The children and I baked this evening, making a huge mess in the process. After they were tucked in and asleep, I started washing pans and bowls, while listening to some news. What a disturbing news weekend! As the details of the Knox murder case were discussed, I began to feel fear about being in the house without my husband (he left at 8:30 p.m. for a part-time job). The senseless violence involved in that case is so frightening!
I lived alone for a long time in California as a single school teacher, and I never had a problem with fear. Of course, I never read or watched anything disturbing, either. Feeling spooked is no fun.
Wanting to divert my mind, I turned off the news and put the clean-up on hold. I'm going to pass some time telling you about our cute little cookies--our cute little delicious cookies (peanut butter blossoms).
Baking with children is one of my favorite activities. I just love being one with them in the kitchen! I love that we all contribute. I love that they learn in the process. I love that their moods elevate immediately, upon hearing that we're going to bake, or make applesauce or soup. And I love their eager faces as I hand over the mixer utensils to be licked (I know--it's potentially unhealthy because of the raw eggs--but how fun!).
And finally, when the cookies come out of the oven, I love that it feels like a party around here! Kids just have a way of living that tickles my fancy. Life is a celebration! Live it up! Eat dessert first!
Not a bad motto, I must say.
There was an added bonus for the kids with these peanut butter blossoms. They unwrapped the Hershey's kisses for me first thing. While they worked, I announced that they could eat the leftover kisses. What joy ensued!
Without further ado, here is a recipe for peanut butter blossoms. They look almost too cute to eat! A perfect cookie to give away for the holidays! They're oh so delicious--or delectable, as Mary would say!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
48 Hershey's kisses
1/2 cup shortening (I used butter, 1/2 c)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove wrappers from chocolates. (Don't make the same mistake I did, and get into the chocolates before baking day!)
2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.
(taken from Hersheys.com)
2 comments:
Ohhhhh, I must try these! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I used to make these or something like them with my daughter. MMM good:) We had many good memories of baking and she still does it now with her son!
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