Mag-Pie's & more

Dark Chocolate Chippers {gluten-free & dairy-free}

2013-05-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

So I went through this phase of gluten-free baking. Is a week considered a phase? Anyways, it was very short-lived because I tried... and tried again... and every recipe flopped. I did have one successful recipe and its these little dark chocolate chippers! Also, when I say successful, I can't take any credit for the recipe because I didn't change a single thing from the way Gina prepared them.

In case you're not convinced, this batch of cookies was gone instantly. AND no one knew they were gluten-free!

Oh and the other reason I loved this recipe... it makes a nice little batch (10 cookies to be exact) so you aren't left with dozens and dozens of cookies.

As for gluten-free baking, I'm not giving up quite yet.... and if you have any suggestions, please share!

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bars

2013-05-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Meet my new favorite snack. I know I've posted a few too many Larabar knock-off recipes lately but this one is too good not to share. Definitely ranks #1. Easy to grab when you're on the go and a great pre-run snack to fuel you up without weighing you down.

I love the flavor and texture of the toasted oats and almonds. Molly tried them and said they tasted like peanut butter and jelly. So perhaps I should call these PB&J Bars? Anyways, I tried to make these with various nut butters and raisins. The verdict? Golden raisins win and the natural, salted peanut butter is key.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2013-05-14T10:58:00.001-04:00

The kindness, love and support I've felt over the past week as a result of the bake sale has truly been amazing. Spending hours upon hours baking this past weekend for a great cause made me one happy gal. I'll be taking orders through June 28th in case you'd like to get some sweet treats or send a gift to someone!

**Note: I've pushed the order deadline back to June 28th as a result of my move to Colorado. I apologize for the change in dates but I thought it was best for my sanity :)

Seeing all of the orders come in has also been part of the fun. The most popular item to-date is the Sweet & Salty Cookies (with caramel, pretzels and chocolate chips) but these peanut butter chunk cookies have also been a hit! Surprisingly, of all of the cookie recipes I've shared, this recipe has seemed to slip through the cracks. A thick peanut butter cookie loaded with chocolate chunks AND semi-sweet chips. Doesn't get much better than that...

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

2013-05-08T15:02:00.000-04:00

I want to start by saying THANK YOU. I have been overwhelmed by the support I've received since announcing the American Cancer Society & Hood to Coast Relay Bake Sale on Friday. You all are just the best!!! I'll be taking orders until July 31st so keep 'em coming!

Now about this cake...

I've been meaning to share this for over a week now BUT every single ounce of free time I've had has been spent baking, wrapping & shipping (and I have LOVED every minute of it!). Anyways, today is your lucky day.

You are looking at three layers of chocolate cake, coated with a rich peanut butter frosting and finished off with a layer of mini peanut butter cups.

Super rich... super decadent... and worth every bite!

BAKE SALE - Supporting the American Cancer Society & 2013 Hood to Coast Relay

2013-05-03T16:09:00.000-04:00

on-line bake sale

baking my way to the coast

american cancer society 2013

hood to coast relay

{click this link for details}

thank you in advance for your support!!

Lately

2013-04-12T15:34:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Chunk Cookies {gluten and dairy free}

[Make sure to update your Feedly with my new feed -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/magpiesandmore!!!]

My posts have been sporadic so I just wanted to pop in to say hello! I've actually been baking and cooking non-stop lately but I just haven't been focused on getting these recipes to the blog. I have made a few GREAT new recipes that I will be making again just so I can share with you! I have also made some great dinners BUT those are consumed before I have time to photograph. There have also been lots of flops -- I've been experimenting with gluten-free baking and its just not the same. I'm not giving up hope quite yet though -- plan to try a few new recipes this weekend! So just a little recap of what's been occupying my time...

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Raw Bars

2013-04-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

I have been on a kick making homemade raw bars or homemade "larabars". First, there were the Chocolate Chip Cookie Raw Bars, and since then I have made a few others varieties -- including Dark Chocolate Cherry and Vanilla Walnut Shortbread. Loved 'em both! However, these are my favorite so far. Its no surprise since one of my favorite snacks is dark chocolate chips, pistachios and dried cherries -- the perfect trail mix blend.

