Chocolate Chip Cookies, Butter Vs Margarine Or What?

If you are having a problem like this, try using different shortenings in the same recipe. For a true test make the chocolate chip cookies at the same time and keep the recipe identical. Making the same number of cookies from each recipe is also necessary. Do tests using butter, margarine, solid shortening, butter flavored solid shortening and a lard recipe. All shortenings should be at room temperature when mixing. You will notice a difference right away in the feel of the cookie dough. After baking, a noticeable difference is apparent in the appearance of the cookies; something to remember if you want a nice presentation. Taste each cookie while warm and also when they are cold. Crispness and crunchiness are more apparent in the cold cookies. Be sure to drink water in between each taste.

The first chocolate chip cookies to mix up should be a butter vs margarine. You will notice that the butter dough is soft, while the margarine dough is almost too soft to handle. Now this could vary depending on which brands of butter and margarine used. Some have more of a water content than others. After baking, you will immediately notice that both cookies made with butter and margarine lost their shape while spreading. A taste will reveal a richer flavor in the butter cookies. Also the butter seems to enhance the flavor of the chocolate chips. An aftertaste seems to linger from the margarine cookies. Cookies made with the butter produces the chewiest ones.

Cookies

The lard recipe makes a dry cookie dough. Lard is the fat from pigs and used to be very popular in home baking. It is still the choice in shortening in many countries and makes very good pie crust. Although the cookies taste good, lard just does not have the flavor like butter does for those chocolate chip cookies. The spread of the cookies is even greater than the butter and margarine thus diminishing the appearance.

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Butter Vs Margarine Or What?

The cookie dough using solid shortening is firm but not dry like the lard. The most noticeable characteristic is apparent while baking. The cookies become puffier with less spread, which makes a nice appearance for presentation. The taste is good but not as good as chocolate chip cookies made with butter, lard or margarine. Using the same brand of solid shortening but with imitation butter flavor added, produces different results. The dough is a little softer, but the appearance of the baked cookies is about the same. The biggest difference comes in the taste, not rating near as good as the butter, lard, margarine or plain solid shortening. Both of the solid shortenings produce the crispiest cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Butter Vs Margarine Or What?

Frances Peffly Moore, chef and author, with help from her daughter, Kelly have created http://www.painlesscooking.com to help people with basic cooking. One important key in cooking and baking is knowing the difference in shortenings. http://www.painlesscooking.com/the-chocolate-touch.html

Classic Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies

It is also known as "Mexican wedding cookie". Italian Wedding Cakes is effortless and simple to make recipe. It is hard to give explanation how tasty this Italian Wedding Cakes is. Here is some information about Classic Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies

1. History of Classic Cookies
2. The texture of the Classic Cookies

Cookies

1. History of Classic Cookies:

Classic Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies

The name "wedding cookies" is a remaining mystery to all. A small number of Latinos bake them in their resident countries for their family. In fact, there is no actual word for them in Spanish. Recipes for them are not present from for the most Mexican and Russian-language cookbooks. More people are questioning still is why they are connected with weddings. Brides and grooms will offer them at their receptions. Italian Wedding Cookies are Pignoli, Biscotti, Pizelle, Cucidati, Butter Cookies, Seed Cookies, Anise Cookies, Lady Lock Cookies and Peanut Butter Blossoms.

In the wedding guests, too, if a 7-foot-long table filled with Classic Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies will awaits you at the reception. It signifies an impression of the bride and groom at a wedding. The cookie table was a wedding ceremony custom. It was a cultural in Italy. Women family members from both sides of the families would start months earlier than the wedding making their favourite cookies. The cookies are brought to the wedding ceremony along with other presents for the couple. The cookies would be presented on long tables. Guests of the wedding ceremony come to the reception, find their table or seat, and go to the cookie table. They use plates to get their favourite cookies.

2. The texture of the Classic Cookies:

There is a unique cookie, known to numerous individuals. It is easily broken and fine, with plenty of different names that indicate the same thing. It is a melt-in-the-mouth confectionery with a lot of cherish with warm and loving memories to all. Sometimes it is blurring but always with loving recollections of mother or grandmother baking, with friends and family gathered round for festive occasions. The kitchens covered with the sweet aroma of a unique and well baked morsel that comes with a butter-and-nut flavour.

Classic Cookies - Italian Wedding Cookies

Balajee Kannan has written several articles in topics including ceramic cookie jars [http://www.ceramiccookiejars.org/], hair dryer attachments [http://www.hairdryerattachments.org/], wedding bouquets, battery chargers.

Bisquick Recipes Cookies - Easy & Quick To Prepare!

These bisquick recipes cookies are quick, easy and delicious. Just check these out and I'm sure you'll be amazingly surprised.

So here we go for some bisquick recipes cookies:

Cookies

>> Bisquick Cookies

Bisquick Recipes Cookies - Easy & Quick To Prepare!

1 egg

1 instant pudding/small package

1/4 c oil

3/4 c bisquick

Combine all ingredients. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet.
Flatten slightly. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

>> Bisquick Sausage

1 lb cheddar cheese

1 lb breakfast sausage

3 c bisquick mix

Combine sausage, bisquick and grated cheese and mix very well. Form into 1 to 2 inch size balls. Place on un greased baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. May be made ahead and frozen.

>> Bisquick Butterscotch Brownies

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 box brown sugar

1 can coconut

1 stick butter- room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups bisquick® baking mix

4 large eggs

Mix all ingredients and bake in 9x13 baking pan. Bake on preheated 350f oven for 45 minutes. Cool on rack, cut while warm.

>> Strawberry Shortcake (Bisquick)

2 Pt strawberries -- sliced

2/3 c sugar

2 1/3 c bisquick

3 tb sugar

3 tb margarine or butter -- melted

1/2 c milk

3/4 c whipping (heavy) cream

Sprinkle strawberries with 2/3 c. Sugar; let stand 1
hr.

Preheat oven to 425 f.

Mix bisquick, 3 tb. Sugar, margarine and milk until
soft dough forms. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls into
6 mounds on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with
sugar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Beat whipping cream in chilled bowl until stiff.
Split shortcakes; spoon strawberries between halves
and over tops. Top with whipped cream.

High altitude: heat oven to 450 f. Decrease the 3 tb.
Sugar in shortcakes to 1 tb.

That's it for today! If you want more bisquick recipes cookies, be sure to visit us today at:

Bisquick Recipes Cookies - Easy & Quick To Prepare!

Quick Easy Recipes Secrets [http://www.quickrecipesdy.info/] Is The Favorite Cooking Newsletter On The Net. Visit Us Today!

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Christmas is a special time in Scandinavia and Sweden in particular. Tradition and Heritage are extremely important to Swedish culture and there are many traditions which are widely upheld. In most traditional Swedish homes, the smell of home baked foods and desserts fill the air at Christmas time. The Swedes really love to cook and for many, the holiday season and the Christmas Eve celebration is the highlight of their year.

One recipe, which is very popular in Sweden, is for a cookie called the Pepparkakor.

Cookies

Pepparkakor, literally translated, means "pepper cookies" but I've yet to see a recipe that included any pepper. They are similar to the American gingersnap cookie but they are generally thinner, crisper and smoother in texture.

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Many refer to this cookie as a "ginger thin" and they are commonly called "gingernuts" in the United Kingdom. Besides their great taste, pepparkakor cookies are used as Christmas decorations as well. They are frequently shaped like little men or women, pigs, hearts or goats. If left round, they are decorated with frosting to give them more character.

Using a drinking straw, you can create a small hole in the pepparkakor cookie prior to baking. After the cookie has cooled, tie the cookie to the Christmas tree with a beautiful white or red colored ribbon.

Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

Makes 2-3 dozen cookies (depending on shape/size)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup molasses

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 ounces butter

2/3 cup water

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 egg

1 tablespoon light (or dark) corn syrup

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Preparation:

The dough should be well-chilled before baking. You can either start a day early and chill overnight, or start preparing 1-2 hours before the cookies will be needed.

In a heavy pot, combine the molasses, sugars, spices and water. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently.

Add the butter to the mixture (in pads or chunks) and remove the pot from the heat. Continue stirring the mixture until the butter has melted and the mixture is uniform in consistency. Pour the hot mixture into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine the flour, corn syrup, egg and baking soda and whisk until well-blended. Combine with the hot mixture and stir until the dough has formed. Place the dough on a lightly floured board and knead for 1-2 minutes. Wrap the dough in waxed paper and chill until the dough is firm (1-2 hours or overnight).

On a lightly floured board, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch in thickness (the thinner, the crisper) and either cut into shapes or make round cookies about 2 inches in diameter. Put the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool.

