Archive for January, 2010

White Chocolate Cookie Recipe

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

The white chocolate cookie recipe requires two of the most popular ingredients in modern cookie making; macadamia nuts and white chocolates.
Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1.2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolates, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, toasted

Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Hardware

Whisk

Large bowl

Medium bowl

Cookies sheets

Mixer
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugars, with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture.

Step 4: Stir in the white chocolate and nuts.

Step 5: Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 6: After 1 hour remove dough from refrigerator and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 7: Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 8: Dip each ball halfway in water, then in granulated sugar.

Step 9: Place each ball sugar side up 2 inches part on ungreased cookie sheets; flatten slightly.

Step 10: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling surface.

Delicious Chocolate Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Monday, January 4th, 2010

It’s true that women love chocolates! Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate bars, any kind of chocolate! So make sure you don’t forget buying chocolates for your love ones on this Valentine’s Day. A woman can only be with a man who is as educated in all subjects, including chocolates.

• Gourmet chocolate has a shelf life of several days to a month because they have fresh dairy ingredients and may lack preservatives.

Dark chocolate can expand the arteries and increase blood flow and reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease.

• Chocolate makes us feel good, stimulating the brain’s pleasure center.

You have to prove that you are the ultimate Chocolate Lover.

This Valentine’s Day, try a unique chocolate gift that is sure to please your woman and to express your love.

Take your honey to a local chocolate and wine tasting event. Or put on your own event at home. Just remember the wine must be as sweet if not a touch sweeter than the chocolate it is served with. Try a dessert wine with milk chocolate, and a cabernet sauvignon with dark chocolate.

Gifts for family and friends should also be chocolate related. Chocolate lover cookbooks, chocolate roses, attractive candy dish filled with chocolate kisses are just a few ideas.

Your chocolate experiences in life must have included eating chocolate cake, chocolate peanut butter pie, chocolate mousse and chocolate soufflé. If you have missed out on any of these chocolate experiences in your life, then you must experience them for the first time with your lady love this Valentine’s Day.