Mocha Sandies

I was given samples of sponsored products to create recipes for our #ChristmasCookies Week event. I received no further compensation. All opinions are my own.
Mocha Sandies

Mocha Sandies take delicate traditional pecan cookies and add a touch of chocolate and coffee. A fun twist to this classic cookie.
Mocha Sandies

Welcome to #ChristmasCookies week where more than 25 bloggers are sharing cookie recipes perfect for your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks, we invite you to not only check out the recipes but enter the amazing giveaway.

Don’t miss one delicious cookie recipe! Follow along on Pinterest.

Check out today’s shared recipes at the bottom of this post. Now onto the giveaway information!

Prize 1: Tower of Treats from Millican Pecan Company

Assorted Pecan goodies in a tin.

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is an 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

Prize 2: An Assortment of Flavored Extracts from Adams Extract and Spices

Adams Extract Logo

 In January 2013, Adams, one of the oldest continuously operated companies in Texas and one of oldest spice and extract companies in the United States, celebrated its 125th birthday and was awarded the Texas Treasure Business Award, an award sponsored by State Bill 920 that recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years and pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™ along with the Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. In addition, Adams is proud to manufacture for some of the nations most respected Private Label Brands as well as other legacy Regional Seasoning Brands and is used to flavor many commercially produced food products around the nation.

 

Prize 3: A Set of Baking Pans from Anolon

Baking pans

Established in the 1950’s, Meyer Manufacturing started by making and selling flashlights. In 1971 they started their journey into selling cookware. By 1986 they released the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware which revolutionized the world of home cooking. Their nonstick surface didn’t flake or scratch easily.

Today they sell bakeware with nonstick interior and exterior made with a special sapphire-reinforced blend that is triple coated. NOTE: Color may vary from the photo above.

Prize 4: An Assorted Baking Box from Sweets & Treats

Sweets & Treats Logo

Make Sweets & Treats your one-stop shop for all your holiday sprinkle needs. In addition to fun, festive and colorful sprinkles, Sweets & Treats offers cupcake liners, edible glitters, sugars, and more.

Founded in 2010 by Shannon Harvey out of an industry need for bold, bright cupcake liners and baking supplies that are the life of the party! Based in Louisiana, Sweets & Treats is a designer cupcake liner manufacturer and party supply company that creates exclusive greaseproof cupcake liners, sprinkles, sprinkle mixes, paper straws, and other baking supplies. 

Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway open to US Residents only who are 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adding a bit of espresso powder makes the chocolate pop in these cookies. I use cocoa to keep the texture true to the classic “snowball” cookie.
Mocha Sandies
Adding cocoa and espresso to the sugar coating pushes the flavors to the top!
Mocha SandiesI used Adams Extract brand Adams Best for a refreshing touch of vanilla. Vanilla has a way of deepening chocolate flavor.
Mocha Sandies
I’m told these cookies taste better if you toast the pecans first. I like them either way, as a softer nut, as pecans are compared to other nuts. I also grind my pecans for these cookies. I think it helps release the natural oil for more taste and softer texture.

Mocha Sandies

Mocha Sandies

5 from 2 votes
Servings 20 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • coating
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder

Instructions
 

  • Beat butter about 30 seconds until lighter and fluffier. Add powdered sugar, beat to combine, scraping down as needed.
  • Add water and vanilla. Beat until mixed. Beat in flour, cocoa and espresso powder. Stir in pecans (I used Millican Pecan Company pecans) Chill dough about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  • Preheat oven to 325. Shape dough into about 1-inch sized balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet (I use my Anolon cookie sheet) Gently pat. Bake about 15 minutes just until bottoms are lightly brown. Cool.
  • Mix together powder sugar, cocoa and espresso coating in a resealable bag. Add a few cooled cookies to bag at a time and gently shake to coat.

 

Friday Christmas Cookie Recipes

Posted in #ChristmasCookieWeek, chocolate, ChristmasCookiesWeek, coffee, cookies, dessert, What's For Dinner? | 34 Comments

Frosty Ginger Cookies

I was given samples of sponsored products to create recipes for our #ChristmasCookies Week event. I received no further compensation. All opinions are my own.

Frosty Ginger Cookies

Frosty Ginger Cookies bring a touch of spice to your cookie tray. Fun candy shapes dot the top for added holiday cheer!

