Hi Friends:
I feel the need to confess that I am in a long term committed relationship with Starbucks' pastry case. It's no accident that you have to walk by it before ordering. Let's face it, aren't we all looking for the perfect match for our beverage? But, like any relationship, there have been highs and lows. Do any of you remember Lemon Knots? I loved every tender, tangy bite. And the Chocolate Cupcakes...oh, they were moist and flavorful without being too sweet. Starbucks, bring them back; letting go has just been so hard! What about the Cake Pops you ask. Please, I'm gonna need more than one bite! Occasionally, I've ordered a Cranberry Orange Scone or an Iced Lemon Loaf, but not with the same fervor. And then, along came the Ginger Molasses Cookie and I was happy again; but they, too, have disappeared from my neck of the woods. So broken up about this, I've been on a search for a good recipe so I could make them myself. Eureka! I've settled on the Ginger Spiced Molasses Sugar Cookie from FOOD52. If you're a fan of this cookie, give this recipe a try - it couldn't be more simple! (Click the link for complete instructions.)
Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp. each of ground ginger, allspice and salt in a bowl and mix well.
Beat 3/4 cups unsalted butter and 3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar in bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add one large egg and 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses and mix to combine.
Stir in dry ingredients just until combined. Too much gluten development will result in a tough cookie. Cover and refrigerate batter for one hour.
Roll dough into 1 1/2" balls and then roll balls in granulated sugar.
Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet, gently flatten and bake in a 375 degree oven for 11 to 12 minutes or until crinkled on top.
For a chewy center, do not over bake.
Scrumptious! When I find myself at Starbucks now, I always order a Brown Sugar Walnut Tart if I see them - perfect shortbread crust and just the right amount of spice, and I'm a fan of the seasonal Cranberry-Bliss Bars! What's next Starbucks? Do you need my input? I'm available for your consumer surveys!
Hi Friends:
What has inspired and delighted us this week? Here they are - the java-inspired sights, sounds, tastes and one-of-a-kinds we loved!
While flipping through TV channels the other day, I caught the tail end of "My Family Recipe Rocks" on Live Well Network. Host Joey Fatone and his chef-for-the-day Jonathan Sara were making Amaretti Panini Cookies that I had to try. So I made them this past weekend and let me say, you are missing out if you don't give these a whirl. They are easy, delicious and pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. Click here for the recipe.
Coffee in our homes is an experience, not a beverage. That’s why we take our coffee beans seriously. If you want a great cup of java, then look no further than Jim’s Organic Coffee from Whole Foods. It’s not only delicious; it’s organic, fairly traded and socially responsible!
Can you think of a better way to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a foam-covered latte than in this vintage-inspired coffee cup from Anthropologie? We can't!
Need to take your coffee on the go? We've tested countless travel mugs and found the Contigo Autoseal mug keeps our coffee hot through the last sip.
Have a great weekend!
