Rustic Apple Tart

I needed a quick dessert that was made from ingredients that I already had in the house...so as I was flipping through the fall "Sweet Paul" ezine and I noticed the rustic apple tart recipe.

A lightbulb went off in my head....Hey I can do that and I have all of the ingredients and it doesn't take very long to make.

So off to the kitchen I went. 

This is how you make it and boy will your family or guests be surpised when you put this beauty on the table.

Rustic Apple Tart Recipe:

Adapted from Sweet Paul Magazine by Shannon Crandall

Chilled pie crust dough that you have made or  one 9" store bought refrigerated crust

3 medium to large granny smith apples peeled and sliced thin ( make sure the slices are pretty evenly sliced )

1/4 c. of granulated sugar

1 to 1 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice

1 tbsp. melted butter

1 tbsp. granulated sugar for edges of crust ( put on just before baking)

Pre-heat oven to 400 F.

Roll out your homemade pie crust to about 9".

Mix thinly sliced apples with 1/4 c. granulated sugar and apple pie spice.

Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and then put rolled out pie crust on baking sheet.

Carefully layer your apple mixture onto the center of your pie crust making sure to leave  1 3/4 to 2 1/4 inches of of pie crust around the edges.

Once all of your apple mixture is placed in center of pie crust, fold edges of remaing pie crust up and over the apple mixture.  You can overlap and tuck edges under.

Now brush the edges of your pie crust with your melted butter....you can put remaining melted butter on top of your apple mixture.  Sprinkle the remaing tbsp. of granulated sugar on the buttered edges of your crust.

Bake for 45 minutes or until apples are soft and crust is golden brown.  You may cover the edges of your crust if they are getting too brown.

Here is a sweet treat you and your family will love!  Let me know how it works out.

Happy Baking!

New Christmas Goodies Available

Sweet Bliss Baked Goods




315-264-2512

Shannon.crandall@yahoo.com

www.sweetblissbakedgoods.blogspot.com

Christmas Cookies

Holiday Biscotti……………………………………………….$7.75 per dozen

(pistachios, cranberries)

Mixed Nut Biscotti………………………………………$7.75 per dozen

(Almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts)

Merry Nut Clusters……………………………………….$7.50 per dozen

(chocolate, peanuts)

Mint Chocolate Bark…………………………………$9.00 per 10”x7” slab

(chocolate, mint assorted candies, )

Sugar Cookie Cut Outs………………………….$7.50 per dozen

(sprinkles and frosting)

Pleasing Pumpkin Pie and Butternut Squash

I have to say that Thanksgiving was wonderful and we had our feast at my parents house.  We were all very thankful to still be able to have the spread that we are accustomed to.  I love turkey, but I think for the most part I could just eat all of the fabulous side dishes my family and I like to serve along with the bied.

Here are some of our standards which included: green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with maple syrup and apples, coleslaw with mandarin oranges, scalloped corn, a tomato casserole.  Of course we had mashed potatoes and stuffing ( that is always a given).

I made a new edition to the line up, Butternut Squash Savory Casserole that featured lots of butternut squash, sweet vidalia onions, cheedar cheese and thyme. 

This casserole is pretty simple to make and is also a vegetarian dish.

Here is the recipe:

Butternut Squash Savory Casserole
Adapted by Shannon Crandall

3 1/2 lbs. of butternut squash peeled and sliced into thin slices
1 C. skim milk
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 large vidalia onions rough chopped
2 large eggs beaten
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 C. panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 C. pumpkin seed or toasted pecans
2 C. coarsley grated cheddar cheese
1 bunch spinach

Pre-heat oven to 375 F
1. Place 3 Quarts of water in a lg. pot and bring to a boil.  Add peeled and sliced squash and return to boil and cook for 6 mins.  The squash will turn a deeper orange.  Remove squash with a slotted spoon and set aside in a collander to drain.  Put your bunch of spinach into your boiling water and cook for a few minutes.  Drain and add to squash.
2.Melt butter in a stockpot and add oil.  Add onions and saute until onions are translucent.  Do not brown.  Add warm squash and spinach, milk, eggs, thyme, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and 1/8 C. of seeds or pecans and 1 1/3 C. of cheddar cheese.  Mix until well blended.
3. Spread mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and bake for 45 minustes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and seeds or pecans on top and return to oven to bake for 15 more mins.

