Sunday, March 18, 2012

Homemade Anniversary

My better half loves Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites, but naturally, I do not. I try my hardest not to pull faces or voice my opinion whenever a box shows up, but eww! Just look at them!
Am I the only one who thinks they look like animal leavings?
So what's a girl to do? Shut your mouth and get in that kitchen!
I came across this recipe during an afternoon of Pinterest-ing. Yeah, it's a verb.
The recipe is very simple; beat the butter and sugar together, mix in the remaining ingredients, roll into 1" balls, and chill for half an hour. Melt 6 ounces of chocolate in a double boiler while the bites are chilling, then drizzle with melted chocolate.

Word to the wise: the original recipe claims to yield 24 1-inch bites. I used a melon-baller to help me roll mine and I got SEVENTY 1-inch bites! Yikes! My only advise is to share the wealth and freeze any surplus. It worked out great for me because I had the opportunity to give my better half these treats in celebration of our two-year anniversary. Te amo mi mundo!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
1 c salted butter, softened (if using unsalted butter, add 1/2 tsp salt)
1 1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 c all purpose flour
6 oz mini chocolate chips
Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Roll into 1" balls and chill for 30 minutes. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Store in the refrigerator.
Until next time!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Granola Bar Bites

I've been on a health kick lately. Lately? Okay, you caught me. Really, I've been on the hunt for gluten-free recipes in honor of my oldest and bestest friend's birthday. We've been friends since the 2nd grade! Happy belated birthday, girlie!
I came across this recipe and thought it looked pretty tasty. After running the ingredient list past my friend and getting a thumbs-up, I went for it!
These little beauties have a delightful chewy texture, with a nice crunch from dark chocolate chips. They are endlessly adaptable, so feel free to play around with the ingredients. And the best part? No preservatives or added oils!

Granola Bar Bites (original recipe here)
makes 20-25 1" bites
1 c old fashioned oats
1 c toasted coconut flakes
1/2 c chocolate chips (try nuts, dried fruit, and/or seeds)
1/2 c peanut butter (or any nut butter)
1/2 c ground flaxseed (or wheat germ)
1/3 c honey (don't substitute agave, it's too thin)
1 tsp vanilla
I didn't use flaxseed or wheat germ, and mine were still delicious!
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Chill for 30 minutes.

Roll into 1" balls.
Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week.
Head's up: this recipe is easily doubled, tripled, or halved. I halved the above, which is why my portions in the photos look so meager.
Until next time!
While you're enjoying your granola bites, head on over to my bestie's etsy pages and take a peek!
K. Jane
cjstitchery