornflakes, plain

1 cup melted chocolate

 

Mix sugar and cornsyrup together. Add peanut butter and cornflakes and mix well. Melt chocolate and add to mixture. Then drop cookies on wax paper and wait until harden

 

 

 

Frostings

Whipped Frosting:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 24 tablespoons (3 sticks) butter, cut into 24 pieces, softened

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk and pour through a fine mesh strainer set over a medium sized pot. Cook the strained mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it boils and becomes thick. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes and should thicken to the point that it becomes difficult to stir, like a very stiff gravy.
2. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. Place the bowl in the fridge to cool it down faster if you are in a hurry, but be sure that the mixture is at room temperature (not too warm or too cool!) before adding the butter.
3. Beat the mixture on medium speed and add the vanilla extract. Beat in the butter one piece at a time until all 24 pieces are fully incorporated, about 3 minutes. Increase the speed of the mixer to medium high and beat the frosting for 5 minutes.
4. Place the frosting in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to thicken a bit before frosting your cake.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting½ cup (1 stick/8 Tablespoons) butter (set at room temp about 10 minutes, but should still be cool)
8 oz. cream cheese (directly from fridge)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (always use pure vanilla extract if possible)
4 cups powdered confectioners sugar
1 to 4 Tablespoons heavy cream, heavy whipping cream (or milk- although I do like the richness that cream adds)

Directions:
*Place butter in a large mixing bowl and blend slightly. Add cream cheese and blend until combined, about 30 seconds.
*Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar and blend on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until it begins to get fluffy.
*Slowly add the heavy cream, a little bit at a time until desired consistency is met. (Don't add too much if you want the frosting to stay in place when piped on cupcakes.)
*Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
*Use at once or keep refrigerated. (This frosting will keep well in the refrigerator for several days, but you may need to re-beat it for the best texture.)



Pumpkin Walnut Cupcakes

Last pumpkin recipe for today...the smell is kinda overwelming... but is smells like fall in my house!
Now I used buttercream icing but you can use ANY icing recipe thats your favorite. They say cream cheese icing is good with this too but I dont like cream cheese icing but Im sure it would be good.

1  cup all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but really add a nice flavor and texture)

~Directions~

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.

In another large bowl whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.

Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until completely combined.

Stir in chopped walnuts

Scoop batter into cupcake pan, lined with paper liners.  Fill cups about 3/4 full.  This batter perfectly makes 12 standard sized cupcakes.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 (F) degrees for 22-24 minutes.

then add your favorite icing!

 

 

Pumkin Crumble Muffins

So I have a can of pumpkin stuff... so the next few posts will involve pumpkin. I really excited about fall coming. I have so many amazing recipes to share with you. I also have some cool craft stuff to show you too!!
Thank you to all those visiting my site. If you bake anything let me know under the comments how they turned out for you! Also let me know if there are any recipes that you would like to see! I am hoping to get to the apple orchard and get some apples to make some apple recipes!

you will need:
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2  cup oil
2 eggs

topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 tblsp cold butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F / 180 deg C and line or grease muffin tins.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat sugar and oil together till creamy; then add eggs and mix well.

3. Add flour, baking soda and baking powder and mix well. Then add the remaining spices, vanilla extract and pumpkin puree; mix well.

4. Divide evenly into the muffin tins and then prepare crumb topping

5. Mix sugar and flour together and then cut in butter until it resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle on top of muffins.

6. Bake in preheat oven for 20 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Loosen the edges of the muffins with the toothpick and let cool before removing from the tin.

Apple Strudel Muffins

I went to MacAllisters Farm this weekend and went apple picking. Highly suggest to go. I got 2 buckets of apples for $5 each. and the most amazing apples... yum!!

you will need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/2 cups chopped apples

Topping:

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan.              

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar and eggs until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Stir in apples, and gradually blend in the flour mixture. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin pan.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture is like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over tops of mixture in muffin pan.
Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow to sit 5 minutes before removing muffins from pan. Cool on a wire rack.               


my dos and donts with this recipe:
cut apples small!! mine where a little big so cute them small
make extra topping!! cause you will coat it on!! lol I know i did ... enjoy!!

Paige

quick snack: Chunky Monkey

2 tablespoons of chunky peanut butter
1 totilla
1 banana

spead an even later of peanut butter over the tortilla. lay the banana towards the bottom tightly roll the tortilla around the banana.
Slice and enjoy!

Chef Michael Smiths Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

its no secret in my house that I am IN LOVE with Chef at Homes Michael Smith! He makes cooking and baking sooo easy. Highly suggest to watch him. Hes from PEI and hes sponsoured by SuperStore. So when he cooks he takes you into the grocery store and shows you different things that are there. So its a place you can find all the ingrediants!

You will need

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup (or more!!) chocolate chips

preheat oven at 375
mix flour baking powder and salt together

then add butter and sugar. then egg and vanilla.  and then the chocolate chips

place on greased pan and bake for 12mins

Aunt Donnas Rice

This is my favorite rice. I make it often. It takes forever to cook but worth every bite!

