Molasses Chews

Fall has arrived! The leaves are gorgeous and air is cool! Running is more enjoyable and days off can be filled with outdoor activities. One of my favorite things about fall, is our annual Halloween bonfire party. I am so excited to see everyone in their costumes, enjoying the fire, tasty food and good company! As I am preparing for our party this evening, I've been staying busy making tasty treats to share with all. One of my favorite fall and winter recipes is for Molasses Chews. Steve said they might be is very favorite cookie. I am inclined to agree and decided they would be a great addition to our meal tonight.
Beware however, these cookies are highly addictive and you will eat a dozen before you know it!

Molasses Chews

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cups (1.5 sticks) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling cookies
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsulphered molasses ( I used Brer Rabbit)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl and set aside
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy at medium speed. Add egg, vanilla and molasses and continue mixing until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined.
Place remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a bowl. Roll cookie dough into 1 1/2 in balls and then roll in the sugar. Place rolled balls on an ungreased cookie sheet spacing about 1 1/2 in apart.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until cookies are cracked, centers are soft and puffy, and edges are just set. Cool cookies on sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Note: Be very careful not to overcook, as the cookies will turn out hard and dry.

Kale, Chicken Sausage, and White Bean Soup

Ahh...the smell of fresh baked bread and a warm, cozy soup on the stove. I love those smells and the yummy food that goes along with them. I had some kale in the fridge and some chicken sausage in the freezer that I decided to make into a soup for dinner last night. Of course, soup can not be eaten alone. It must have a crusty roll or bread to serve along side. I decided to try out my friend Carmen's recipe, from her blog Carmen's Kitch for a crusty french baguette. She did not steer me wrong! The soup, paired with that crusty, delicious baguette and a glass of chardonnay was amazing! The husband was in agreeance that I should write down the recipe and make it again soon!

 

Kale, Chicken Sausage and White Bean Soup

1 package of chicken sausage (I used Al Fresco: Sweet Apple), cut lengthwise in half and then into  1/3'' chunks

1 Tbs olive oil

3 celery stalks, chopped

1/2 a red onion, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

1 bunch of kale, chopped

1 can diced tomatoes, with juice

1 can white beans, drained

6 cups chicken stock

4 oz uncooked elbow macaroni

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)

Heat oil over med-high, in large pot, add chicken sausage, celery and onion. Cook until onions are just softened. Add garlic and kale. Cover and cook until kale is reduced but still crunchy. Add remaining 6 ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook about 8 minutes, or until macaroni is al dente. Reduce heat to low and simmer until ready to eat. (I could only wait 10 minutes)

Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a crusty baguette.

New things

I realized just recently that there are so many things that I love. Those who know me, know that I love to talk about those things. While there is a definite overuse of the word love, I am the just the kind of person who either loves something or doesn't.
One thing that I love to do is cook! I love trying new recipes, spicing things up, and trying new things in the kitchen. My husband Steve, loves my love for cooking. I also love to eat...comfort food, old standards, new treats, etc. I would like to share my favorite recipes, talk about the yummy food I get to eat, and pass on the delicious recipes that I get from friends.
I love to plan vacations! I may even enjoy planning them more that taking them. I enjoy researching where to go based on what kind of vacation someone is looking for, and finding the best possible spot! I love to find out all there is to know about a place, where to eat, what to do, etc. I want to find the best deals and the best secrets. I am planning our next vacation and look forward to blogging about the things I find and how it all turns out.
I love weddings! I love the planning, the creating, the excitement and seeing it come together in the most perfect way. I have had the opportunity to help plan and execute several weddings in the last year and I am excited to share all the things I've learned.
I hope that you will enjoy hearing about all these "loves" and more!
Stay tuned...