About the only thing left to do is to enjoy these fabulous Swedish Christmas cookies with the ones you love... Enjoy!

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Holly Hallberg studied French and Art History at the Sorbonne and graduated from the American University of Paris. As a lover of modern Scandinavian design and architecture, Holly travels each year to find new Scandinavian Designers and the products they create.

For modern Scandinavian design objects, furniture, clothing and toys, visit her online store at: http://www.huset-shop.com

Shrek Gingerbread Man Cookies and Crafts

GINGERBREAD MAN FOAM OR WOOD MAGNETS

Materials:

Cookies

Light brown craft foam or craft wood in shape of gingerbread man

Shrek Gingerbread Man Cookies and Crafts

Acrylic paints - light brown, white, red, light blue and purple

Ribbon or Stick-on magnets

Method:

Using this Gingy picture as a guide, cut out brown craft foam in the shape of a gingerbread man. If you prefer, use craft wood in the shape of a gingerbread man and paint it light brown.

Using white paint, detail eyes, cuffs, and belt. Add blue eyebrows, red mouth, and purple buttons. (Of course you can use your own colors, but it won't look exactly like our Gingy!) -Glue a ribbon to the top to make an ornament or a magnetic strip to make a magnet.

Gingerbread Man: Fire up the ovens, Muffin Man! We've got a big order to fill! [lightning flashes] IT'S ALIIIIVE!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GINGERBREAD MAN "GINGY" COOKIES

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. ground cloves

2 tbsp. vinegar

5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup molasses

1 egg

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar, and salt. Stir in eggs, molasses, and vinegar. Beat well. Sift dry ingredients, stir into molasses mixture. Chill 3 hours.

On lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Use gingerbread boy and girl cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 5 minutes. Decorate, using the Gingy picture as a guide. Makes 5 to 6 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutter.

Shrek: Do you still know the muffin man?

Gingerbread Man: He's down on Drury Lane. Why?

Shrek: Because we're gonna need flour. Lots and lots of flour.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAKE GINGY FROM PUMPKIN PLAYDOH

5 1/2 Cups Flour

2 Cups Salt

8 teaspoons Cream of Tartar

3 1/2 Cup Oil

1 1/2 ounces Pumpkin Pie Spice

Orange Food Coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)

4 Cups Water

Mix all of the ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until lumps disappear. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth. Makes plenty for a group.

Gingerbread Man: Well, folks, it looks like we're up chocolate creek without a popsicle stick!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAKE GINGY FROM PLAY CLAY

2 c. baking soda (1 lb.)

1 c. cornstarch

1 1/4 c. cold water

liquid food coloring of choice

Acrylic or poster paints

Varnish, shellac or clear nail polish (opt.)

Stir together baking soda and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When mixture is consistency of moist mashed potatoes, turn into a bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let cool.

When Play Clay has cooled, it will have consistency of modeling clay. Use to form your Gingerbread Man. Unused Play Clay may be stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. Return to room temperature before using again.

Relatively flat items (1/8" thick) should dry overnight. Thicker objects take longer to dry. To shorten drying time, place clay objects in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Watch closely so items do not crack.

Color may be added to clay in several ways. Add liquid food coloring to clay as it is being made or paint finished objects, after they've hardened and dried, with acrylic or poster paints.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

Shrek Gingerbread Man Cookies and Crafts

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

Subscribe to the Kids Party Paradise Newsletter and get timely updates on popular new party ideas and themes, and so much more...

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

Whether a part of the assortment of Italian Christmas cookies or at a baby shower or wedding, these anise cookies are constantly making an appearances at my family celebrations (With a simple drop of food coloring they're perfect for any occasion!) If the licorice taste of anise doesn't suit you, try using almond, vanilla or even lemon extract...they are all delicious!

Makes about 8 dozen

Cookies

Cookie Ingredients

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons anise extract (almond, vanilla or lemon can also be used!)
2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2-3 tablespoons milk
Icing Ingredients

2 cups confectioners' sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
food coloring (optional)
sprinkles of your choice(optional)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your cookie sheets or pans by covering them with parchment paper.

To prepare these Italian Christmas cookies, get a large bowl and combine the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes. Crack in each egg, making sure to mix well after each one. Add your choice of extract.

Now combine the flour and baking powder, sifting it together so that there are no chunks of baking powder together. Take about a third of these dry ingredients and add them to the wet ones, using a hand or stand mixer to combine them. Then add about a tablespoon of milk. Repeat this process by adding another third of the flour mixture to your batter, and then another spoon of milk. The last batch of flour should be added very slowly, mixing in between so that you can determine how much flour is enough. You want the batter to be very easy to mold, but not sticking to your hands. The dough should not be stiff! If you add too much flour, try adding a few more drops of milk until the batter is easy to manage.

Using a tablespoon, drop balls of the batter onto the baking sheets, leaving space for them to bake and puff up in the oven.

Stick your pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until they puff up and the bottoms begin to turn a light golden brown.

While the cookies are baking, mix together the confectioners sugar, milk and extract of your choice (if you are using it). At this point you can also add food coloring if you want your icing to be a special color. White is also just as nice though!

After the cookies have mostly cooled, hold each one upside down and dip into your frosting glaze. flip it over and let it rest on a flat surface covered with wax paper. If you intend to use sprinkles, only dip a few at time and then sprinkle them, or else the frosting will harden and sprinkles will no longer stick. (If your frosting begins to harden before you are done dipping just microwave it for about 10 seconds to let melt again!)

Let the frosting harden to the touch, arrange on a plate and get ready to serve these Italian Christmas cookies to your family and friends!

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

http://www.tasty-italian-cooking.com

Should You Remove Cookies From Your Computer?

Many websites make use of cookies to keep track of your browsing activity. Some expire when you shut down your computer. However, some may run for years if left in there. Over some time, these long term cookies can really clog up your computer system and can also be unwelcome because they are used to store information about your computer use. They will update each time you open the website that downloaded them to begin with. To stop your computer being overloaded by cookies and to retain your privacy, you need to regularly remove them from your computer system.

How You Can Block Cookies

Cookies

Internet Explorer can be set to block the installation of cookies. To do this, in the Internet Explorer window, click on the Tools tab and click on Internet Options. In the dropdown box, click on Privacy. Then you can adjust the Settings slider to establish the way you personally want them to be installed on your computer.

Should You Remove Cookies From Your Computer?

With the slider right down at the lowest point, you accept all cookies without exception. The permissions gradually become increasingly restrictive as you move the slide higher on the scale. When set at the highest level, none will be allowed. At this top setting, any cookies already on your system do not work.

It is possible to easily override these settings for some websites, if you wish to, and to allow these sites to place cookies in your system. These would of course be sites that you want to work with and that will not run without them.

To accomplish this, click on Privacy, click Advanced. Then, in Advanced Privacy, you can decide how first party and third party cookies are to be used on your system. The first party version are those placed by websites you are visiting at this time. They could be of short or longer expiry time. These are very useful cookies as they save your website preferences for future visits. The third-party version very commonly come from sales websites, and are used to market to you, or they may be from spyware and adware sites.

How You Can Remove Cookies

All cookies may be removed from your system by using options shown by Internet Explorer. You can do the following to remove them:

1. Open up Internet Explorer and then click on the Tools tab. Next click on Internet Options.
2. Depending on which Internet Explorer version you have installed on your computer, click on the General tab and you will then find options to delete either Temporary Internet Explorer files or to delete Browsing History.
3. If what you see is Temporary Internet Files, just click on the Delete button.
4. In Delete Browsing History , click on Delete Cookies. This will then remove them from the system. You can also delete a number of other Internet files, such as history, passwords, and form data.

When you delete all cookies from the system, all of the preferred settings for various websites are removed. You should be aware of this and act appropriately.

We also recommend that you should use a top quality registry cleaner after performing these above deletions. A top quality registry cleaner, will remove remove all malicious entries placed in the system registry.

Cookies, although very useful for a variety of purposes, can clog up the computer system and can also be used by hackers for nefarious purposes. You must regularly delete them from your system in order to keep your computer safe. Use the options we have shown you in Internet Explorer. The registry cleaner can remove any remaining cookies or registry entries placed by spyware or adware sites.

Should You Remove Cookies From Your Computer?

Would you like to get a lot more free information about keeping your computer running well? would you like to know how to use a registry cleaner to clean your registry and greatly speed up your computer's performance? For this and much more free information and resources go to: http://www.bestregistryrepaironline.com

Quick And Easy Way To Home Package Cookies With These 8 Yummy Creative Ideas

You've spent the time and effort to bake your delicious homemade cookie gifts, now it's time to package them!

