Thursday, December 10, 2009

Holiday baking

The writing has been put aside until the new year as I prepare for the madness of the holidays. And I do mean MADNESS...
This weekend I have a Christmas dinner on the town with the mom-friends, the Toronto Romance Writers Christmas party and my oldest son's birthday (and party!) -- soooooo, when it comes to my baking, I stick to the four letter rule: E. A. S. Y.

Here are two quick recipes that will ensure an empty plate:

Toffee Squares

In a large mixing bowl, cream until light and fluffy:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
Then add:
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
Mix well. Press into a square pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Break four 7 oz chocolate bars into squares (chocolate chips work too!) and place on top of the hot layer. Let stand until the chocolate is melted, then spread. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Cut into squares while warm.

I think I posted this next one on my blog two or three years ago, but it's totally worth repeating. My friend Sue gave me this next recipe and I've managed to convince myself that's it healthy because it contains oatmeal. Yeah... I'm delusional that way ;)

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Bring to boil:
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Crisco
2 cups white sugar
Boil just until bubbles have formed. Too much boiling will affect how the cookies set.
Stir in:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut (I use unsweetened)
6 tbsps cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
Mix together well and drop by the spoonful onto waxed or parchment paper and leave to set. Use a tbsp to get big yummy cookies or a teaspoon for lots of bite-sized goodness.

* * *
Have I whet your appetite? :)
I'm off to make shortbreads (Grandma's secret recipe)

4 comments:

Liz said...

OMG – these sound so good. Thank you for the recipes! I can’t wait to try the Toffee Squares. My trainer at the gym will yell at me, but who cares… it’s the holiday season. Plus I’m still in limbo with my story and chocolate desserts help ease the pain.

Wylie Kinson said...

Liz, chocolate eases EVERYTHING :)
And your gym trainer will be secretly happy 'cause it means a few extra hours on the timecard, non? LOL

Red Garnier said...

Wylie, my mouth watered! God, these sound DELICIOUS! I can't wait to make and taste! :)

Thomma Lyn said...

Oh, YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM YUM... *drool* :)