Remove and serve.
Hope you like this recipe!  We sure did!

Just thought I would show you my beautiful pumkin pie I baked for Thanksgiving.  I also made Hazelnut mousse to top it.   What a treat!

Low Fat Banana Bread

Here is a treat that I know will be sure to make it to my Thanksgiving table this year.  Banana Bread, that is yes you read it right.... LOW FAT!  With all of the other goodies available to eat during Thanksgiving wouldn't it be nice to have at least one item besides the turkey that is on your list of things you can indulge in.

This is a picture of my already half eaten loaf, but not to worry I have 2 more loaves in the freezer just waiting to be defrosted.  I did add a handful of chocolate chips as well as pecans.  What's banana bread without a few complimentary ingredients. 
So without any further interruptions here is the recipe for the star of this post.

Low Fat Banana Bread

2 1/4 C. of Whole Wheat Flour
1 2/3 C. of granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
2/3 C. skim milk
1/2 C. plain non-fat yogurt
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 1/4 C. mashed ripe bananas
2/3 C. egg whites
2/3 C. pecans
2/3 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips


Heat oven to 350 F
Spray 2  loaf pans with non-stick spray (7"x3")
Measure all ingedients and mix together in a large mixing bowl on low speed until completely combined together.  Pour into batter into your loaf pans and bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes of clean.  You may also use mini loaf pans.  If using mini loaf pans you will get 4 loaves.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Holidays just around the corner

With the Holiday Season approaching very quickly I have been paging through my cookbooks, food magazines and the internet to find the perfect pies, side dishes and goodies to make. In the process I found some really great sources and thought I would share them with you.

Sweet Paul is a new magazine that is both in print and on the internet.  It has great recipes and crafts for each season and the next edition is coming out in 2 days. Here is the link: http://www.sweetpaulmag-digital.com/

Another great source is the good old stand by Better Homes and Gardens.  I found 2 wonderful pie recipes in the latest edition that are twists on our old time favorites pumpkin and apple. 

So try something new this holiday season and find the Sweet Things In Life!

Sweet treats

Here is a complete list of our baked goodies!  We will be at The Market @ Oneida Commons tomorrow Nov. 6th, 2010 to share some of our sweets with you.  So if you would like to get your paws on a little treat and get some great gifts, come shop during The Market@ Oneida Commons Open House!  Hours:  10am-5pm Sat. and 11am-4pm Sun.


Sweet Bliss Baked Goods


To place an order call 315-264-2512 or email shannon.crandall@yahoo.com

Cookies

Blue &Whites (blueberry, white chocolate, Macadamia nut)………………$7.50 per dozen

Double Chocolate Espresso (chocolate, walnuts, espresso)……………$7.50 per dozen

Oatmeal Raisin ………………..$6.75 per dozen

Chocolate Chip Walnut……$6.75 per dozen

Coconut Monsters (coconut, peanut butter, m&m’s, chocolate chips)…$7.75 per dozen

Cranberry Pecan Biscotti (cranberries, orange, lemon, pecans)……$7.50 per dozen

Cinnamon & Sugar Biscotti (cinnamon, sugar coating)………………….$7.50 per dozen

Chocolate Pecan Espresso Biscotti (pecans, chocolate chips)……………….$7.75 per dozen

Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti (chocolate, cranberries)…………………….$7.50 per dozen

Classic Sugar Cookie Cutouts with frosting…………………………..$7.50 per dozen

Molasses Cookies…………….$7.50 per dozen

Pumpkin Bliss Cookies………$7.50 per dozen



Bliss Bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Bars (pumpkin, walnuts, chocolate chips)…………….$8.50 per 9”x9” pan