Don't spoil all your hard work with boring cookie boxes and packaging ideas.

Cookies

You want cookie gifts that say "Yummy!" - Perception is everything!

Quick And Easy Way To Home Package Cookies With These 8 Yummy Creative Ideas

First impressions are truly important. So it's unavoidable that you make a little effort to package your home-baked treats.

But where do you start? Here it is...

Theme:

Think about what the theme is for your cookie gift packages. For example, it is a birthday gift or for Christmas holiday giving? Perhaps it's for your Valentine? Use the theme on your packaging.

Ingredients:

What are the main flavors or the cookie ingredients you used? Apply this element to help enhance the aroma that you may want to portray on your cookie boxes or packages.

Protection:

Are your cookies fragile? Or do they need to be air-tight and stored in the fridge? Consider using for example, zip seal bags, if necessary.

Hygiene:

Always clean any used containers (or even store-bought new boxes) and dry before using.

When decorating your packages, be sure to use food safe items. Eg. Don't use glues where cookies may be in contact. Consider the point that your cookie gift recipient may not always be as careful as you when replacing cookies back into containers. Think from their viewpoint and see whether there is an alternative method for better hygiene.

With that said and done, here are your "8 Yummy Creative Package Ideas":

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 1:

"The Coffee Cup"

You may have seen a similar idea before, using a mug or coffee cup, but this is really a brilliant idea as people associate coffee cups with aroma.

Whether it be coffee or tea, this idea spells: 'Good times with a friend over a cup of coffee/tea and some sweets!'

- Pre-pack about 2 - 4 cookies in cellophane or sealed bag and place inside cup.
- Embellish with a gift tag and fabric ribbon around cellophane. (You can also write a message or recipient name on the mug).

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 2:

"Milk Carton"

This is perfect for butter cookies or packaging cookies for children. Either way, the milk carton makes a great packaging box.

- Wash and dry container before use. Carefully open the top without tearing the cardboard.

- Place cookies inside.

- Seal top with staples or strong sticky-tape. (Do not use glues as they are unhygienic and not re-openable.

- Decorate exterior with wrapping paper or fabric and ribbon.

If you are computer savvy, you could create a milk carton label with recipient name, theme graphics and colors to print and apply to your cookie carton!

Use one litre carton for giving to an entire family or a smaller carton for children or single recipients.

This is a great container for refrigerating your cookies also. Plus, the benefit is that the design of the carton semi-closes on its own with the folding techniques incorporated.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 3:

"Peanut Butter Bottle"

Great for peanut butter cookies! The theme, feeling and association is already there! And you don't even need to worry about pealing the bottle stickers off. Use it instead to create a quirky cookie packaging.

Use a square piece of fabric almost twice as large as the lid size and cover cookies before closing with the lid to create instant effective packaging.

Create a label digitally and print out for a dynamic gift. You don't have to cover the entire glass or bottle, leave a bit of room so they can take a peek at the yummy cookies you baked.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 4:

"Butter or Margarine Containers"

Unusual but very effective and fun. What's more, it has a lid and is lightweight for posting your cookies. Just keep in mind that most butter containers aren't air-tight.

You can decorate the exterior by creating your own labels, or sticking appropriate wrapping paper over. I recommend a food style, earthy tones and colors for this method.

Lastly, tie a ribbon around the package like you would a gift box. Large wide ribbons would give you a dazzling package.

Great for milk and butter cookies.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 5:

"Milo or Food Tins (with lid)"

Tins come in all different sizes and are great for air-tight cookie storing. And you won't have to pre-package your cookies in bags first.

Ideal for cookies that do not need to be refrigerated.

Also makes a great cookie gifting idea for boys or men.

You can even etch in writing or graphics onto the tin if you have the proper tools and use correct safety precautions.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 6:

"Candy or Chocolate Boxes"

Candies and cookies go hand in hand! These are little treats that the whole world love!

- Place your cookies lying flat into the box. You may need to take out the pre-made mould shapes used and use cardboard dividers to separate your cookies.
- Simply tie with ribbon and gift tag the package!

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 7:

"Cocktail or Martini Glass"

Great for alcohol-based cookies like rum balls during Christmas season!

- Place one cookie or two in cellophane, seal and place inside glass.
- Seal glass with clear food wrapping. Add ribbon and gift tag on glass stalk.

HOME-BAKED COOKIE PACKAGING IDEA 8:

"Tea Box"

Use small aroma infusion tea packaging boxes - usually ones that have only 10 tea-bags in each box. You can pack 2 to 3 cookies in each box and give more than one tea box for fun.

- Seal cookies with cellophane or food bag first and place inside decorated tea boxes.

Why not leave one tea bag in front of your cookies? It's a perfect invitation to a relaxing snack with a drink.

If you do not have any of these containers handy, you can easily buy them and transfer contents to other containers. Just make sure that it's well washed and that most of the original scents are gone (except in the case such as the peanut butter bottles).

Not only are these 8 Yummy Ideas creative and fun, they also bring out the aroma of your delicious homemade cookies.

Start using these mouth-watering cookie packaging ideas. It's a sure way that your cookies will be eaten instantly!

Quick And Easy Way To Home Package Cookies With These 8 Yummy Creative Ideas

Copyright 2006 Janlia Chong

~* Janlia Chong has held onto her title as Baking Sensation because of her near endless knowledge of baking and packaging treats. Her ability to impress is one of her biggest traits. What's her trick? Simple, she takes something that sounds difficult and makes it easy and fun. Follow Janlia's advice and you'll be busy baking treats for the entire family. Visit http://www.BakingHugs.com *~

How to Make Soft, Chewy Cookies in 5 Simple Steps

"Why aren't my cookies soft and chewy?" is a question I hear often. When you prefer soft and chewy cookies, it can be disappointing when they turn out hard and crispy.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to make sure your homemade cookies turn out soft and chewy every time:

Cookies

1. Pay close attention to baking time. Cookies are small and bake quickly so just an extra minute in the oven can take your cookies from soft and chewy to crispy. Cookies also continue to cook once removed from the oven (from heat left in the cookies and on the baking sheet.) Be sure to pull your baking sheet of cookies from the oven when they are just lightly golden around the edges, but still soft appearing on top. Let them cool for several minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Soft, Chewy Cookies in 5 Simple Steps

2. Measure flour carefully. Cookies with too much flour can turn out hard. Be sure to measure your flour accurately. It settles in the bag/canister so should be fluffed up with a spoon or whisk before you measure it. Don't pack flour into the cup. Gently scoop it or spoon it into the measuring cup and then level off the extra flour by sliding the flat side of a knife or spatula across the cup.

3. Consider your sweetener. The type of sugar or sweetener will make a big difference in the texture of your cookies.  Cookies made with white sugar will be crispier and crunchier while cookies that contain brown sugar, molasses, honey, or a little bit of corn syrup will tend to be chewier. If you like chewy cookies, make sure you use a recipe with one of these sweeteners.

4. Chill the dough. Warm, soft cookie dough will spread more while baking resulting in flatter, crisper cookies. For thicker, chewier cookies, be sure to chill your dough in the refrigerator thoroughly before using it to bake your cookies.

5. Store Properly. Proper storage is important for maintaining a cookie's chewy texture. Soft chewy cookies must be stored in an airtight container once they are cool. Don't store them before they are completely cool or they will turn sticky and soggy. Yuck. Place a slice of bread or piece of apple with your cookies to keep them soft. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread/apple so they stay softer longer.

There you have it - softer, chewier cookies in just 5 simple steps.

How to Make Soft, Chewy Cookies in 5 Simple Steps

Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested.

Her website, http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com is dedicated to publishing the best cookie recipes, and her blog, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com explores easy recipes, tips, and hints.

Cooking - Liver

All liver is a great source of iron and B vitamins and should be a regular part of a healthy diet and if cooked correctly liver can be delicious. Although liver does have bad press and many people will not even consider trying it. Sometimes it calls for the cook to be somewhat inventive to get people to try liver. There are many recipes to choose from and it is worth the experimentation.

The best liver is the liver from young animals as it is mildest and tenderest. Calf's liver is delicate and delicious but fairly expensive. Real calf's liver is paler in color than the redder more mature baby beef liver. For a mild flavored liver choose the palest that you can find. The darker the color the stronger the flavor.

Cookies

Take care when choosing liver as sometimes baby beef liver is labeled calf's liver in the supermarket or grocery store. To ensure purchasing true calf's liver buy from a butchers or a reputable gourmet supermarket.

