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