Merry With Children

I've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 03:13:00 +0000

Merry With Children has moved to www.merrywithchildren.com! I hope you'll come join me over there as this site will go *poof* in a few weeks!

What Do You Hide Behind?

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:32:00 +0000

I consider myself a pretty confident person. I can talk in front of large crowds (500+), I can make friends with strangers, heck....I even let a magician juggle knives near my head but I still have moments where I wonder if I've got what it takes.

That's not so unusual, really....everyone questions themselves at one time or another. My question is more aimed at those things that you hide behind in your day to day life.

For me it's makeup.....

I started wearing makeup in 9th grade. Before that I was a bit of a tom boy and never really thought that much about my appearance. I had thick glasses and quite a few bad perms so that was probably a good thing. I lived in a foster home for a while and while I was there they helped me "figure out" my style. Enter hot rollers and pan stick makeup.

Thankfully I've toned down the makeup a bit over the years but I still refuse to go out of the house without makeup. Okay, okay, I will go without it if I'm going to yoga but only if I'm going straight there...any stops...makeup.

Here's the crazy thing, though, I don't wear all that much usually. Often at the end of the day I look like I barely have any on but it doesn't matter....I have to wear it.

Why?

I have no idea. I think it's my mask I hide behind. It makes me feel put together and ready to face the world. Don't worry, I'm not doing this post to announce some new non-makeup wearing me....um...no.

I will, however, post pictures....

No Makeup

Full Makeup...

Not a ton of difference, right? So why can't I "just say no"?

What do you hide behind?

What's Cooking Wednesday - Speedy Cinnamon Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:09:00 +0000

Have you ever really, really wanted homemade cinnamon rolls but didn't have the 2 hours plus it takes to make them from scratch? If so, this recipe is for YOU!

Speedy Cinnamon Rolls

Adapted from this recipe

3 cups all purpose flour

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

2/3 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

1 1/4 cups milk + 2 Tbsp vinegar (or 1 1/4 cups buttermilk)

1 egg

3 Tbsp butter, softened

1/3 cup brown sugar

1-2 Tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Mix well. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until mixture looks like crumbs.

Combine milk & eggs in a small bowl. Add to crumb mixture and mix into dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 10 - 15 times. Don't over knead but make sure dough is fully combined and not sticky. Roll dough into a large rectangle (approx 16" X 12").

Brush dough with softened butter, spreading evenly. Sprinkly brown sugar and cinnamon over butter. Roll the dough starting from one long side. Pinch seam together and cut into 1" rounds. Place on baking sheet (touching) and bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe Notes: Well, I forgot to put the cinnamon in these. I didn't realize my mistake until right after I put them into the oven. I pulled them out & sprinkled cinnamon all over the tops of the rolls. They still turned out great. These are more of a cinnamon biscuit than what you normally get as a roll because it doesn't use yeast. My family has decided they actually prefer these.

If you prefer "real" cinnamon rolls, you can find recipe for those here and here.

Wordless Wednesday - He Was Getting Kinda Bieber-iffic

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:45:00 +0000

This picture is actually a little misleading as his hair was laying down more than normal. He was beginning to look like a cross between Justin Bieber and Kramer.

Worst picture ever....His nice new haircut that after I tried to get the 1.5 million hairs out of it that kept falling out. Oh, and they had just given him a sucker. Standing still for the picture was right up there with torture at this point.

I decided to try the Great Clips near our house for his cut this time. They had a sale so it was $7.99....definitely worth that price!

This Wordless Wednesday post is linked up at A Lot of Loves, 5 Minutes for Mom and My Organized Chaos.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Pick Me Ups!

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:04:00 +0000

I am not a huge fan of winter....especially since moving to Calgary because people...it is COLD! This morning it was -27°C. I have a car starter but I feel guilty letting it idle too long so I left for work before it was warm. I have a 30 minute commute and it never got warm. My hands and feet were numb by the time I got there. Ugh.