Cooking - Liver

Baby beef liver is stronger in flavor than calf's liver but is very good and preferable to actual beef liver. Liver from beef is dark red and the color corresponds to the strength of flavor. Beef liver is readily available but many believe it is too strong for simple preparations.

Some cooks after buying beef liver soak it in milk or a flavorful spicy marinade such as a white wine marinade before cooking to soften the intense flavor. After marinating throw the liquid away and pat the liver dry before cooking.

A lovely tender well-flavored liver is lamb liver but this is generally quite difficult to find.

Also hard to find is pigs liver, which is strong in, taste but extremely tender. Again for pig's liver it can be soaked or marinated like the beef liver.

When choosing liver it should be impeccably fresh with no slimy or dry patches and should have a clear scent.

Should you find yourself preparing a whole liver first wipe it with a damp cloth, then with a sharp knife remove any exposed veins, ducts or connective tissue. With your fingers peel away the thin outer membrane without tearing into the liver itself. You then just slice on the diagonal to the desired thickness your recipe calls for.

Of course presliced liver can be purchased and is actually more commonly available than whole livers. If the butcher has not done so remove the outer membrane on the slices.

Before cooking make 1/8th inch cuts at 1-inch intervals around the outside of the liver slice. The reason for this is because liver has a tendency to shrink and curl when it is cooked and these cuts will help to prevent that from happening.

The liver is now ready for cooking. Liver should be cooked until it is pink but firm in the center. If liver is overcooked or cooked on excessively high heat it will toughen.

Liver is a lot richer in flavor than many other types of meat so a 4-ounce serving should be ample as a main course for most appetites.

Cooking - Liver

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Cooking [http://cooking-guides.com/]

2 Year Old Behavior Problems - How to Discipline a 2 Year Old

Oh, the terrible twos! This is the age when your baby begins to challenge you with the need to assert their independence. They're constantly testing boundaries to see how far they can go and they can react violently when they don't get their way.

Tantrums are the most common behavior problems of this age group. Typically tantrum-throwing starts at age two and begins to taper off at age three or four. A two-year-old tantrum is a thing to behold: screaming, crying, hitting, biting, throwing themselves on the floor -- in short anything to express their frustration that they can't have what they want. Don't let it rattle you; it's something every child goes through.

Cookies

Understand that your two-year-old isn't trying to be naughty when he screams and throws himself on the floor because you took that box of cookies away from him. He's just overwhelmed by his frustration and has no other way to express it. At this age, the best way to handle a tantrum is to distract the child. Remove the focus of the tantrum (the box of cookies) and replace it with something else. The redirection technique works best with this age group. "Let's have some juice and we'll save the cookies for later." Or, "Let's go see what sister is doing."

2 Year Old Behavior Problems - How to Discipline a 2 Year Old

Sometimes nothing works and you just have to let the tantrum run its course. If the child becomes violent, (say they start throwing things, or banging their head on the floor) it may be necessary to hold them to keep them from hurting themselves or others. Once they've calmed down, move on without punishment or time outs, which aren't appropriate for a two-year-old.

If you're in the cookie aisle at the grocery store and little Jason throws a tantrum, move away from the cookies and distract him with another task. "Let's go find the potatoes we need for our dinner tonight," or "Let's go find that juice you like so much." Yelling, spanking and threatening will only exacerbate the tantrum and make things worse. Many parents are so rattled and embarrassed when their child throws a tantrum (especially in public) that they immediately give in to them. This will only reinforce the idea that throwing a tantrum gets them what they want.

Lastly, notice when and where tantrums tend to happen and avoid those situations until your child is old enough to handle them better. Let's say little Annie's in need of a nap after a morning of errands. Instead of going home and putting her to bed, you decide to stop at your local coffee house for a cup of Joe and a chat with your friend Marge. But, surprise, surprise, Annie is too tired and cranky to sit in the high chair and play with her toy while you chat. And, guess what happens? She has a meltdown, screams and cries and throws her juice on the floor. Annie's not trying to be difficult; she's just exhausted and needs to go home for a nap!

The good news is that the terrible twos don't last long! Hang in there, be patient and know that "this too shall pass"!

2 Year Old Behavior Problems - How to Discipline a 2 Year Old

If you'd like to learn more parenting tips [http://www.betterparentingskills.com], visit: [http://www.betterparentingskills.com] for more free advice.

Delete Browsing History - How to Clear & Permanently Delete Cookies and Cache From Your Web Browser

It has always been pretty simple to delete your Internet browsing search history. Your favorite browser, whether it is Internet Explorer, Firefox or some other, has long come with the option to delete your Internet, web and browser search history and to clear cookies and memory cache. The trick is your simply knowing what to do.

Now, remember that as in deleting other files, these files are not permanently erased until they are written over, so there are numerous special programs out there to permanently erase your search and Internet history. However, while most users do not know how to erase the history, even fewer know how to retrieve it, so using these built in functions is going to be successful for most computer users.

Cookies

Most people surfing the web still use Internet Explorer. On the top menu, simply click Tools/Options/Internet Options/General. Then click "delete files", then click OK. Finally click "clear history", then click Yes when prompted.

Delete Browsing History - How to Clear & Permanently Delete Cookies and Cache From Your Web Browser

Safari users have it easy. Simply click History on the top menu, and then click Clear History on the bottom of the list that appears. Just in case you did not know, Safari is now freely available for Windows users. It is one of the best browsers when it comes to protecting your search history and enabling private browsing.

If you are a Mozilla FireFox user, you will choose Tools/Options/Privacy/Clear. It is a piece of cake, right?

AOL is just as simple...Settings/Preferences/Toolbars and Sounds/Clear History Trail Now.

Granted, having to choose "toolbars and sounds" does not sound intuitive, but it does bring up an important point. If you have toolbars on your browser, like the Google, Yahoo, or Alexa toolbars, those also keep your search history for future reference...which is actually quite handy when you are trying to find something again and cannot remember what search term was successful.

However, if you are trying to cover your tracks, you do not want that information left there for prying eyes. As an example, click the Down arrow to the right of where you enter your search on the Google toolbar, and you will see your search history right in front of you. Fortunately, you will also see a link that says Clear History. Just click there, and your history is gone from sight.

All toolbars provide this sort of option, as well as an option to not even remember your Internet search history, although you might have to go into your browser and turn off the AutoComplete function.

But, again, if you want to truly make sure your search history is gone forever, you are going to need third-party privacy control software to do it. These programs cannot only clear history, cache and cookies, but they will usually permanently delete them from your computer where they cannot be recovered using undelete or data recovery software. Most programs on the market use government and military level deletion protocols, which wipe the data from your computer for good.

Delete Browsing History - How to Clear & Permanently Delete Cookies and Cache From Your Web Browser

For more in-depth and informative articles on all sorts of subjects ranging from anonymous web browsing to how to clean your hard drive to remove private data and for comprehensive reviews of the latest software available to protect your online privacy, such as Cyberscrub Privacy Suite, you should visit the Privacy Software Review Center right now at http://privacysoftware.biz

Shortening, Butter or Margarine - What is Best for Baking Cookies?

There is so much controversy about what is best to use for baking cookies. You may find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out this dilemma. Which one is healthier to use than the other? With a little research we can solve this dilemma.

First, what is shortening? It is a semisolid fat and refers to a hydrogenated vegetable oil. There is so much controversy about what is best to use for baking cookies. You may find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out this dilemma.Hydrogenation is a process of bubbling hydrogen through vegetable oil, changing its chemical structure. This process turns the liquid to a solid at room temperature and below. Shortening is 100% fat. Butter and margarine contain 80% fat. Hydrogenation produces trans fats, which are the unhealthy fats known to cause heart disease. The advantage of shortening over butter or margarine is its smoke point (higher temperature before burning). Another advantage is its has a higher melting temperature. During the baking process of cookies it helps dough hold its shape longer. This allows the flour and eggs to set, keeping the dough from spreading too much. There are some new shortening products on the market that contain no trans fats or very little.

Cookies

Second, what is margarine? Margarine is again made from vegetable oils and contains no cholesterol. Margarine is high the in good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated), but contains some saturated fats. Some margarine is worse than others. Hydrogenation solidifies the margarine. The harder the margarine the more trans fats it contains. Trans fat raise levels of bad cholesterol and lower the levels of good cholesterols, which makes it worse than saturated fat. Tub margarine is lower in trans fats than stick margarine.

Shortening, Butter or Margarine - What is Best for Baking Cookies?