Frosty Ginger Cookies

 

Welcome to #ChristmasCookies week where more than 25 bloggers are sharing cookie recipes perfect for your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks, we invite you to not only check out the recipes but enter the amazing giveaway.

Don’t miss one delicious cookie recipe! Follow along on Pinterest.

Check out today’s shared recipes at the bottom of this post. Now onto the giveaway information!

Prize 1: Tower of Treats from Millican Pecan Company

Assorted Pecan goodies in a tin.

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is an 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

Prize 2: An Assortment of Flavored Extracts from Adams Extract and Spices

Adams Extract Logo

 In January 2013, Adams, one of the oldest continuously operated companies in Texas and one of oldest spice and extract companies in the United States, celebrated its 125th birthday and was awarded the Texas Treasure Business Award, an award sponsored by State Bill 920 that recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years and pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™ along with the Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. In addition, Adams is proud to manufacture for some of the nations most respected Private Label Brands as well as other legacy Regional Seasoning Brands and is used to flavor many commercially produced food products around the nation.

 

Prize 3: A Set of Baking Pans from Anolon

Baking pans

Established in the 1950’s, Meyer Manufacturing started by making and selling flashlights. In 1971 they started their journey into selling cookware. By 1986 they released the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware which revolutionized the world of home cooking. Their nonstick surface didn’t flake or scratch easily.

Today they sell bakeware with nonstick interior and exterior made with a special sapphire-reinforced blend that is triple coated. NOTE: Color may vary from the photo above.

Prize 4: An Assorted Baking Box from Sweets & Treats

Sweets & Treats Logo

Make Sweets & Treats your one-stop shop for all your holiday sprinkle needs. In addition to fun, festive and colorful sprinkles, Sweets & Treats offers cupcake liners, edible glitters, sugars, and more.

Founded in 2010 by Shannon Harvey out of an industry need for bold, bright cupcake liners and baking supplies that are the life of the party! Based in Louisiana, Sweets & Treats is a designer cupcake liner manufacturer and party supply company that creates exclusive greaseproof cupcake liners, sprinkles, sprinkle mixes, paper straws, and other baking supplies. 

Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway open to US Residents only who are 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m a big fan of molasses type cookies. When you add warm spices like ginger and cinnamon they really pop! These cookies crunch instead of being your typical soft crinkle-type version.
A bit of frosting and festive sprinkles present a well-dressed cookie to your cookie tray. Mix it up with fun colors.
I used Adams Extract green for some of the cookies. What do you think?
Sweets and Treats candies come in so many great shapes to dress up your desserts. I chose snowflakes and candy canes just for fun.
Anolon bakeware made these cookies easy to brown and bake without added grease. Hey I just saved a few more calories! Now I can have another cookie, right?

Frosty Ginger Cookies

Frosty Ginger Cookies

Frosty Ginger Cookies

Frosty Ginger Cookies

5 from 3 votes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (I used Adams Extract)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • frosting
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup assorted Sweets and Treats candies

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream together oil, sugar, molasses and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix into a soft dough. Place mixture on parchment paper and roll into a log approximately 9-inches in length. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until more easy to handle.
  • Mix together powdered sugar, shortening, vanilla. Add enough water (plus a few drops of coloring if desired) to form a smooth frosting. Frost cooled cookies and add decorations as desired.

Wednesday Christmas Cookie Recipes

Posted in #ChristmasCookieWeek, Christmas, cinnamon, cookies, dessert, ginger, What's For Dinner? | 30 Comments

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

I was given samples of sponsored products to create recipes for our #ChristmasCookies Week event. I received no further compensation. All opinions are my own.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies. A delicate shortbread packed with pecans. Buttery cookies that are not too sweet.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

Welcome to #ChristmasCookies week where more than 25 bloggers are sharing cookie recipes perfect for your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks, we invite you to not only check out the recipes but enter the amazing giveaway.

 

Don’t miss one delicious cookie recipe! Follow along on Pinterest.

 

Check out today’s shared recipes at the bottom of this post. Now onto the giveaway information!

Prize 1: Tower of Treats from Millican Pecan Company

Assorted Pecan goodies in a tin.

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is an 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

Prize 2: An Assortment of Flavored Extracts from Adams Extract and Spices

Adams Extract Logo

 In January 2013, Adams, one of the oldest continuously operated companies in Texas and one of oldest spice and extract companies in the United States, celebrated its 125th birthday and was awarded the Texas Treasure Business Award, an award sponsored by State Bill 920 that recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years and pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™ along with the Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. In addition, Adams is proud to manufacture for some of the nations most respected Private Label Brands as well as other legacy Regional Seasoning Brands and is used to flavor many commercially produced food products around the nation.