So what does that have to do with my Top Ten list? Well, I definitely need the occasional pick me up when winter is in full force or I might go CRAZY (or crazy-er as Dewey would say). Some of my pick me ups cost money but others are completely free. Next time you are feeling down try one of these suggestions out & hopefully it will have you feeling better in no time.

Go for coffee/tea with a friend - It's amazing how revitalizing reconnecting with a friend can be. We are all busy but it can take as little as an hour to meet a friend for coffee. It's amazing how much better and more grounded you'll feel after a good chat.
Go for a walk - Okay, you're not going to do this when it's -27 but any other time it works great. There's something about a good walk that clears your head and lets you think. I have figured out some of my toughest conundrums on a good walk.
Have a soak in a hot bath - I know, I know, we're all moms who are overworked and under appreciated but taking a bit of time to yourself is worth it. The hubs can watch the kids for a while. Lock the bathroom door, though, or you'll have rubber duckies in your bath for sure!
Read a chick lit book (or other mindless reading) - While reading to learn can be great, when you need a pick me up reading a book for fun fits the bill.
Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while - I have so many friends that I love dearly that I never talk to. I get busy and so do they and next thing you know it's been a year since we've chatted. Pick up the phone! It'll be totally worth it and you will feel great all day.
Help someone else - Nothing feels better than helping others. Some ideas......shovel your neighbors sidewalk, buy the person behind you at Starbucks a coffee, put change in an expired parking meter, etc. You will make their day and yours too!
Go read your favorite bloggers - I love taking time out and catching up on blogs I love. If I'm down, I like to go to some of the funnier ones. Laughing along at someone else's story of child angst always makes me feel better.
Go get a massage - I have to start doing this one more. Massages are covered (up to a certain amount) by my health insurance and yet I did not get one single massage last year. Stupid, huh? Gotta fix that this year.
Hang out with your child/children doing something they love - Let's face it. Our children are much easier on us when we are letting them do something they want to do. For me & Evan our go to activity is baking. He loves it. The other day in the car he said to me "Mommy, you make the best cookies every time!"
Eat some chocolate - Because really....chocolate makes everything better!

What are your favorite pick me ups?

This post is linked up at Oh Amanda for Top Ten Tuesday!

Monday Mingle - January 31, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Today's Questions:

What is one food or drink that you cannot live without?
Are you a foodie? Do you love to cook or are you a food blogger?
What is your one easy family friendly recipe or amazing supersecret recipe that you are known for?

In the mingle I mentioned Italian Sausage Pasta bake. You can find the recipe here.

Head over to Eighty MPH Mom to see more Monday Mingle fun!

Date Night!

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:33:00 +0000

If you're like me you are super busy, running here and there at a million miles an hour wondering "What else do I have to do & what have I forgotten?"

Unfortunately the first thing to go is often time with your significant other. There's always something that needs doing or something that money needs to be spent on so date nights can get pushed out into oblivion.

Believe me.....

I know!

BUT.....I also know that connecting with your significant other is worth it. If you two aren't happy than eventually no one else in the household will be either. I know that date night can't fix every situation but it is a start.

So just do it......plan a date night with your special someone even if it's just movie & popcorn after the kids go to bed!

Pic - Stilton cheesecake from NOtaBLE in Calgary.....Divine!

What is your favorite date night?

365 Day Photo Project - Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:23:00 +0000

Week 4 has come and gone. Here are the pictures I took:

Jan 21 - Library Love

Jan 22 - Ikea ice cream ROCKS

Jan 23 - Sugar snap peas are yummy!

Jan 24 - Blogging, blogging, blogging

Jan 25 - A little pbskids.org time before bed

Jan 26 - It was practically Spring in Calgary today

Jan 27 - Friday afternoon pick me up!

Participating in the 365 Day Project link ups at:

Merry Mumblings...