Cocoa Almond Bliss Brownies (cocoa brownies with sliced almonds)………$8.50 per 9”x9” pan

Cranberry Blondie Bliss Bars (cranberries, orange)…………………………$8.00 per 9”x9” pan

Banana Bread bliss Bars (banana, walnuts, chocolate)……………………$8.00 per 9”x9” pan

Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Bars ( creamcheese, lemon, chocolate)…………$8.50 per 9”x9” pan

Zucchini-Carrot Bliss Bars (zucchini, carrots, raisins, chocolate)…………$8.00 per 9”x9” pan

Caramel Bliss Bars (caramel, chocolate, walnuts)…………………………$8.50 per 9”x9” pan

Mascarpone Bliss Bars (chocolate, almonds, toffee)……………………………$8.50 per 9”x9” pan

Orange Walnut Blondie Bliss Bar (walnuts,orange,chocolate).....................$8.50 per 9"x9" pan





Pies & Tassies

Pumpkin Pie with Hazelnut Mousse (single crust)………………………………$9.00 per pie

Apple Cranberry Pie (two crust)………………………………$9.00 per pie

Pumpkin Pecan Tassies (pecans, pumpkin)………………………$7.50 per dozen

Rocky Road Tassies (marshmallows, chocolate, almonds)………………………$7.75 per dozen

Muffins

Pumpkin Spice (pumpkin, white chocolate, butter scotch, walnuts)……………$7.75 per dozen

Blueberry Macadamia Nut (blueberries, macadamia nuts)……………………$7.75 per dozen

Zucchini Pecan (zucchini, orange, lemon, pecans)……………………………………$7.50 per dozen

Banana Bliss Muffins (banana, chocolate, walnuts)…………………………………$7.75 per dozen

*Super Size the muffins………same prices per ½ dozen.

*We blissfully bake all of our goodies with the best ingredients!
Local orders only we can not ship at this time.

Changed Name

Hey everyone,  Just had to let you kow that we have decided to change our name and add many new baked goods to our list of specialties. 

So to kick this off right I thought I would show you some pictures of our Halloween party and some of the very cool sweets we made for our guests.

We named these of all things "Goblin Booger Bars".  They are very similar to rice crispy treats.

Love to get silly and creative.
These vanilla cupcakes have little black and orange witch hats on the tops.  So the kids loved the food at the party and my daughter was happy.  I guess that is what counts right.

It has been a long time!

Life sometimes has a way of side tracking us. Fear not, I have not been idle and that is an understatement for sure.
The baking is still happening, painting, jewelry making and mixed media art work is still happening occasionally, skin care business is still happening, but throw into the mix another part-time job, a bakers cyst and what gets lost in the mix was the blog posts! 

 I know pretty ironic that the baker gets a bakers cyst right.  F.Y.I. a bakers cyst is not from baking....actually it is a fluid filled sack that you can get from tearing mucsles in your knee area.  Which is apparently what I did when trying to keep off all of the extra pounds I did not want to gain while indulging in too many of my wicked good goodies!

Well, I am here to tell you that I am making every effort to get back on track with the blogging! 

Since fall has made its entrance I have been experimenting with all things pumpkin.  Yesterday, I made pumpkin gingerbread waffles and a week before that I made Pumpkin Walnut White Chocolate Muffins with some butterscotch on top.  Who knows what I will come up with next!

Anyways here is a snap shot of those delectable muffins.  If I have inspired you to dust off your apron and pull out the mixing bowls I will leave you with this recipe.  Feel free to tweak it to your taste! By the way the white stuff you see on top of one of the muffins is some of the white chocolate that has melted. Yummy!

