I love brown sugar…there is something so delicious about the warm, caramel like flavor that nothing seems to compare to. One day while watching the Food Network (of course) I saw a recipe being prepared with simple syrup when I had an “ah-ha” moment – Brown Sugar Simple Syrup!
I made the concoction which is so simple – by combining 2 parts light brown sugar to 1 part water. Simmer in saucepan over medium heat until the sugar has melted. Add a dash of salt and voila – a yummy, delicious syrup with a warm, caramel flavor.
Some of my favorite ways to use this syrup is over oatmeal, breakfast quinoa, in coffee, yogurt, salad dressings and so much more. I would definitely try it. I store mine in the refrigerator and use it all the time. Enjoy!
I have had this pesky five pounds hanging around ever since the holidays and I can’t get rid of it fast enough. One of my favorite ways to treat myself when I am trying to be good is with a warm cup of tea.
My current favorite is the Tazo Chai Tea. Slightly sweet with cinnamon and a little spicy with the addition of black pepper and other spices, this is the perfect addition to my afternoon. Oh and since this is made with black tea there is some caffeine. My chosen way to enjoy is with a about 2 tablespoons of skim milk and a packet of Monk Fruit in the Raw which is an all natural sweetener. So yummy and delicious – do give it a try!
I adore chocolate chip cookies. I have an obsession with them and have made countless batches always searching for the next best recipe. I am sure I will try other recipes on occasion, however this is hands down a new classic for me.I got this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction website. Click here to see her recipe as well as her absolutely stunning pictures. There are several differences in this recipe compared to others I have tried – the three being that you use melted butter instead of softened (which means NO mixer needed!!!!), one egg and a yolk as opposed to two eggs that most recipes call for and 1 1/2 tsp. of cornstarch. I was a bit skeptical at first, however these have come out heavenly again and again. The recipe calls for 1 cup of chocolate chips. I like to mix this up with part dark chocolate, part milk chocolate and part cacao nibs.
Even though these are still cookies, I like to sneak a little extra added health benefits wherever I can.These cookies are chewy, soft and incredibly delicious. They remind me of a Mrs. Fields cookie, but without the $2 price tag. I hope you try these out and let me know what you think.
CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES (uses cornstarch) – adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction
INGREDIENTS
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, cacao nibs and/or some M&M’s
DIRECTIONS
Toss together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a medium size bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until no brown sugar lumps remain. Whisk in the egg, then the egg yolk. Finally, whisk in the vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a large spoon or rubber spatula. The dough will be very soft. Fold in the chocolate chips. They may not stick to the dough because of the melted butter, but do your best to have them evenly dispersed among the dough. Cover the dough and chill for 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is mandatory.
Take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow to slightly soften at room temperature for 10 minutes.Preheat the oven to 325F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.Roll the dough into balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each. Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes. The cookies will look very soft and underbaked. They will continue to bake on the cookie sheet. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
I am not sure if it is the kids, everyday life or what, but I have come to really enjoy a cocktail or two every now and again. Combine that with my never ending desire to try something new in the kitchen and I just had to try making my own Kahlua.