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 04:24:00 +0000

Just a few things that I keep forgetting to mention.....

You can now find some of my writing over at Kids In Cowtown. My first article is about Community Supported Agriculture. I would love to hear your opinion of it!

Over the next few days you will *hopefully* see a new, redesigned Merry With Children site appear. It should not cause any issues for you but if you do see an hiccups please let me know!

I am putting together a blogger meetup in Calgary for February. If you are a blogger & live in or near Calgary, please leave me a comment with your contact info so that I can keep you in the loop!

Also, if you are in Calgary, mark your calendar for Twestival on March 24th. It is still very much in planning stages but it should be a fun event that raises money for charity. I will post more info as it becomes available.

That's all for me tonight....gotta go play with my new toy....

I finally broke down and bought an iPhone. Woot!

How is your Thursday?

What's Cooking Wednesday - Lettuce Wraps

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 04:35:00 +0000

I'm always looking for a kid friendly recipe to make when Will & Nicole are here. This definitely fits the bill. I adapted this recipe a bit because Nicole has a shellfish allergy so I couldn't use oyster sauce. I also doubled the recipe to feed my starving tween stepson and I wanted leftovers. The recipe below reflects the changes & the doubling.

Lettuce Wraps

Adapted from Pioneer Woman Cooks

2 pounds ground turkey

2 Tbsp canola oil

1/2 large onion diced small

3 small garlic cloves, minced

1 piece fresh ginger, minced (mine was 2" X 2" piece)

2 red bell peppers, chopped

1 can water chestnuts, drained and diced

6 Tbsp white wine or Chinese cooking wine

8 Tbsp reduced salt soy sauce

2 Tbsp Satay peanut sauce

3 Tbsp Hoisin sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

1 head iceberg or butter lettuce, cored and rinsed. Loosen the leaves, this will be your wrap

Chop all your veggies first because this recipe comes together pretty fast.

Mix together the soy sauce, peanut sauce, hoisin sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet or stirfry pan over medium high heat. Add oil. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for a minute to heat it up. Add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is done.

Add the bell pepper and water chestnuts. Cook for a couple of minutes and then add the white wine. Cook for another minute and then add the sauce. Stir and reduce for 3 or four minutes so sauce will thicken.

Serve on the iceberg leaves with peanut sauce on the side.

Recipe Notes: Everyone LOVED these. The iceberg lettuce breaks a bit easy. I think I will use butter lettuce next time as it is a bit more structurally stable.

Make sure to head over to Shan's to see what else is cooking this Wednesday.

Wordless Wednesday - My Handsome Little Man

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Handome little booger!

Sporting his 3D glasses

This post is linked at 5 Minutes for Mom, Slice O' Heaven, A Lot of Loves and My Organized Chaos

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Food Blogs I Love

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:35:00 +0000

Chasing Tomatoes - You've seen me try tons of Karen's recipes here. She's the full meal deal....healthy food with a good dose of baked goods! Oh and did I mention the great photography? Yep! You can also catch her on Twitter at @scatteredmom and on her other blog Notes from the Cookie Jar.
Pioneer Woman Cooks - I know, I know, Pioneer Woman doesn't need any more publicity. I'm sure you ALL know about her. But for reals....her recipes rock!
A Southern Fairytale - This is one of the food blogs I've just recently found. I love reading the posts and the wonderful pictures. She even taught me all about Soup Swap. I just wish I were going to Blissdom so that I could meet her! You can find her on twitter at @sthrnfairytale
Sweetnicks - Cate has been "eating clean" and has lost quite a bit of herself over the past 6 months. Think weight loss might put a cramp in her food blogger style? Nope. There are still lots of recipes, they're just a bit healthier (and all the old less healthy recipes are still in the archives!).
Dinner With Julie - Julie is a food celeb in Calgary but not sure the rest of you have had a chance to meet her. Her blog is a great find. Lots of recipes, great pictures and quite often a food related give away. Plus she gets to rub elbows with lots of food mega-stars (think Anthony Bourdain). You can also find Julie on Twitter at @dinnerwithjulie
Chocolate and Ginger - While not a purely food blog, you should definitely check it out for the beautiful photography and recipes. Also, definitely check out her posts on her trip to Paris. It makes me want to go there NOW. If only!
Patent and the Pantry - Another Calgary food blogger. We have such a great blogger community here! Maybe one day I'll get to meet some of them....gotta get on that. More great pics and great recipes (I'm running out of new and inventive ways of saying that!). You can find her on Twitter at @gwendolynmr
Smitten Kitchen - I know, another food blogger who is super popular but how would you NOT include Deb in any food blogger list? Oh and did I mention she has the cutest little boy ever (well other than Evan of course)? Yep!

