Oreo-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, you read that right...a cookie within a cookie. This one is not for the diet-conscious! One cookie runs a hefty 312 calories each...! So without further hesitation here we go! :)

What's needed:

2 sticks butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 10oz bag chocolate chips
1 package Oreo cookies
parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking to cookie sheet or a ceramic baking pan

Let's do this!!

1. Preheat your oven to 350.

 Cream butter and both sugars together; mix well.

2. Beat in eggs and vanilla. 

3.In a separate bowl mix flour, salt and baking soda.

4. Slowly add wet ingrediants from first bowl along with the chocolate chips.

5. I used an ice cream scoop--> take one scoop of dough and place on top of an Oreo cookie.

**Be careful not to press down too hard or the Oreo will break in your hand.**

6. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie.

7. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping hand until Oreo cookie is covered with dough.

8. Use parchment paper lined cookie/baking sheet (I used a ceramic bar pan) and bake for appros 10 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Let cool for about 5 minutes before you transfer to a cooling rack.

ENJOY!!

How to Dress up that Side of Mac-N-Cheese

1. Add some chopped ham!
2. Mix bread crumbs and olive oil; broil for few minutes. Spinkle on your mac-n-cheese.
3. Tuna mac anyone? Stir in some canned tuna.
4. That's beefy! Add some browned ground round ( I rhymed!) with light seasoning to taste.
5. Add some veggies! Peas, broccolli, mushrooms or red peppers. Your choice!

Cherry Blossoms - 2011

The following photos were taken by my good friend Nikki Krakora. What a great pick-me-up on a cold day!

How to dress up your rice.

The following idea's can help you step up your rice dish!

1. Brown some sausage, add some fennel seeds and some vegetable stock to moisten rice. Heat and stir.
2. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, stir slowly over low heat.
3. Toss rice with a can of Mexi-corn. It has corn, red and green peppers.
4. Add chopped sauteed onions and tomatoes. Add a pinch of saffron!
5. Add some chopped scallions and sesame seeds with a teaspoon each of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Strawberry Cake

What you need:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pound strawberries, drained and cleaned



1. Preheat oven to 350. Butter pie plate. 

2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together in medium bowl.

3. Put butter and 1 cup sugar  in a bowl and mix on medium-high setting for about 3 minutes.

4. Mix in egg, milk and vanilla. Mix at medium setting.

5. Gradually mix in flour at medium-low setting.

6. Transfer batter to pie plate.

7. Arrange strawberries on top of batter.

5. Sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp sugar over berries.

6. Bake cake 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325; bake until golden, about 1 hour.

7. Cool on wire rack, then enjoy!!