NaBloPoMo Day #30

I decided to participate in this year's NaBloPoMo because I wanted the discipline of posting something here every day.  I thought it would be fun to try out a ton of new recipes as well as to visit some new blogs.  It was... and it wasn't.

I absolutely loved most of the new recipes I tried and have added some new blogs to my blog reader.  But I didn't like posting just to post something.   I think if I do this again, I'll have to be a little more organized and bake a lot in advance.

My favorite recipe for the month were the chocolate chip mint cookies.  They are the perfect quick treat with a slight kick. 

Did you participate in NaBloPoMo?  What was your experience?

Little Pie Company in the Big Apple - A Review

Source

Although I love to bake, there are some desserts that I leave to the experts - like the petit fours from Swiss Chalet Bakery in NJ, my mother's banana pudding, tiramisu from Serafinas, my Aunt Melva's pound cake and this Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie from The Little Pie Company in the Big Apple.

I'm not even an apple pie person.  I like apples and I like pie but it always seems too bland or too sweet or like something is missing between the many many layers of apple.  But this pie is how apples are supposed to taste.  First the crust is like a cross between traditional pie crust and a very flavorful shortbread.  Then the layers of apples mixed with sour cream that doesn't even taste like sour cream.  The topping is rich and sweet.  Hmmm.... I really don't think I'm doing this review justice.  You really should try it for yourself.  And fortunately you don't have to be in Manhattan because they ship. 

I have never met anyone who didn't like this pie and immediately ask me "HOW did you make this?".  It's so good, I would never even try to pretend it is one of my creations.  Try it - you will not be disappointed.  I also highly recommend the Carrot Cake.

Shortbread Cookies

I saw these cookies on the blog 17andbaking and just had to make them.  These cookies really do melt in your mouth and are great dipped in chocolate.

Chocolate-Dipped, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookies
17andbaking.com

1 cup (two 8 oz sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup confectioner’s (icing) sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
6 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled  (I used Semi Sweet chocolate)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment.

Whip butter on high speed in an electric mixer for 10 minutes, until white and very fluffy. In the meantime, sift together the sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Beat them in on low speed for one minute, then on high speed for 3-4 minutes until well combined.

Transfer to a piping bag fit with a large star tip. Pipe cookies 2″ apart into 1.5″ “stars” and bake 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Cookies might be crumbly, so let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Once completely cool, dip cookies halfway in melted chocolate and let harden on wax paper or a wire rack.

Still to Full from Thanksgiving Dinner to think about food

Come back tomorrow for cool looking shortbread cookies.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Come on in.  I've saved you a seat.

Oh is this for me?  You really didn't have to bring anything but I do love a nice Riesling.  Thanks.

You look great.  Did you do something with your hair?

I hope you are hungry. 

Sorry some of the food looks a little fuzzy.  Trust me, it tastes as good as it smells.

Don't forget to save room for dessert.