Okay, I know it's not 10 but I got started late on this post. I'll owe you 2 next time!

Who are your favorite food bloggers? I'm always looking for more to follow! Please dish (pun intended)!

Check out other Top Ten Tuesday posts over at Oh Amanda!

Monday Mingle Vlog - January 24, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:37:00 +0000

This weeks questions are:

If you could “undo” one thing in life, what would it be?
For MPH, do you say miles per hour or mile per hour?
Do you say potato as po-TAY-to or po-TAH-toh and tomato as to-MAY-to or to-MAH-to? How do you say coupon?

Head over to Eighty MPH Mom to see everyone else's Monday Mingle....we would all love it if you joined in!

Soup Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Until this month I had never even heard of Soup Swap. Now, I am DEFINITELY planning one for next year. So anyone in Calgary that is reading this....get ready because next year we're having one!

The lovely Rachel at A Southern Fairy Tale is hosting a virtual soup swap for those of us that are a little behind. So check out some of my favorite soup recipes below & go visit Rachel for even more virtual Soup Swap fun.

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Just posted this week and SUPER YUMMY!

Taco Soup - Oh so easy & made with ingredients you have in the pantry.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup - My hubby's favorite. So good even my Mother In Law uses this recipe now (and that's saying something!).

If you want to get into the Soup Swap spirit even more.....drop a bag full of soup off at your local food bank (in Calgary most grocery stores have a food bank drop off as well).

So who's in for the Soup Swap next year?

365 Day Photo Project - Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Clockwise from top left.

Jan 14 - Christmas Lights in January
Jan 15 - Me & Evan....aren't we cute?
Jan 16 - Hiding behind the curtains
Jan 17 - My MacBook Pro....my most prized possession
Jan 18 - Hitching a ride on Daddy's leg
Jan 19 - The new additions....Evan's new pillow pets. He's so excited!
Jan 20 - Who knew that igloos were made with marshmallows that you "lick & stick" (so says Evan)

I love making sure I take a picture for every day.....except when I forget. I know a lot of people are using this project to improve their photography skills but I need way more time to do that. It's just not happening!

Edit: I'm adding one more picture so that I am on the same schedule as the blogs I link up to. So here's the picture for Jan 21st.

I mainly added it today because I got picked as one of the Top 5 by The Daily Wyatt. Cool, huh?

And as always, I would love it if you would follow me on Facebook or Google Friend Connect (right side of blog for both). If you are following me on GFC or Facebook & I'm not currently following you, leave me a note and I'll remedy the situation!

Do You Practice Yoga?

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:27:00 +0000

I don't but I really, really want to. I've had a punch card at a local yoga studio forever but I haven't used it (not even once).

I'm a bit afraid.

That I won't do it right

that they'll laugh at me

that I'll fall on my face. Eeep!

Today I went to a Wellness luncheon at work where Jacki spoke about stress relief. She talked a bit about yoga, showed us some moves we could do at our desk/in our office, talked about meditation & breathing and introduced the concept of Ayurevda. It was so cool. Now I'm totally pumped to do more.

