Chocolate Candy Cane Crackle Cookies
December 18, 2011
My holiday baking got off to a late start this year. There are still many edible holiday treats still on my to-do list, but this was one recipe I was not going to let pass. In fact, this the only batch of holiday cookies that I was able to fit into my schedule this year. They are so tasty!
Chocolate Candy Cane Crackle Cookies combine rich fudgy chocolate with a hint of peppermint flavor and crunch from candy canes and peppermint schnapps. If you like dark chocolate and peppermint, these should definitely be on your “To Bake” list. The recipe is based on one from Dorie Greenspan that ran in the November 2006 Bon Appetit. I made the original recipe years ago and enjoyed it very much. The seasoning (cloves and cinnamon), make it more of an adult flavored cookie. My adaptation below follows Dorie’s basic recipe, but leaves out the spices. In their place are chunks of candy canes and a touch of peppermint schnapps. (Finally a use for that bottle I picked up at a white elephant gift exchange last year!)
There are a few things to keep in mind when you make these cookies. First, the candy cane chunks are bound to melt in the oven. There is nothing really wrong with this since they will still impart their flavor, but if you, like me, want to be able to see the candy canes in the final product, be sure to leave the chunks rather big (1/4 to 1/3 inch long). Second, the dough is tough to work with. It is super dry and firm and tough to roll in your hands. Both my kids were helping to roll and we ended up with chocolate crumbs everywhere and a bunch of squarish cookies. The good news is, it does not really matter. The cookies will still taste great. Lastly, do not overcook these cookies. Since the dough is so dry, it is much better to undercook them. Think of brownies. You want to pull them when the dough just begins to set, but is not completely cooked through.
My happy helpers bagged these up and delivered them to our friends and neighbors. What are your favorite cookies to bake during this time of year?
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Edible Gifts! Chocolate and Caramel Sauces
December 16, 2010
This time of year, many of us face the very difficult task of choosing the right gift for everyone on our list. If we are lucky, we know just the perfect thing for each special someone, a gift that will not only excite and surprise them, but will also be of good use. Many times it is more challenging though.
Perhaps we don’t know the person very well or maybe they already seem to have everything they need. Too often,we pick out a gift just to check it off the list. The gift ends up having little meaning to us or to the recipient. That is why, when faced with that dilemma, I generally choose to give an edible gift!
My Pantry Shelf 