You will need:
1 pkg Onion Soup Mix
2 cups long grain rice (not minute rice)
3 cups water
1/3 cup soya sauce
1/3 cup vegtable oil

Veggies of your choice: onions, green pepprs, mushrooms, celery
Meat of your choice: (which youdont have to add) chicken, ground beef, porkchops

Mix all together in a dish

Bake at 350 for 1hr to 1 hr 30 mins

Enjoy!!

Leave some love! tell me how your recipes turn out!!

Smartie Cookies

You will need:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup smarties

Mix all together. then fold in smarties. drop by spoon on greased pan.
bake at 350  for 10 mins

Grammy Hambrooks Mars Bar Sqaures

another one of Grammys recipes. These are super super easy!!

You will need:
4 Mars Bar cut up
1/3 cup butter
3 cups of Special K or Rice Krispies
1 pkg of choclate chips

place mars bars and butter in a microwave safe dish and melt in mircrowave for about 1 minute. Then add Special K. Press in a 9 x 9 pan. Melt chocolate chips and put on top.

Grammy Hambrooks Marinated Carrots

My grammy hambrook was an amazing cook too. when she passed away I couldnt wait to get my hands on her secret recipes! well they always seemed very secret to me, cause I never seen her give them to anyone. As I look through her recipes I remember all the times I came into her house and could smell what she was cooking. Her secret ingrediant in all her recipes "love".

you will need:
1 lb thinly sliced cooked carrots cooled (a little undercooked)
1 large onion
1 medium green pepper

Sauce:
1/2 can Tomato Soup (heinz works best)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all together and add vegetables. Let them marinate for several hours in the fridge.

The Boss Lady's Chocolate Brownies

you are probably wondering who the boss lady is? well she is my mother. Its a nickname I gave her a few years ago because theres no other way to describe her. But shes my mom and I love her soo much. This recipe is straight from her recipe box (one of the best recipe boxes out there I tell ya). These brownies are soo good and they may not taste the way mom makes them, there stuff always tastes better anyway, but they are delish!

You will need:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp salt

Optional items:
chocolate chips and walnuts

Melt butter and then add cocoa, eggs. sugar salt and then flour. mix it all together. add optional items

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins (hint take them out a couple minutes early and they are super gooey!!)

Icing:
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons of cocoa
2 tablespoons of milk
2 cups of icing sugar

mix all together you may need more milk or more icing sugar i just eyeball it!

Brown Sugar Sauce

This sauce is AMAZING! Especially if you have warm blueberry cake (which I tried to make twice last week and didnt turn out, I was not made to make that cake). Its so easy and so simple.

1 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoon flour

pinch of salt

1 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix brown sugar, flour, salt and boiling water in a sauce pan. cook on low heat until thickened. then add butter and vanilla

Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Now dating a trucker who always takes a lunch I start to run out of ideas on what to make this guy. so when I seen this recipe and how easy it was I said I have to give it a try. It really was that easy. I am all about simple!! lol  you can use other jams if you want. I chose strawberry because it was my favorite and what I had here.

1 cup cold butter

2/3 white sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

½ cup strawberry jam

　

Pre heat oven at 350

In the bowl ass cold butter sugar and vanilla beat until well combined

Mix flour and continue mixing until dough comes together

Roll into balls (smaller than a golf ball bigger than a grape) then use your pinky and into each one make a well for the jam. Fill the wells with jam

Place cookies in fridge for 10 mins DO NOT SKIP!!!

Bake for 12 mins

Mini Cheesecakes

Soooo gooood..... is all I have to say about this recipe. Thank goodness my trucker doesnt like cheesecake cause I am pretty sure I ate most of them! I shared with a few friends but  I know I ate 80% of them.

so what you need is:
CRUST:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup melted butter

1/3 cup sugar

Filling:

Jello No Bake Filling ( you can get it at the bulk barn)

Milk

Topping:

Caramel Sauce

Peacans/Nuts

Chocolate sauce

Directions:

Crust: Combine all ingredients and place into muffin cups in a muffin tin. Bake at 400 for 8 mins (keep an eye cause they burn easy) let cool

Filling: mix no bake filling as directed. place on top of graham cracker crust and let set

Then add your toppings. you can you cherries, blueberries, strawberries whateve you  like!

Welcome

Hey Everyone

One of my favorite past times is to bake. I love it... just as much as I love photography.

Growing up my mom was always baking. We were always trying a new recipe and continiously baking the favorites!

I always wanted to open a cupcake shop or a sweet shop.... maybe someday! Right now I will share with you some of my favorite recipes.


Paige

Cinnamon Sugar Mini Cupcakes

I made these cause I wanted something different and something quick and easy. These were the easiest thing to make ever!

you will need:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons of margarine (soft)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla

For Coating
6 tablespoons of margarine
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Preheat oven at 350
spray a mini pan with nonstick cooking spray
 In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, nutmeg

then mix in margarine, egg, vanilla  and mix with an electric mixer until smooth.

scoop batter into mini muffin pan

bake for about 10 - 12 mins (ovens may vary)

let cool

To make topping: in a bowl melt butter but not completely then mix in sugar and cinnamon. dip tops of muffins in. I dipped mine in twice for that extra coating.


Enjoy!! Please leave comments and let me know how yours turned out!!