December 9, 2007

I hate to bake.

I hate it with a passion. I typically end up looking like this...My baked goods rarely (if ever) look like this...and I typically can't keep my mouth off the spoon/beater/counter/my hands, so I end up feeling like this...
But, when Alyssa invited me to the Great Cookie Swap with all of her wonderful friends, I jumped at the chance. Knowing, full well, that I was going to be hating life for about four hours, while whipping up a ginormous batch of cookies for the event. I immediately contacted my Dad, who is the master of the cookie swap. Well, at least he's a master of the cookie. Maybe not the swapping part. Who knows. All I know is that he always made Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies and nobody ever believed that he actually made them. So, it was a given that those were going to be my creation for the evening. (Recipe is below, don't worry)

When I was a child, he made bourbon balls once. I didn't know what this thing called "bourbon" was and requested a taste. Dad obliged, with an evil smile on his face. I should have known. I seem to remember spitting it out. Immediately. Too bad that didn't ruin my taste for bourbon. I digress.

So, today was the cookie swap and I was definitely reaping the rewards for my "hard work" last night. See what I got to take home....And that was only part of the prize...there were more, but when Alyssa said "ready, eat," I dropped the camera and followed directions. I didn't want to upset her. I believe she also demanded that we eat every last crumb of every cookie we were tasting. So, again, being the great student I am, I followed the rules.

Now I'm sick.

But there were some funny stories told, odd talents shared and laughing all around!
Thanks Alyssa! Your friends are awesome. I loved being included in the fun!

Brad's Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained, reserve juice
  • 1 (6-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

PREPARATION:

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and soda, blending well; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter or margarine and sugar on low speed until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; beat until smooth and well blended. With hands, shape dough into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased baking sheet. Press down center of dough with thumb. Drain Maraschino cherries well, reserving juice. Place a cherry in the center indention of each cookie. In small saucepan combine chocolate pieces and sweetened condensed milk; heat over low heat until chocolate is melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of the reserved cherry juice. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the topping over each cherry, spreading to cover cherry. If frosting seems too thick, thin with a little more cherry juice. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, or until done. Remove to wire rack to cool.
Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies.

7 comments:

Emily said...

Those cookies look so YUMMY!

Looks like you had a great time. I am so jealous, I don't get to do anything but work it seems.

Uma and Wil said...

Hmmmm, cookie swap. My arse just got bigger from looking at the pictures and recipe. I know what I'm having for midnight snack :). Thanks, Rach!

Anonymous said...

So, how did your cookies turn out and does your Dad know you're sharing his recipe? Most cooks/bakers don't like that!

The Fortenberrys said...

Rachel didn't disclose this information, but she tied for the "best packaged cookies" prize. She was a great sport and gave the prize over to Erin, whom with she tied. Great job, Rachel. I am so glad you were a part of this with all of us. Thanks for all your help!! Love ya!

Anonymous said...

...and what Alyssa did not disclose is that I told Rachel to vote for me and out of fear, she gave me the prize--a great glass cookie jar, of which I shattered the lid all over the kitchen floor at the end of the party. Rachel--you should have spiked the hot cocoa. I would have had a good excuse for being so clumsy!

Sarah said...

That looks like so much fun! I'm going to have to try and make those cookies...key word being "try".

Anonymous said...

Hey there,
I loved the pictures and I need to come back and read what you've written. I'll catch up with you soo, I just wanted to say hi.