Third, we all know that butter is created from a dairy cow's milk cream fat. Being that, it is animal fat, which is loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. Butter and margarine are equal in calories and fat. Each contains about 35 calories and 4 grams of fat per teaspoon. Butter is believed to contain traces of hormones and antibodies fed to the dairy cows. On the bright side butter contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

OK, now that you are confused now more than ever let's compare. Margarine is better than butter when it comes to our heart, but falls flat in the flavor department. Butter also adds a creamy texture. Shortening helps to keep your cookies from deflating or spreading out, but again it does not enhance the flavor. In fact shortening has no flavor. If you are a fluffy cookie fanatic use half shortening and half butter. You get the raised cookie with the buttery flavor.

Finally, what should you use, salted butter or unsalted butter. Salt in butter acts as a preservative, so butter won't turn rancid when left out at room temperature. The down side is you are adding extra salt to your recipe. The problem with reducing salt in a recipe to substitute for salted butter is different brands of butter has different salt contents. The rule of thumb is when using salted butter reduce the salt added ½ teaspoon per cup of salted butter. The purist baker will always use unsalted butter. That way they can be in control of the salt being added to the recipe. Salt in butter is also believed to add flavor, overpowering the sweet butter taste, and mask butter odor.

When it comes right down to the decisions between shortening, margarine, salted butter or unsalted butter is a personal preference. But at least with information we can make an informed decision. The best way to decide what is best for you is experiment. Try different ways to bake cookies and have fun. As they say, "The journey is the best part of the trip."

Shortening, Butter or Margarine - What is Best for Baking Cookies?

Our web site is all about baking delicious cookies, like the peanut butter cookie recipe [http://www.herecookiecookie.com] and her list of baking supply products. We give you all the kitchen utensils and recipes you will need to be a successful baker.

Frank H. Carter, [http://www.herecookiecookie.com]

Baking With Agave Nectar - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking with agave nectar (instead of granulated sugar) is as easy as pie, if you adjust to a few simple facts.

• Agave is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar
• It adds additional liquid to the recipe
• It browns quicker than a recipe with sugar
• It also makes the batter a bit stickier

Let's look at a standard chocolate chip cookie recipe and see what we need to change if we want to bake it with our natural sweetener.

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cookies

First, we want to replace the 1 1/2 cups of refined sugar, of course. I recommend using 1 cup (it's sweeter than sugar, remember?) of amber agave to compensate a little for the loss of the brown sugar flavor.

Baking With Agave Nectar - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Secondly, we need to re-thicken the batter because of the extra liquid from the agave syrup. So, let's increase the flour to 2 1/2 cups.

Next, turn down the oven temperature by 25 degrees. Cookies are normally baked at 375 degrees F, but since agave sweetened baked goods brown faster, we want to bake them in a slightly "slower" oven.

And finally, make sure your cookie pans are lined with parchment paper and sprayed well.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe With Agave Nectar

1 cup amber agave nectar
2 sticks butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

I'm sure you know the procedure for mixing a cookie dough, but just in case...

1. Beat the agave, butter, eggs and vanilla by hand or in an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy.

2. Sift together the flour, soda, and salt, and blend it thoroughly with the creamed mix.

3. Fold the chocolate chips and optional nuts into the batter.

4. Bake it off at whatever size you like. (I prefer 8-inch cookies. But, I'm a glutton!) Check your oven after 8 minutes or so. It shouldn't take much longer than 8-10 minutes.

Note: Baking cookies with agave nectar will result in a softer, moister end product.

One last tip: If you want to avoid all white sugar in your diet, use unsweetened or malt-sweetened chocolate chips!

Baking With Agave Nectar - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achim Thiemermann shares his unique recipes, funny chef stories and entertaining cooking videos through his culinary blog: [http://kitchen.chefkeem.com]

After many years of experimenting and cooking with agave nectar, Achim Thiemermann aka Chef Keem invites you to visit his new specialty website: http://buyagavenectar.com for recipes, agave info and myths debunked, and his expert recommendations for the purest organic agave nectar online shopping deals.

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies are a great easy cookie recipe that's perfect anytime of year, especially during the summer when it's too hot to turn on the oven.  They stir together in minutes using a handful of common pantry ingredients.

This recipe for no bake cookies was part of my childhood and may have been part of yours too. It's an old-fashioned recipe that has been around for decades, goes by many different names, and has lots of variations.

Cookies

Some recipes endure and these no bake oatmeal chocolate cookies are a perfect example. It's amazing how just reading a recipe can transport you back to the past.

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Many versions of this recipe call for 2 cups of sugar, which I find to be too sweet. This version uses 1 1/2 cups instead. 

Although this recipe for no bake cookies is quick and easy, a few helpful hints are in order. First, be sure to follow the directions exactly, boiling the mixture for 1 1/2 minutes. If you don't boil the sugar mixture long enough the cookies may not get firm and if you boil it too long they are apt to be grainy and dry.  And I've had success making these with both quick cooking and old-fashioned oats, so you are safe using whichever is in your cupboard.   

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups rolled oats, uncooked

Directions

Clear an area on your counter and line it with waxed paper for dropping the cookie mixture on. Alternatively you can line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the cocoa, sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook for 1 1/2 minutes while stirring constantly. Make sure the mixture is boiling vigorously (with bubbles all over the surface) before beginning to count the time.

Remove pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until creamy and well blended.  Add the oats and stir until thoroughly combined.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the waxed paper or lined cookie sheet.  I like to use a small cookie scoop when making drop cookies - it speeds up the process and gives the cookies a uniform appearance.

Let cool until firm, about 1 hour. You can speed this up by transferring the cookies to the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 dozen No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Variations:

• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added crunch.
• Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut with the oats.
• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts with the oats.
• Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins with the oats.
• To make larger flatter cookies, drop by tablespoons and then flatten slightly with the back of the spoon or your damp fingers.
• For cookie bars, press the mixture into a well greased 8-inch square pan. When firm, cut into desired size and shape bars.

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested.

Her website, http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com is dedicated to publishing the best cookie recipes

and her blog, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com explores easy recipes, tips, and hints.

Computer Cookies: Are They Good or Bad?

> Explaining "Cookies" (the non caloric ones that reside in your computer!)

You can't talk about all those nasty 'things' that can 'attack' your computer while you are surfing the Internet, like viruses or spyware, without talking about 'Cookies'. But what are they and are they really bad for my computer?

Cookies

Ok, first let's define the term, and then we'll explain the good and the bad about it.

Computer Cookies: Are They Good or Bad?

Cookie(s):

A small data (text and numbers) file (piece of information) created by a Web server (large computer that stores web sites) that is stored on your computer either temporarily for that session only (the time that you spend on a web site) or permanently on the hard disk (persistent cookie). Cookies provide a way for the Web site that you visit and go back to visit again, to identify users and keep track of their preferences. Amazon and Barnes and Noble online are very creative in the use of their cookies that get generated when you visit.

Here's an example from my computer from visiting the Disney.com website:

CP null*disneyworld.disney.go.com/1088 1761935360 30785590 403215680 29726670*

Notice that the only thing in that string of text and numbers that you can recognize is the name of the website. The rest of the information is simply a set of numbers that only a computer can understand.</p>

Why are cookies important to you? Well, you would not be able to browse through the Web as you are currently used to if you had cookies restricted on your computer.

Cookies are commonly used to "maintain the state" (the current or last-known status) of the session (time that you spend on a site) as a user browses around on the site. For example, if you filled out a form and decided to leave that for a moment to view another page, when you come back to that form, the information that you already filled in would still be there. Without cookies, the site would not know who you were.

On the 2 web sites that I mentioned, Amazon and Barnes and Noble, they both use a combination of cookies and online database to recognize you when you return to the site as well as "remember" your earlier choices and from those choices recommend possible book or music choices for you on your current visit.

Imagine, if you will, walking into a local Barnes and Noble store where a clerk immediately recognizes you, walks up to you as she calls you by name and walks you over to your own table of books and music. You see that they have put all of your favorite kinds of books and musicians on the table, both new and old works, all laid out for your quick viewing pleasure!

And, on the next table, is a sign saying "Other people who bought these items also purchased these items" so that you may find interesting items that you may never have seen but might find interesting. Wouldn't that make shopping a great experience?

Well, that is exactly what it is like to shop online with a sophisticated shopping web site like Barnes and Noble and Amazon! And it's only because of cookies remembering who you are that allows this type of service to occur.

Actually, as you have just seen, cookies on your computer are not a bad thing; it's just that the information that they contain can be quite enticing to unscrupulous people. Quite a bit of personal data may reside in the cookie files in your computer, such as ID and Password information. As a result, this storehouse of private information is sometimes the object of attack, which is what happens with some types of spyware.

The default (Default refers to a value automatically assigned to a computer program or device), settings in your Web browser typically allow "first-party" cookies that do not contain any personal information, but not "third-party" cookies.