I'm even signed up to get info on her next retreat!

So, tell me, do you do yoga, meditation, etc? I would love to know how you got into it & what you think!

What's Cooking Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 05:16:00 +0000

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Adapted from Pioneer Woman

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 can tomatoes with chilis or spicy tomatoes (see note)
1 can black beans drained
4 cups chicken broth
3 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups hot water
1 cup niblet corn
3 Tbsp corn meal

Garnishes:
Corn tortillas cut into strips - toasted in a skillet with butter (yum!) until crispy
Sour Cream
Shredded cheese
Diced Red Onions
Avocado
Hot Sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix spices in a small bowl. Spritz chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle with a bit of the spice mixture. Bake for 25 minutes or until done through. Shred chicken with two forks.

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, bell peppers and garlic. Cook until onion is tender. Sprinkle with remainder of spice mixture. Add shredded chicken. Stir to combine.

Add tomatoes, beans, broth, water and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Mix cornmeal with a bit of water and add to the soup. Stir. Add corn. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Taste soup and add salt if needed or chili powder if it needs more kick.

Remove soup from heat and let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Top with garnishes & enjoy!

Recipe Notes: I used the tomatoes above instead of Rotel since you can NOT find Rotel in Canada. This is such a great recipe. I moved the tortilla strips to a garnish because I ate this soup for lunch two days this week with NO GARNISH. I know! Pioneer Woman would NOT be impressed.

Head over to Shan's to see what else is cooking this Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday - Making Mars Bar Cookies on Jammie Day

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:30:00 +0000

Linked up at 5 Minutes for Mom, A Lot of Loves and My Organized Chaos.

While you're here......

It would be awesome if you would:

Like my Facebook Fan Page

Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar on my blog)

Vote for Evan's picture in the Bowe's Photography photo contest (we are REALLY behind)....first go "Like" Bowes Photography on Facebook, then find Evan's picture (look for Merry Spooner Kuchle or click here) and "like" it. I know, I know, it's a lot of steps but I'll really appreciate it!

Kinda Like Prom.....

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:19:00 +0000

There was a place to take pictures at the New Year's Eve party....aren't we cute? Just like prom...only with my husband instead of some skeevy teenager. :)

Monday Mingle Vlog - January 17, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I haven't been vlogging lately but I thought I should give it another shot. I'm joining the Monday Mingle over at Eighty MPH Mom.

Today's questions are:

How do you feel about doing fun challenges for Monday Mingle every once in a while? Like take a video of yourself trying to blow the shell off a hardboiled egg (just an example).
Who is one of your heros and why do they inspire you?
What was the best TV sitcom ever?

Hop on over to Eighty MPH Mom to watch other Monday Mingle vlogs & find other awesome bloggers to follow!

Meal Planning Re-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Well, I have really stunk at meal planning the last few months. The holidays and Dewey's band practice/work schedule has thrown a real wrench into things. I have to get back on the band wagon, though, because I am starting lunch-time bootcamp again & I need leftovers for lunch!

I have a freezer full of chicken thighs, ground turkey and ground beef so I want to use at least some of that in this weeks meal plan.

Sunday - Chicken Tortilla Soup from Pioneer Woman Cooks
Monday - Oven Braised Beef and Beer with mashed potatoes
Tuesday - Lettuce Wraps from Pioneer Woman Cooks
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Indian Coconut Curry Chicken with Apples with steamed rice and broccoli
Saturday - undecided....we have the kids so there's no telling what we'll be up to!

With my love of new recipes, I forget about the ones we've already tried and loved. That's why Oven Braised Beef with Beer and Indian Coconut Curry Chicken are back on the menu!

What are you cooking this week?

Let's Get Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:08:00 +0000

If you remember, I listed "keep moving in 2011 for better health" as one of my 2011 goals. So far I haven't been doing very well on this goal. It's been -20C or lower for the last week in Calgary which is FREAKING COLD! It is not conducive to getting outside and doing anything (especially not for me because weather this cold is still foreign to me).