 

Prize 3: A Set of Baking Pans from Anolon

Baking pans

Established in the 1950’s, Meyer Manufacturing started by making and selling flashlights. In 1971 they started their journey into selling cookware. By 1986 they released the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware which revolutionized the world of home cooking. Their nonstick surface didn’t flake or scratch easily.

Today they sell bakeware with nonstick interior and exterior made with a special sapphire-reinforced blend that is triple coated. NOTE: Color may vary from the photo above.

Prize 4: An Assorted Baking Box from Sweets & Treats

Sweets & Treats Logo

Make Sweets & Treats your one-stop shop for all your holiday sprinkle needs. In addition to fun, festive and colorful sprinkles, Sweets & Treats offers cupcake liners, edible glitters, sugars, and more.

Founded in 2010 by Shannon Harvey out of an industry need for bold, bright cupcake liners and baking supplies that are the life of the party! Based in Louisiana, Sweets & Treats is a designer cupcake liner manufacturer and party supply company that creates exclusive greaseproof cupcake liners, sprinkles, sprinkle mixes, paper straws, and other baking supplies. 

 

 

Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway open to US Residents only who are 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies start as a soft dough rich in butter. I like to grind the sugars, salt and pecans together. This gets rid of those pesky sugar lumps and cuts the pecans to a nice size in one action.
Cream in the butter, then yolk and vanilla. Mix in the flour.
Place dough on lightly floured parchment sheet. Hand kneed to a soft dough stage. Roll into a log about 10-inches long. Seal tightly in parchment paper. Chill until firm, about 2 hours. This will yield about 35 to 40 cookies.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies log_

These Anolon Cookie and Baking sheets eliminate the need for parchment or additional grease. Your cookies brown beautifully.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

Millican Pecan Company pecans and Adams Extract Adams Best Vanilla make these cookies extra special.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

 

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

5 from 3 votes
Servings 36 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (I used Millican Pecan Company)
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla (I used Adams Extract)
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 1/2 cups flour

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Combine sugar, brown sugar, salt and pecans in food processor. Pulse to grind into a loose mixture with bits of pecans.
  • Add butter, vanilla and egg yolk. Cream together. Add flour and mix to create soft dough.
  • Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead until thoroughly combined. Roll dough into a 10-inch log. Wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Slice dough into 1/4-inch pieces. Place on Anolon cookie sheet or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake until edges are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Turn cookie sheet around about halfway through to insure even browning. Cool on cookie sheet a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool.

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies

Monday Christmas Cookie Recipes

Posted in Christmas, ChristmasCookiesWeek, cookies, nuts, pecans, What's For Dinner? | 40 Comments

Cranberry Kissed Green Beans

Cranberry Kissed Green Beans make your holiday meal stand out. Tart, sweet cranberry sauce drizzled over bright green beans. A beautiful, tasty side dish for Thanksgiving or colorful Christmas table.

Cranberry Kissed Green Beans

Today I’m sharing a different take on green beans as a side for your turkey or roast. I’m skipping the creamy, well-known casserole. Instead, I’m offering a combo of crisp green beans, crunchy pecans and one of my favorites, homemade cranberry sauce.

Cranberry sauce from scratch is one of the easiest sides you can make at home. It’s also a way to regulate how sweet, saucy and thick your cranberry sauce is served.

My cranberry green beans are one of dozens of sides you can try this week!

Join in on our Holiday Side Dishes week from our Festive Foodies bloggers. We’re sharing some fun side dish ideas on 11/2, 11/4 and 11/6!

Thanks Heather from Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks for hosting our event!

Don’t forget to scroll down after the recipe for more tasty #HolidaySideDishes ideas!

Cranberry Kissed Green Beans

 

Cranberry Kissed Green Beans

5 from 2 votes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces green beans (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Whisk sugar and water together in a medium saucepan to dissolve sugar. Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in cranberries. Reduce heat and boil gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, cooking until most berries pop. Cover and cool at room temperature. Refrigerate unused portion.
  • While sauce cooks, prepare beans. Place beans in 2-quart saucepan. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until tender crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain beans, top with cranberry sauce and pecans.

Wednesday Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

Posted in beans, cranberry, side dish, What's For Dinner? | 22 Comments