Aha, now we're getting somewhere!

Because, a Tracking Cookie is a somewhat new term for a cookie that has been design by the above mentioned 'unscrupulous' people that do business on the Web. It is part of the unfortunate phenomenon known as Spyware! But, that's a topic for another whole article!

Computer Cookies: Are They Good or Bad?

Written by Debbi Baird, Co Owner, PC For Seniors Author of many technical articles in ‘plain English’ for the “Older Generation” and Trainer / Tutor / Consultant in the Palm Beach, Florida area. Go to http://www.pcforseniors.com to find more information on computers and the Internet in the “How Do I …” section of the web site! Also, check out the Hot Sites! Listing for links to great places to go online for Seniors!

Strawberry Champagne Cake and Strawberry Champagne Buttercream Frosting Recipe

For Easter I wanted to make a spectacular treat for my guests, and after careful contemplation I decided to make a Strawberry Champagne cake. I thought this was perfect for two reasons. First, it has been a long winter full of no fresh berries. The stores are replenishing their shelves with lush, ripe berries, and I want in! Secondly, I thought the strawberries mixed with champagne would be the perfect celebratory cake to eat when I watched Prince William and Princess Kate marry. Yes, I woke up at 4 am to watch the festivities, and yes, I ate strawberry champagne cake at 8 am! I had planned on having a glass of gorgeous pink strawberry flavored champagne along with my slice of cake, but, alas, I couldn't bring myself to do it so early in the day.

Anyway, I searched online and found a recipe that looked pretty good. And then I made it spectacular by adding my own special touches. I also have a favorite buttercream frosting recipe that I always use, and I used it for this cake, and added extra delicious ingredients. There is much debate when it comes to changing a recipe -- some are for it, and some are against it. I think it is essential to keep your liquid to dry ingredients about the same as it calls for in the recipe. But when it comes to adding fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts, I say knock yourself out! Eyeball it, make sure it looks (smells) right, and go to town. These small touches really make a recipe spectacular.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

To make the cake even more special I decided to add fresh strawberries and ganache to the center instead of just the strawberry buttercream frosting. This is a good idea in theory, however, I do not recommend using fresh fruit in a cake. I ended up having little streams pouring out of my cake, and I had a very sticky puddle on my cake platter. The sugar in the frosting brings out the juices in the fresh fruit. If you are intent on using fresh berries (as am I) I would recommend making a strawberry (or any other fruit or berry) sauce. This way you will still have the fresh ingredients without the sticky mess.

Strawberry Champagne Cake and Strawberry Champagne Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The cake was a hit! My family loved it, and my uncle even said that it would have to be his next birthday cake (what a compliment!). I think of all the desserts I have made, this is a fan favorite.

Strawberry Champagne cake:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cup sugar
2 egg

3 cups cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

½ cup champagne
½ cup pureed strawberries

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries

4 egg whites

Cream butter and sugar until light and smooth. Add the egg and mix until completely incorporated.

In a separate bowl combine and sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a dish combine the puree and champagne. Alternate adding the flour and strawberry mixtures to the butter mixture. Start and end with flour for a fluffy cake. Add the vanilla. Add the strawberries mixing until just incorporated. Fold in half the egg whites, then fold in the remainder.

I like to put the batter into a piping bag to fill the cupcake tins. Batter should reach just over ¾ of the tin.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter
1 package (2 pounds) powdered sugar
heaping 1/3 cup pureed strawberries
1 tsp vanilla
chocolate shavings for garnish

Cream the butter until light and fluffy. With continuous mixing, add a bit of the powdered sugar (add some of the strawberry puree if it gets too thick). Keep adding the sugar in small increments until completely blended with the butter. Add the remainder of the strawberry puree and the vanilla. If the frosting is still thick, add some champagne! Add chocolate shavings on top of the frosted cupcake for a decadent treat!

Happy baking!

Strawberry Champagne Cake and Strawberry Champagne Buttercream Frosting Recipe

For a modified cupcake variation of this recipe see my website: http://bodhibaker.blogspot.com/2011/04/strawberry-champagne-cupcakes.html

See my website for other recipes: http://www.squidoo.com/bodhi-baker

Bible Party Themes For Preschoolers - Fun Ways to Teach Young Children About God in Sunday School

Everyone likes to have a party! Preschoolers are no exception. You can make learning the Bible fun with some of the party themes outlined below. These are seasonal party ideas that are easy to plan and include devotions that will hopefully have a lasting impression on the little lambs in your church.

Nature Hike Party - Autumn
Purpose: To enjoy God's creation.
Activity: Go on a nature walk and collect flowers, twigs, leaves, pebbles, etc.
Craft: Provide zip-lock bags for each child. Punch a hole in each bag and tie them together with yarn to make a class nature book.
Snack: Trail mix.
Devotion: Review the Creation.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

Noah's Ark Party - Autumn
Purpose: An alternative to a Halloween party.
Activity: Have each child bring in their favorite stuffed animal. Have parents donate any wagons that they have at home for the party. Decorate wagons with crepe paper streamers. Have a parade with the stuffed animals.
Game: Play a CD with animal sounds and let the children tell you what kind of animal it is.
Snack: Animal crackers and milk.
Devotion: Talk about Noah building the ark and how Noah loved and obeyed God.

Bible Party Themes For Preschoolers - Fun Ways to Teach Young Children About God in Sunday School

Christmas Party - Winter
Purpose: Learn the Christmas story.
Activity: Make play dough cakes and decorate them with plastic candles to celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Game: Hide nativity figures around the room. Let the children find them and bring them to the stable.
Snack: Decorated cupcakes, and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.
Devotion: Tell the children the Christmas story.

Valentine's Day Party - Winter
Purpose: Show love to family and friends.
Teacher Prep: Make cookies ahead of time. Provide children with icing, plastic knives, sprinkles, and zip-lock sandwich bags.
Activity: Bake and decorate cookies to give to others.
Snacks: Decorated cookies and milk.
Devotion: Discuss how Jesus fed 5,000 people because He loved them very much.

Kite Party - Spring
Purpose: To have fun and enjoy being outdoors.
Activity: Flying kites. Have parents bring kites that either store bought or homemade for the big event.
Snack: Rice cereal treats and fruit punch.
Devotion: Talk about how Jesus calmed a storm (windy).

Easter Party - Spring
Purpose: Celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
Craft: Make musical instruments. String jingle bells of pipe cleaners, put beans in paper towel tubes and cover the ends, plus any other great ideas you have.
Activity: Play instruments and sing Christmas songs that praise Jesus.
Snack: Fruit and crackers with juice.
Devotion: Discuss the triumphal entry of Jesus.

Mother's Day Party - Spring
Purpose: Show love to mothers.
Teacher Prep: Provide cups, dirt, and small flowering plants. Also provide stickers, small pictures of the children, Popsicle sticks, and glue.
Activity: Let children decorate their cups with stickers and plant flowers in them. Glue a picture of each child on a Popsicle stick and push into the dirt beside the plant.
Snack: Cupcakes brightly decorated and juice.
Devotion: Let the children tell you why their love their mothers.

Father's Day Party - Summer
Purpose: Show love to fathers.
Teacher Prep: Cut out tie shapes with knots from construction paper. Punch holes on each side of the knots and string yarn through so dads can wear their ties.
Activity: Let children decorate the ties that they are going to give their dads with crayons and/or stickers.
Snack: Cookies and water.
Devotion: Talk about how much Joseph loved Jesus and took care of him as he grew.

Ice Cream Party - Summer
Purpose: A time for parents, teachers, and children to have fun.
Activity: Make sundaes.
Craft: Make ice cream cones by cutting out circles from a variety of colored paper and long triangles from light brown paper for the cones. Let children glue the ice cream circles on top of the cones and decorate with glitter.
Snack: Ice cream, toppings, plastic bowls and spoons, paper towels.
Devotion: God gives us food, and boy is it yummy!

Bible Party Themes For Preschoolers - Fun Ways to Teach Young Children About God in Sunday School

Denise Oliveri has been a Sunday school teacher for the past 13 years. She has taught children between preschool through 5th grade in this time. She is the owner of Preschool Sunday School Central, a site designed to help preschool Sunday School teachers find the best resources for helping with Bible lesson planning. There are tons of free resources just waiting for you to use.

Denise is also a homeschooling mom of three wonderful boys for the past seven years! She has taught electives for a local home school co-op, as well as taken many fascinating field trips with her children and husband. Homeschooling is a journey all in itself.

This article first appeared on Suite101.com on June 28, 2007, written by Denise Oliveri.