Thankfully all that will change on Monday because my favorite bootcamp is starting! I've worked with Clary, the guy that runs it, for years and he is amazing. I really like it because if I miss he gives me a really hard time. It's amazing how much easier it is to stick to something when you know you're going to get in crap if you don't!

I never thought I would say that I enjoyed working out but I do enjoy bootcamp. I think it's because we change up what we do so much and I don't even have to think.....just do. If I leave my workout up to me, I usually end up giving up early or half assing everything. Not good.

Well, enough about me....what do you like to do to get moving? When it's not so cold I really like to shovel the driveway (crazy, huh?). I also like snowshoeing though I don't do it very often. I would love to find more winter time activities!

5 Question Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:47:00 +0000

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of? Definitely Shawshank Redemption. I haven’t watched it in forever but I’ve probably seen it 30 times. I love that movie!

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now? I have a ton of pet peeves. I think lately they mostly revolve around driving because it’s winter and let’s face it, most people don’t know how to drive in the winter! Just this morning, a car pulled out in front of someone to turn left, slid on the ice and blocked traffic until the light turned. Awesome

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say? Hmmm….it’s hard because I don’t have just one “best friend”. I have lots of great friends though. I would say most of my friends are: Fun, Loyal, Caring and Awesome!

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living? I would love to start my own business though I’m not sure what kind of business I would start. This is actually something I think about a LOT because I sometimes think that “there must be something more” but I have no idea what my life’s passion is. I love my family & Evan but I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a stay at home mom. I would love to have a job where I got to spend more time with him for sure.

5. What is your one "splurge" item that you will always buy, no matter the cost? Starbucks! I know, I know it’s expensive and I would have a bajillion dollars if I would just cut out my foufou coffee habit but I just can’t do it. I refuse. I have cut back by using the espresso machine at work to make lattes at least a few days a week but I still drink a LOT of Starbucks!

I’m participating in 5 Question Friday at My Little Life!

365 Day Photo Project - Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 04:28:00 +0000

I'm going to start posting my photos once per week on Friday. Normally the photos will be the previous Friday through Thursday of the current week. Since I already posted last Friday's picture, I left it out of this weeks collage. Next week will be right, I promise!

The days go from top left to bottom right: Saturday - My fridge gallery, Sunday - Evan's jammy day with cookies no less!, Monday - My messy, messy desk, Tuesday - I *heart* preschool crafts!, Wednesday - Happiness is jammie pants after work, Thursday - Evan's pop-eyed monster.

Since I decided to take part in the 365 Day Photo Project, I've run into tons of people who are doing it. If you are, let me know so that I can follow your pictures!

What's Cooking Wednesday - Mars Bar Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:05:00 +0000

I love Mars bars (if you are in the US....these are more like Milky Way bars than the Mars bars we had....i.e. no almonds just nougat & caramel) but all the mini Halloween ones in our house were going to be the death of me! I decided to experiment with a cookie recipe to get rid of them. Wow...I had no idea they would be this good!

Mars Bar Cookies

Adapted from this recipe

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
20 mini mars bars, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until blended. Combine flour, soda and salt in a small bowl. Slowly add to the butter mixture beating well. Stir in chopped mars bars. Drop by tablespoons onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for 8-9 minutes for soft gooey cookies or up to 14 minutes for crispier cookies. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 40 cookies.

Recipe Notes: I found the cookies a bit salty so I might decrease the salt in these next time. Dewey thought they were perfect and dubbed them the "best cookies you've ever made!" The cookie on the left was baked for about 8 minutes and the one on the right was baked longer. The caramel in the "more done" cookie starts to taste almost more like toffee. They taste a lot different. I would suggest baking some of each!

Pop over to Shan's to see what else is cooking this Wednesday!