Ingredients:
4 oz.  Butterscotch chips  (optional for top)
1/2 c. walnuts coarsley chopped
1 2/3 c. all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 c. pureed pumpkin
1 stick of butter room temperature
5 oz. white chocolate chips

Directions:
1. pre-heat oven to 350 F
2. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
3. In another bowl mix together the eggs, pureed pumpkin, and butter.  Mix until blended, but lumpy.  Then add in white chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Combine the wet with the dry ingredients making sure to only mix until everything is moistened.  Do not over mix!
5. scoop batter into greased or paper lined muffin cups.  Bake for about 20 mins. or until puffed and springy to the touch. Cool completely then remove from the pan.

If you are using the extra large muffin tin bake for 32 to 34 minutes.  Again cool completely in the muffin pan then remove.
From my kitchen to your kitchen.....Happy Baking!

Cold Oven

We are really into the summer swing!  Things have not really been heating up in our oven.  We did try out the rainbow cookies that I mentioned in my post, but was not too enthralled with the results....hence the lack of posting on the subject.  We did get an order for a wedding that will be taking place in July and we are very excited about that!

On the creavity front:  I am still in my groove to create and have been very sucessfull at setting aside a couple of days a week to be able to do just that...CREATE!  I have been so happy to have been able to break through my partial creative block and get the juices flowing!

I have been invited to do an Art Show/Side Walk Sale in Rhinebeck this August and know that if my current rate of production continues it should make for a large amount of inventory.

On the other hand, because I have had the time to set aside for studio days, it means that I haven't been as busy with my Skin Therapy Business.  I think in this economy people look at taking care of the largest organ of their body as a luxury.  I do want to thank my loyal clients who have stuck it out and have been very good about making it a point to keep me on their list of necessities!

Here is a picture of a new painting that I have recently completed.

Hope you take advantage of the great weather we have been having!

It's been awhile

I have been very busy with lots of art projects....but I have had enough time to bake and cook a little!  My daughter and I found a new cookie recipe to make rainbow cookies.  It sounds pretty cool and they look delicious....so as soon as we fire up the oven I will post the recipe.... some pictures to go with and of course a quick review of how well they baked up!

In the meantime let me tell you what has been going on.  I have all of a sudden hit a streak of creativity and I have been painting non-stop for the past 2 weeks.  I am so excited about the new style I have adopted.

Take a look for yourself!

I apologize for the glare....I had my camera set on museum, but apparently it didn't do what I had expected it to do...go figure.  Anyways go forth and create...that has been my mantra lately and that is exactly what I plan to do right now!

Artefactory Exchange

Artefactory Exchange is now accepting students for their various art classes.  Classes begin as early as June 8, 2010.  If you sign up before June 7th you will get a 5% discount on any class you pay for.  I am excited to announce the addition of 2 movement/exercise classes.  These classes will be put into the summer session asap.  The one exercise class is based on interval training, yoga and belly dancing.  Interesting combo....I am up for that!  The creator has named it "Dervish". Dervish will be taught on tuesdays in the afternoon. The second class is a dancercise class that will be taught by a woman who has a Masters Degree in Modern Dance.  This class will be held in the evenings and is a low impact exercise class.

Please keep checking out our ever changing website for our updates in the schedule!

http://www.artefactoryexchange.webs.com/

I also want to mention that the 5th and 6th grader's art work is now on display in our downtown windows through the "Windows of Opportunity" program.  You should go and check it out!  We have some really talented artists in our community.

Oneida's FLea MArket

Tomorrow will mark the first Flea Market here in Oneida, NY.  We will have great events that are free to everyone that will include story book hour for the kids...kids crafts... Karate Demonstations.....a rock climbing wall......plus of course all types of great things for sale at the Flea Market!

 Now of course Footie's Goodies will be there to sell their fabulous cookies!  You know we wouldn't miss it.  This may be the beginning of a beautiful thing!

You will find the Flea Market set up between the hours of 10am to 5pm and it is located in the parking lot behind the Kallet Theatre.  If you are not sure where that is.... it is in the parking lot that runs along Lenox ave and Cedar St.,  Across from the Market @Oneida Commons.  You can't miss the huge Flea Market Banner that will be flying!