Make Your Baby Shower a Success With the Perfect Table Setting Decorating Idea

The perfect table setting decorating idea will be determined by three main things. First, by where the shower is being held. Second, by the theme you have chosen for your baby shower. Thirdly, by the tastes of the guest of honor and the guests you have invited.

Listed below are the items you will need for a successful table setting. Keep in mind that your own decorating idea/s will have a bearing on the table arrangement. Only you know the guests, the mother to be and family members. The items suggested below are only that, suggestions. They are to be used as hints to help you plan a successful baby shower.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

• Table Cloths: Linen and/or lace tablecloths would be used for a formal setting. For an informal party use paper tablecloths, or sheets with a design that fits the theme.
• Napkins: Napkins can be personalized with the names of the guests written on them. White napkins would fit any theme. Or you could use colored napkins or napkins with designs matching your baby shower theme. You could wrap the utensils with the napkin for a nice look.
• Novelty Napkins: Baby cloth diapers folded in a triangle shape would be a nice touch. Personalizing them with the name of the guests is an option. Or leave them blank, and the guests can give them to the mother to be to use for her new baby after the shower. Baby bibs personalized or not, with different designs fitting the theme of the shower.
• Napkin Rings: Use regular napkin rings, or you could be creative. Pacifiers could be used, the ones with the loop on the end. Roll the napkins up and use different colored diaper pins to keep them rolled up. Another idea is to use baby rattles with a looped end.
• Tableware: For a formal setting, use glass or china plates, stemware glasses, and silver or quality stainless utensils. While an informal setting would use paper or plastic plates, cups, and utensils. If using paper plates, use sturdy ones that will hold up well.
• Placemats: Again, a baby cloth diaper would be a good placemat. Some merchants carry diapers with designs, which would be a nice touch. You might even be able to find some with designs to match the theme. You could use paper placemats, or for a more formal shower, plastic or cloth.
• Place Cards: Whichever item you choose, put the name of the guest on the item chosen. Plain white cards, or white cards with clip art designs matching the baby shower theme would be an excellent choice. You could make your own place cards out of construction paper, possibly adding some designs. Refrigerator magnets matching the theme if possible. Personalized decorated Cookies, which the guests could have for dessert. Personalized Teething biscuits and bibs are another idea for a table setting decorating idea.
• Novelty Decorations: Suspended items you hang from the ceiling will enhance the table setting decorating idea. Small teddy bears, baby bottles, rattles, pacifiers, bibs, rubber duckies, baby socks, baby shoes, baby bibs, or other small baby related items. Giant peppermint sticks would be something different for a decorating idea.

Make Your Baby Shower a Success With the Perfect Table Setting Decorating Idea

Make Your Baby Shower a Success With the Perfect Table Setting Decorating Idea

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has websites dealing with Baby Furniture Reviews [http://www.baby-furniture-and-bedding.com/index.html] and Shaving & Hair Removal.

What Types of Apples Are Good For Apple Crisp?

Preparing apple crisp for dessert is almost always a part of the many preparations during family occasions or social gatherings. More often than not, it is one of the dessert choices that can be found in North American and European dining and serving tables. This is an all-time American favorite and if there are norms in dessert, one of them is to have apple crisp as one of the selections.

Because it is part of usual gatherings, it is important to choose the best types of apples to make sure that the satisfaction of your guests are at maximum level. Just as you are very meticulous about the serving of the main dishes, you should also be very detailed and careful in choosing the kind of apples in the preparation of your apple crisp dessert.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

The more common types of apple used by apple crisp fans include Granny Smith and Royal Gala apples. The quality of the apples is apparent with the taste and texture reflected in the crisp. When preparing it, you cannot just use any kind of apples if you intend to prepare the best for your family or guests. You really have to make sure that the farm that produced the apples can guarantee you of the high and superior quality. To be safe and not to waste your time in a trial-and-error approach, you can rely on the more popular where satisfaction is expressed in forums and discussion boards. The two brands mentioned above lead in terms of quality and availability.

What Types of Apples Are Good For Apple Crisp?

Do not settle for the cheaper type of apples for your recipe. If you do so, you will end up with mediocre result and you should not expect the full appreciation and satisfaction of those who tried your dessert. Also, if you settle for the cheaper types of apples, you should not expect high quality.

Apple crisp recipes will never produce the best result if you choose so-so apples. Make sure that you are choosing the best kind to produce the best and most excellent apple crisp. If it's of high quality, people will always look forward to making their meal complete with your high quality dessert. With good quality apples, you can try the different variations of apple crisp and always have your guests anticipate surprises each time you host a party or a family gathering.

There are many different occasions to include this great desert in your dessert options. When you do, you will see that people are no longer surprised seeing it in one of your choices. Aside from the traditional and usual cake choices, apple crisp will make a good and healthy dessert choice that can highlight the completion of what you are serving for the activity.

The next time you prepare your recipe and you are not sure of the quality of apples that you will be buying, be safe and be assured by getting Granny Smith or Royal Gala. This way, you are not risking the satisfaction of your guests in the apple crisp recipe that you have prepared.

What Types of Apples Are Good For Apple Crisp?

Try my favorite apple crisp recipe here: http://applecrisprecipe.org

How to Make Your Own Homemade Cookie Bouquets

We've all seen them. Clusters of big, gourmet cookies, individually wrapped in shiny, colored cellophane, with bows and ribbons. They come in many styles and with different treats, toys or gift items attached to or inside a basket or vase of some sort. They make a terrific and edible gift idea. After all, who doesn't love cookies? Sadly, they can be very expensive gifts, especially when considering that cookies don't cost a whole lot to bake.

Here's how to make your own cookie bouquets at home without spending a fortune!

\"Decorated Cookies\"

What You Will Need:

How to Make Your Own Homemade Cookie Bouquets

* Chopsticks or Wooden Skewers - Make sure they are heat-proof. If you're baking smaller cookies, then Popsicle sticks would also work.
* Cookies - Find a delicious cookie recipe that makes larger size cookies, your favorite or your gift recipients favorite will do fine.
* Container - This needs to be a sturdy container that is a bit bottom heavy, especially if you plan to include more than a few big cookies. You can try putting some pebbles in the bottom to make sure the container won't tip over, if needed. Some ideas for containers include: a coffee mug, a metal or plastic pail, a basket, a vase, a planter, cookie jar or glass jar, glass bottle, a toy or wood box of some sort, teapot, porcelain or pottery serving ware.
* Cellophane - The shiny, colored kind looks best, but the colored plastic wrap you get at your local supermarket would work too.
* Ribbon - The curly kind works well for this. Any colors you like.
* Decorations - Anything goes! What's appropriate to the occasion and what does the gift recipient like? Some ideas include: stuffed animals, small toys, candy, balloons, fake or real flowers, stickers or whatever you find at the local craft store.
* Block of Styrofoam or florists foam - You know that stereo you bought last December? You probably kept the box, just search your garage for some spare, clean, Styrofoam.
* Something to cover up the Styrofoam or florist's foam - You can use a big ribbon, some moss, plastic grass, tissue paper crumpled up or whatever else you have handy.

Instructions:

1. When you place the cookie dough on the cookie sheet, press the dough down a bit to flatten it so that it doesn't spread too much while baking and so that the stick can be inserted properly. Before you bake the cookies, you must insert the chopstick or wooden skewer into one side of each cookie. Push it in almost the length of the cookie without going out the other end. This is an important step, as if your cookie is too big and your stick is not sturdy enough, it simply won't hold it and the cookie may fall apart when you pick it up. When baking big cookies, you probably won't be able to fit more than 3 cookies with their sticks to a sheet.

2. After baking the cookies with their sticks, cool the cookies thoroughly, then wrap each one with the colored cellophane. A different color for each cookie would be ok, or all the same color appropriate to the occasion. Tie each one with some curly ribbon at the base where the stick comes out of the cookie. Tie it very tightly so the cookies will stay fresh on the stick. You can adorn each cookie with additional, larger ribbons or bows at this point. When using curly ribbon, don't forget to curl it!

3. Now cut your Styrofoam or florist's foam to the size of the top of the container you chose. Then fit the foam in so it is nice and tight and near the top of the container. Remember, you can place something heavier in the bottom of the container so that it does not tip over. Small pebbles work well for this. Remember that the sticks will poke through the foam and into the bottom of the container.

4. Here comes the fun part, let's assemble the cookie bouquet! Take each of your cookies and stick them through the foam so they go all the way through the foam and further, near to the bottom of the container. You can assemble the cookies in any manner you like, but most cookie bouquets have one cookie at the center that is taller than the other cookies, so keep that in mind. Decorate with additional ribbons, toys, candy, flowers, gifts etc. Each item can be attached with additional ribbon to the container or the sticks of the cookies or even with a glue gun (if appropriate).

