Bread Series

I have decided to do a series on bread recipes.  I make our daily bread that we use for sandwiches, dinner rolls, and pizza crust as well as special breads such as pita bread and tortillas.  My goal is to share my go-to easy recipes that anyone can use to make their meal a little extra special.  Do not be afraid!  I was very intimidated about the idea of making homemade breads and have found it to be very easy.  

Some Helpful Tips:

• I use my Kitchen Aid on number 3 for 5 minutes to help knead but have had the same wonderful results kneading my hand.

• I buy yeast in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club which is a steal at I believe $3 for 2 lbs!  In the grocery stores I pay $7 plus for a baby food size jar of yeast.  If you don't have a card membership check your local store since many Sam's Clubs offer free open house days where you can go and buy items without a membership!  These days usually fall around holidays like the 4th of July.  After you open the yeast jar, store in your refrigerator.

• I also buy flour in bulk at Costco but our local grocery store and Super Wal-Mart's offer flour in bulk.  

Stay Tuned as I hope to have a recipe for hamburger buns to share with you this week!

No Egg Chocolate Chip Cookies

Friday night, my husband and I had a friend over for dinner.  I was in the process of making chocolate chip cookies for dessert when I noticed we were out of eggs.  This always seems to happen!  I have become very good at adapting recipes that call for an egg or two, most of the time just leaving the eggs out altogether (especially when I make my Great Aunt's banana bread) and I still end up with a yummy result.  Since I was being lazy and did not want to turn off the oven and jump in the car to pick up a dozen eggs I enjoy a challenge so I searched the trusty internet for a good egg-free recipe.  I stumbled upon what might me my new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe!  And here it is if you want to give it a try:

Makes: 2 dozen cookies

1 cup butter softened (I used margarine)
1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 cup Quick oats (I used old-fashioned)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips

1. Cream butter and sugars.  

2. Mix in dry ingredients.  

3. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Bake 350' for 11 minutes.  

I usually like my cookies a little chewy and was surprised I needed to cook them the full 11 minutes, and just like most any cookie, they are BEST right out of the oven--warm and gooey! This recipe would also be an amazing chocolate chip cookie dough for ice cream and you wouldn't have to worry since there are no raw eggs in the batter!  Try this and I am sure you will enjoy!

Sweet Dreams,

Cindy