So if you want something to do that is family friendly, fun and is budget friendly....Come on down to our First Flea Market that will kick off our 16 week season!Can't you just taste it!

Well tomorrow you literally can. See you there and don't be shy...bring a friend or two or three!

We want to see you there...so don't disappoint us.

Chocolate Croissants

I watched "Its Complicated" last night.....and I know I am behind on my movie viewing.  Of course I saw the wonderful chocolate croissants and my mouth was watering, so my daughter and I had to make some today.

This is the easiest way to make chocolate croissants and I know that we cheated a little bit, but who cares these are wonderful with out the long wait!

All you need is a package of frozen puff pastry that you defrost for about 2 to 3 hours in the refridgerator.  A 1/4 cup of dark chocolate that is at least 60% Cocoa, an egg that is beaten and a pinch of sea salt if you like salt with your chocolate.

Take your pastry dough and roll it out on a floured surface.  Once you have rolled it out to about a 1/2 inch thickness you will cut it into 4 squares.  You then cut the squares diagonally to make 8 triangles. 

Chop your chocolate into slivers and place a small amount on each large end ot the triangles.  Then roll the dough up and over the chocolate.  Make sure you pinch the ends shut so that the chocolate doesn't ooze out while baking.  Roll until they look somewhat like cresent rolls.

This is the dark belgian chocolate I  used for mine.  You can use milk chocolate if you don't like dark chocolate.....I like the dark just because it has less calories and more antioxidants.

When you are done rolling each croissant carefully place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

You should pre-heat your oven to 425 F. 

Your next step is to beat 1 egg and brush it on the tops of your chocolate croissants.  When you are ready to bake them turn the oven down to 400 F.  Bake them for about 12 to 15 minutes or until they are slightly browned on top.

You can let them cool for about 8 minutes and then what are you waiting for.....open mouth and insert!  They won't last too long!  If you don't finish them while they are still warm you can microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up later.

Art for the sake of Art

I have had the idea for a long time, to create a place in which people of all ages could come and take low-cost art education classes....a place that artists and craftspeople could network and sell their art work and handicrafts.....a place where the working artist could help support themselves while inspiring creativity in their community...a place where handmade is honored and respected...a place where craftspeople are not competing with products that are made overseas! 

Well this place has been started! It is called Artefactory Exchange and classes start June 14, 2010. 

We have gotten a partial website up and running and you can see what we have accomplished in just a short span of time.  Go to www.artefactoryexchange.webs.com to see a list of current art education classes that we have available.

If you are reading this and find this interesting, we are also looking for talented artists and craftspeople to teach classes or sell in our gallery.  We plan to have a Bi-Annual Handicraft Fair in the future and will let you all in on the details when we have them.

One of our classes is a kids class for 8 to 12 year olds.  This class will focus on abstract art and design...the project will specifically explore the work of Wassily Kandinsky.  Pictured to the left is an example of his style done by a kids class.

Adult classes will feature Metal Smithing, Jewelry Beading, Pencil Drawing, Pottery, Precious Metal Clay, Painting Techniques, Fiber Arts and more!  We feel with all of the cuts to our art programs, Artefactory Exchange is a way to help the community....a private enterprise for the public good.

Artefactory Exchange is located at 111 Madison St. Oneida, NY.

How was your Mother's Day?

My Mother's Day started at 4:30am with my black furry little dog making her small high pitched noise she makes right after jumping off my bed.  Now this noise doesn't wake me up, it is actually the noise of her jumping down off my bed that awakens me.  I wake up right after she jumps and then I wait to hear if she is going to make that noise that almost sounds like a question mark....like ok I jumped off the bed... I am not sleeping any more, so aren't you going to get up and take me outside so I can go potty?

I thought that once my child hit a certain age sleeping through the night on most nights a given, but sometimes these furry children don't follow the rules!

I definetly love my child and my furry child, but can't a mother get a full nights sleep on the eve of Mother's Day! 
Well I did get up a little later than usual so that was good.  I exercised and ate my breakfast then we were off to my Mother's to have an earlier dinner with my family.  Dad cooked and cleaned up so that the three mothers didn't have to.....what a nice father, husband, and son in law he is! 

