Thursday, June 4, 2009

Baking Spree

I have been on a baking spree this week. I am not a baker by nature. It's something I do because I feel like I should. Not because I find "peace while baking". Nope. Not that kind of baker. Whatever kind of baker I am, my family is enjoying the spoils.

I began the week making a batch of those not-so-bad-for-you cookies that Angry Chicken posted. They are a huge hit in this house. Their texture is very cake-like. I believe they were described as "a muffin top that tastes like a cookie" and that is a pretty accurate description.

I changed the name to Stick and Twig Cookies. I am often given raised eyebrows for my healthy eating choices and I joke that my food is made with sticks and twigs...because it is so natural and free of rubbish. I didn't change the recipe that was posted too much. I added some cinnamon. And I used part milk chocolate chips and part dark chocolate. They were gone within two days and more were requested. Good sign.

The Boy and The Girl have become fond of cinnamon raisin toast for a morning snack. I buy the most wholesome kind available, but it isn't quite stick and twig enough for me. So I found a recipe here and made some changes. Of course I used whole wheat flour. I also substituted plain yogurt instead of the buttermilk. Next time I would swap part of the butter for applesauce. I was running low on the sauce and needed to save it for the next batch of cookies.

I baked the second batch of Stick and Twig cookies tonight. This time it's the raisin spice version. I added a tad more cinnamon and a cup of raisins instead of chocolate chips. I also put a cap of vanilla in for some extra flavor. They didn't get the squeals of delight like the chocolate chip version, but hey...they are cookies. And eaten they were.

Tomorrow I will pull out the baking hat again. The rhubarb and strawberries are sitting patiently, waiting to be made into summer goodness. My mouth is watering already.