5. Give your gift and watch the smiles! Make sure to give the bouquet as soon as possible after you have assembled it, you don't want the cookies to go stale!

Tips:

Make sure you bake enough cookies for your container, if baking small cookies, you may run out if you are filling a large container. Always bake more than enough. Surely your extras won't go to waste.

Bake both large and small cookies and use them both in the bouquet for a nice varied look like a more traditional flower bouquet.

More Ideas:

Some cookie bouquets use cutout cookies, these can be fun to make and decorate. Use your favorite sugar cookie cutout recipe and cut into shapes appropriate for the occasion. For cutout cookies to work, you may want to double your sugar cookie recipe as the cookies need to be nice and thick for the stick to go through them. For this type of cookie, wooden skewers will work best, chopsticks may be too thick. Then decorate the cookies with frosting. No need for colored cellophane with these cookies, use regular plastic wrap or clear cellophane so that the beauty of your hand decorated cookies shines through.

Remember, your cookie bouquet doesn't need to look professional, it's the homemade touch that makes it a truly special gift.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Cookie Bouquets

Ricky Alberta is the editor of Cookie-Recipes.net, the premiere website for cookie recipes of all kinds including chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter and Christmas cookie recipes, cookie baking tips, a cookie blog and message boards.

How to Make Icing

A quick visit to the local, corner bakery is not only a feast for the nose and taste buds. All of the colorful, decorated cookies and various treats are enough to inspire awe. The secret to many of those professional looking cookies is in the icing.

Making icing at home, whether for cakes, cookies or even muffins, is a very basic and simple process. With just a few basic ingredients, both baking enthusiasts and the novice alike can decorate their creations with colorful coatings that dry to a lovely matte finish.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

Basic Icing for Cakes and Cookies

How to Make Icing

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp milk

2 tsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp almond extract

Assorted food coloring of choice

1. In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in the corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing appears to be too thick, add more corn syrup, a little at a time.

2. If using color, divide into separate bowls, and add food coloring to each to the desired intensity.

3. Dip cookies, or paint them with a brush. If using with cake or muffins, thin the icing slightly and drizzle over the top.

Tip: This icing can be spooned into a pastry bag or clear sandwich bag and piped onto the cookies to create detailed decorations. If using a sandwich bag, simply snip off one of the bottom corners with a scissors, and twist the bag as usual to press through the opening.

Royal Icing

One of the most popular types of icing used on cookies by both the hobbiest and professional pastry chef, is royal icing. The basic recipe produces a beautiful glossy white icing, but once drops of food coloring are added, can transform into a rainbow of colors.

There are two basic royal icing recipes; one using meringue powder, and the other using egg whites.

Royal Icing with Meringue Powder

4 cups of powdered sugar

3 tbsp meringue powder

1/2 tsp of vanilla or almond extract, though any extract variety will work

1/2 - 3/4 cup warm water

1. In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar and meringue powder until combined.

2. Add the warm water and beat on medium to high speed until very glossy, stiff peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Take a few moments to assess the consistency and if needed, add either more powdered sugar or water, depending on whether the mixture is too dry, or too wet.

Tip: To get the correct consistency for achieving a nice coating on a cookie, once the beater is lifted from the mixture, a ribbon of icing should linger on the surface before disappearing.

Royal Icing with Egg Whites

2 large egg whites

2 tsp fresh lemon juice or 1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Assorted food coloring of choice

1. With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice or extract until frothy.

2. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined, smooth, and shiny. Turn to high and beat approximately 5 minutes till stiff and glossy.

3. Add food coloring, if desired, and transfer to a pasty bag to pipe onto cookies.

Tips: If using food coloring with any of these recipes, begin by adding a single drop and mix well, slowly adding more color as needed. It's always better to start with slightly less food coloring than needed, to ensure too much isn't added at once. It is always easier to make the icing darker by adding more coloring, but making it lighter requires adding more ingredients, so start slow.

These icing recipes all dry pretty hard, so this should be noted if being used with a cake. More liquid can be added to each recipe to create a thinner consistency. The best method for coating a cake with this type of icing is to drizzle over the top, rather than using a brush which can pull cake crumbs into the icing.

Learn more about how to make icing here.

How to Make Icing

Ray T. Lewis doesn't always make homemade icing, but when he does, he's always happy with the results.

The History of Cookie Decorating

We can thank the Swiss for bringing the cookie decorating tradition to life. Their now famous springerle cookies were the very first decorated cookies. These sweet, but hard, cookies are pressed into molds and pop out featuring the most intricately designed cookies you have ever seen. The first molds were discovered from the 14th century and are now considered national treasures and held in Swiss museums.

The Swiss also used rolling pins cleverly carved with designs to roll out highly ornate cookies. The images on these cookies rival the finest artwork of the master painters and sculptors. Decorators soon realized that they could combine egg yolks and food dyes to paint these cookies. Some even paint the cookies for decoration only with paint. Of course, you can't eat these beauties, but they will last and last and become a favorite holiday decoration.

\"Decorated Cookies\"

The first scenes on cookies were from the Bible. Because people were largely illiterate in ancient times, these cookies served as a way to tell important Bible messages to everyone. Even if you couldn't read the words, you could look at these beautiful images and understand the concepts they portrayed.

The History of Cookie Decorating

The Germans were next to promote cookie decorating. Back in medieval times, they made gingerbread, called Lebkuchen. The cookies were so revered that a guild of artisans called the Lebkuchen Guild banned together to make a law that only their members could bake gingerbread. The ban was lifted each year for the high holidays of Christmas and Easter. The common people, if they could afford the ingredients, were allowed to make their own gingerbread at these two times of the year.

Gingerbread cookie decorating spread throughout the world and during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I gingerbread cookies adorned with gold were given to court visitors. Master gingerbread decorators started to promote their gorgeous creations as Christmas ornaments.

In 1812, the Grimm Brothers published their now famous story, Hansel and Gretel. This classic tale of two children who encounter a witch who lives in an ornately decorated gingerbread house in the forest inspired a new love of the gingerbread cookie. Soon tinsmiths couldn't keep up with the demand for cookie cutters and molds designed to help bakers create elaborate gingerbread houses of their own. German cookie cutters are still prized today as among the best made and highly sought after by collectors.

Today cookie bakers can't imagine the holidays without decorated cookies. The popularity of Royal Icing has made home cookie decorating fun. It's easy to create interesting and realistic motifs on cookies using Royal Icing. This confectioner sugar-based icing dries rock hard, so once its set, it won't smear or run. This makes it ideal for decorating cookies that need to last through the season on the tree or that need to travel. You can eat Royal Icing, of course, but most cookies that are heavily decorated in Royal Icing tend to be treasured as ornaments or for display rather than eaten.

If you're looking into cookie decorating this year for your own holiday celebrations, you have more resources than you could ever imagine at your disposal. Visit a craft store and browse their cookie and cake decorating aisle. You will marvel at the tools and colors available for you to get started with.

The History of Cookie Decorating

Betty Ann Sherman is a mother and a baker of tasty treats and decorated cookies. She has a special passion for baking cookies, pies, cakes, and everything wonderful. Check back for updates from Betty on her delicious treat adventures.

Delicious Banana Nut Bread

When I make this delicious banana nut bread my whole family gets excited! The thing that I love about this recipe is that it not only does it taste great but it is easy to make. If you were to ask my family what their favorite thing I bake this is the winner. In this article I am going to give you the recipe and instructions I use to make this bread.

Here is what you need:

\"Decorated Cookies\"

* 3/4 cup butter

Delicious Banana Nut Bread

* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

* 1/3 cup of brown sugar

* 4 medium size brown bananas

* 2 eggs, well beaten

* 1 teaspoon vanilla

* 2 cups sifted flour

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 3/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup buttermilk

* 3/4 cup chopped nuts

Here is how to make it:

Cream butter and both sugars thoroughly. Blend in mashed bananas, eggs and vanilla. Next, sift your flour, soda and salt together. Add to banana mixture alternately with buttermilk. Make sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Add nuts and mix real well. Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 325 for 1 1/4 hours or until well done. I take a tooth pick and insert it in the center of the loaf to see if it is ready.

I have found that using really brown bananas make the bread sweeter. I also use the brown sugar along with the granulated sugar because it also makes the bread sweeter.

I make this for gifts at holidays or for special occasions. I have found that this freezes well. I always double my recipe and freeze part of it.

Making banana nut bread is so simple with this recipe. Hopefully you will love it as much as my family does!

Delicious Banana Nut Bread