We stuffed ourselves and conversed for a while then my daughter and I chauffered our grandmother/great grandmother home. All in all it was a good day to be somebody's mother!

I hope you had a good Mother's day too.    It is the little things in life that matter!

Sunny days: Fantastic Cookies

Man I have completely lost my daughter to the infectious sunshine and warmth!  Looks like baking has gone completely out the window today!  Good thing we baked some fantastic cookies yesterday.

And yes, some of those very blue blueberries went into our newest creation!

Let me introduce you to "The Patriot".  Yes it is a red white and blue cookie just waiting to melt in your mouth!

And I should know about the melting in your mouth..since the cookie you see here is the last one....well was the last one! These cookies have coconut, blueberries, cranberries, cherries and last but not least white chocolate.

They will be available at The Market @ Oneida Commons. So get out there and try a bag for crying out loud!

Buy Handmade

Have you ever heard of a term called "Craftivism"?   Well as hand crafters and bakers, my daughter and I really have a grip on what it means to buy handmade whenever it is possible.......And  I can tell you that we have been in the same sinking boat that everyone else has been in since the economy took a nose dive, but I can honestly say that as careful as we are with our money, handmade always takes a priority over mass produced in CHINA!

So guess what Walmart we are not your #1 supporters!   Here is the definition of "Craftivism".... a form of activism centered around the practices of craft...especially handicrafts.  Whenever possible help to support your local artisans. I think with all of this technology we have become disconnected and most importantly we have become way to obsessed with Cheap!  Cheap is part of what put us in this hole to begin with. 

So the next time you need to buy that birthday gift, wedding gift or that mother's day gift....try not to drive directly to Walmart or any other huge chain that imports most of their inventory from overseas.  Maybe it is time you tried your hand at making something.    You will probably surprise yourself and the person on the receiving end will really appreciate your effort!

Creating can be a great way to get rid of stress!

Madison County Courier

Youngster’s cookie business going strong


Posted By Margo On April 27, 2010 (12:00 pm) In Business & Finance, Front Page, Oneida



Mckenzie Foote is pictured with mom Shannon Crandall with some of her specialty cookies. (Aaron Gifford).



‘Footie’s Goodies’ owner, a sixth-grader, said experience has been fun and educational



By Aaron Gifford



(Oneida, NY) Mackenzie Foote could tell by the look on others’ faces that there was money to be made.



The eyes light up after that first bite, and the cookie is devoured quickly. No one can eat just one. Mackenzie figured people would be willing to pass by the grocery store cookie shelves and make a special trip for her baked goods, even if they cost more.



She was right: During her first and only sale day at school earlier this year, Mackenzie made a $45 profit.



“But then I got in trouble,” said Foote, 12, a sixth-grader at Seneca Street Elementary in the Oneida City School District. “So I had to figure out another way to sell them.”



“She loves to bake,” said her mother, Shannon Crandall. “Everyone was eating them, so she decided to start selling them.”



So Foote brought them to the Oneida Commons co-op, where Crandall is a member. Word about Footie’s Goodies spread quickly, and she accommodated some large orders for the local chapter of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and other civic organizations.



Then she started selling them during the Friday open mike nights at La Vie Boheme Bistro in downtown Oneida.



Next month, Mackenzie will sell them at the new downtown weekend flea market behind the Kallet Civic Center, which runs through the summer.



And, of course, she’ll have them at her lemonade stand, which she has operated since she was 8. Last year, Mackenzie donated her lemonade revenues for the year ($45) to Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association.



Crandall, owner of the All About You day spa, paints, draws and makes jewelry. She said her daughter has always been interested in the idea of selling something she can create.



“I’ve always had a creative outlet myself,” Crandall said. “Maybe this family has creative genes.”



Mackenzie spends about four hours per week on the business, often preparing the batter at night before bed and finishing the baking the next morning. She tracks her sales carefully to determine how many ingredients to buy.



“I wanted this to be a learning experience for her,” Crandall said. “It’s really worked out well for her.”



Mackenzie said she also makes extra money babysitting.



“She’s got a nice little bank account going,” Crandall said.



Mackenzie takes dance classes three times a week and aspires to be a professional dancer some day. She was previously interested in a school teaching career, but a few recent episodes with young children “that tried my patience” put that idea up for reconsideration, she said with a laugh.



Her specialties are M&M bars, peanut butter cookies, double chocolate espresso cookies and “Blue and whites” – white chocolate cookies with blueberries. The cookies are priced at $2.25 for a small package.



“Sugar cookies aren’t as complicated, but I still like making them the best,” she said. “It’s always fun to put the sprinkles on. There’s just something special about it.”



Article taken from Madison County Courier-Madison County News - http://www.madisoncountycourier.com

URL to article: http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/madison-county-business-news/youngster%e2%80%99s-cookie-business-going-strong-13469/

Oatmeal Scotchy Surprise

We have been trying to get our act together since we got home from our vacation.  So in the meantime try out our Oatmeal Scotchy surprise recipe.
 1 1/4 Cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 sticks of unsalted butter
3/4 Cup granulated sugar
3/4 Cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange
3 Cups quick oats
1 2/3 Cups butterscotch morsels
3/4 Cup chopped pecans
Optional 3/4 Cup of whatever you want to sprinkle on top for the surprise!

I can't tell you what we use or I'd have to kill you!   Just kidding around.  We have used different things every time we make them so be creative....you could even go half and half if you like.

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 F

2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract (or orange peel) in a large mixer bowl.

3. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a separate small bowl.

4. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture.

5. Next stir in oats, butterscotch and nuts.

6. Prepare a  9x13 pan by spraying with non-stick spray.  Put batter into pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle surprise topping on.

7. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes...or until center is no longer gooey.  Use a toothpick to test center.

Last but not least, cool on rack, cut and eat!

I would love to hear what your surprise topping is and how it worked out.  Please let me know.

Back From Vacation

I think I need a vacation from my vacation!  We had quite the road trip this past Monday.
You are looking at the view from our hotel room....maybe you can guess where this is.  Do you see the mountains in the back?  It starts with a "P"....both the state we were in and the name of the mountains.

Well I won't leave you hanging.....we went to Pennsylvania and you probably know now I am talking about the Pocono Mountains.  We arrived on Monday afternoon and checked in to the "Great Wolf Lodge".

The indoor water park is amazing!   We were there for 3 days and I think we spent most of our time riding the slides.

My Family even got me to ride the scary Double Barrel Drop!  I survived didn't I .....  I am here blogging about it right.  Actually I must admitt I really liked the Coyote Cannon slide.....it is almost like swirling in a toilet bowl when you flush it.  Anyways it was great, I enjoyed playing and having spa services at their spa, but man am I tired!  That was a lot of exercise walking up and down the stairs with your tube to go down a slide.

Here are the girls under the rain tree in the wave pool.

This is the bottom of the hydro plunge coaster.   You should go to this water park....it is indoors and you will never have to worry about the weather!  You will feel like a kid again I promise!

Footie's Goodies Interview

Well as it turns out Footie's Goodies was interviewed on Saturday for one of our local papers.

So this is us the night before baking like mad to have some goodies for the reporter!

And of course you can't just bake one kind of cookie....so we baked oatmeal scotchy surprise, blue & whites, and m&m chocolate chip bars! We always seem to make a mess, but it was so totally worth it.  We out did ourselves.

Now who is going to clean up this disaster?  The reporter was impressed and even bought a bag of our m&m chocolate chip bars to bring home to his family.  The article should be in the Madison County Courier by next week.  Now my daughter thinks she is a celebrity. Remember if you want some of Footie's Goodies you can buy them at The Market @ Oneida Commons. They are open 7 days a week. For more info go to http://www.oneidacommons.com/