I've made these bars twice now because I love them so much. That's saying a lot because I normally prefer to experiment with new flavors and recipes. I prefer to store them in the freezer because they last longer and they get soft at room temp.

If you have any raw bar recipes, send them my way!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Top Cookies with Maple Glaze

2013-03-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

I have just the recipe to include in your Easter Sunday brunch! Since this is a cross between a cookie and a muffin, that makes it perfectly acceptable to serve in the AM. You could skip the glaze but I highly suggest you don't make that mistake.

I originally didn't have plans to glaze these cookies. But then I saw Annie's Eats top her banana scones with brown butter glaze. Genius. Well, guess what? I made that glaze, and sadly, it just didn't turn out the way I had hoped. Then I thought of banana chocolate chip pancakes covered in maple syrup -- a maple glaze was just what these cookies needed!

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

2013-03-26T16:04:00.001-04:00

I don't have an earth shattering recipe to share with you today -- just a simple and healthy snack! Although I make a lot of sweet treats, I balance all of my baking with a pretty healthy lifestyle -- yoga, running and clean eating. Since I am a frequent snacker, I'm always looking for new options. I love, love, love chickpeas so these have been making it into the rotation. Enjoy them sweet or savory -- they can be seasoned just about any way you'd like.

Simple Slow Cooker Curry Lentils

2013-03-21T15:51:00.001-04:00

Its the second day of Spring and it still feels like winter in Columbus. I'm still enjoying warm, comfort foods, wearing cozy sweaters and my winter coat AND I've used my slow cooker twice in the past week! Since I don't see it warming up anytime soon, I thought I'd share this recipe with you. Its simple, healthy and flavor-packed.

Coconut Rice Krispie Treat Cookies

2013-03-20T15:46:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Sarah! Sending lots of love from Columbus!

Sarah and I have shared a lot over the years. Aside from the obvious blonde hair and blue eyes...

We are both proud alumni of Miami of Ohio (Go Redhawks!)...

where we were both members of Pi Beta Phi (angel sis for life)...

where we also happily lived in the best house on campus, Hoedown.

Sarah went on to live in Chicago and a few years later, I joined her in the windy city!

BUT, we still share a strong LOVE for Ohio State football (O-H...!) and our Columbus roots.

Although there are a few hundred miles between us now, we still share things like recipes, restaurant reviews AND an obsession with all things coconut. Which brings me to these cookies...

If you recall, I had lots of leftover rice krispie treat scraps from my cut-outs last week. Seeing as I didn't want them to go to waste, I began brainstorming. The Coconut Rice Krispie Treat cookie was born. These are so insanely chewy from the ground oats, coconut and rice krispie treat bits. I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with this concoction and knew the only person who would appreciate a coconut packed cookie as much as I do, is Sarah :)

**Note: I realize most people don't have chopped up rice krispie treats laying around. Soooo you can either make a batch OR buy the pre-made rice krispie treats at the store. Whole Foods even sells them in the bakery if you're against the whole processed foods things.

Cranberry Orange Granola

2013-03-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

I realize I post a lot of granola recipes. Hopefully, you love it just as much as I do. I mean, how can you not? The possibilities are endless when it comes to variety and flavor combinations!

In case you haven't noticed, the blog got a little face lift. It was long overdue. I also updated the "about me" section and I have my wonderful AND creative sister, Sarah, to thank for that! I said thank you with a bag full of granola -- bursting with citrus flavor, lightly sweetened with honey and packed full of good-for-you ingredients like coconut oil, flax seeds and plenty of nuts and seeds.

I had to save some for myself, especially after I saw ohJoy! snacking on homemade granola with honey and riccotta -- a delightful little afternoon treat!

Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats

2013-03-15T15:37:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This is the first time in years that I haven't had grand plans to celebrate. For four years, I celebrated the infamous Green Beer Day (proof that wikipedia has it all -- it even has a description of Green Beer Day at Miami of Ohio!). For the next five years, there was always plenty of green beer to be had in Chicago. This year, I celebrated by making shepard's pie for dinner one night this week and making cut-out rice krispie treats for my co-workers. Times have changed :)

Side note: You have to make IGE's recipe for Shepard's Pie -- I tweaked it a bit but this dinner was a hit!

Anyways, this is just your basic rice krispie treat recipe, cut into cute little shapes and jazzed up with sprinkles, of course. The ONLY problem I have with this recipe is I was left with a ton of leftover rice krispie treat scraps. Making plans to do something with those this weekend! Stay tuned.... and I hope you enjoy lots of green beer!

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

2013-03-13T15:57:00.000-04:00

So I said I wasn't making Molly a cake for her birthday. Well I just couldn't help myself....

Everyone is entitled to unlimited cakes, cupcakes and treats on their birthday so she got just that....

#1: Mike made her a delicious Funfetti Cake that we all enjoyed after her birthday dinner.

#2: Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes inspired by our favorite cake at Cru Cafe in Charleston, SC!

#3: Last but definitely not least, a fresh strawberry cake from Columbus's Golden Delight Bakery from my Aunt and Uncle. Also, a family favorite!

That's THREE cakes. I'd say she had a good birthday.

Anyways, about these cupcakes.... as mentioned above, they were inspired by the famous cake served at our favorite lunch spot in Charleston, SC. They make limited cakes each week and once they run out, you are out of luck. So when you go (and you must), make sure to order the Orange Sherbet Cake as soon as you sit down! So until I can get my Cru Cafe fix, and it looks like that might be a while, I'll be relying on this recipe!

Blueberry Scones with Vanilla Bean Glaze

2013-03-12T11:20:00.000-04:00

I just want to start by saying, these are not your average scone. I think scones get a bad rep for being dry and, well, boring... but this is not the case when they are done right! After you make these, you'll never think of scones the same -- I promise.

These are so cakey that they melt in your mouth. And then there is the glaze... the vanilla bean glaze. It lends just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the buttery flavor of the scone. I brought all of these to work and immediately regretted only saving one for myself because they were gone instantly. They were actually the talk of the office all day.

I already have plans to make these scones again and can't wait to try other variations!

"Paleo" Maple Granola

2013-03-11T10:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We had such a fun weekend celebrating Molly's birthday and enjoying the gorgeous weather!

If you've been following Mag-Pie's for a while, you know how much I love granola. Although I do not follow a Paleo diet at all, this recipe for Paleo "granola" sounded great to me. I've already made multiple batches and can't get enough. Its sweet and salty and packed full of nuts and seeds. A delicious snack whether you are Paleo or not. Just be careful not to eat the entire batch in a day :) It is seriously addicting!

Funfetti Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

2013-03-08T15:44:00.001-05:00

Happy {early} 25th Birthday, Molly!

Her birthday isn't actually until tomorrow but the festivities begin this evening. We like "birthday weeks" in our family. We'll be starting with a family dinner at Rigsby's -- a great spot that we've somehow never tried. Tomorrow will be a sister date consisting of mani's and pedi's, a walk with Gunner and lunch at Katalina's -- our favorite deli in town, not only for the great sandwiches but they also let Gunner sit on the patio with us! We'll wrap up the celebration with another family dinner on Sunday. A fun weekend ahead!

I didn't actually make these for Molly's birthday -- I sold them at the bake sale a few weeks ago. BUT it is fitting that I share them today since she baked this same cake for me on MY birthday last year and this recipe is one of her favorites! Its a classic white cake base with lots of vanilla flavor and just a hint of almond. I'm not a fan of almond extract but the flavor is so subtle and creates great flavor. I topped these with my favorite buttercream frosting and, of course, rainbow sprinkles are a requirement for funfetti cake.

Oh and don't you worry -- she WILL be getting a birthday cake this year. Her fiance wanted to take on the task of baking her cake this year so I let him ;)

Blondies

2013-03-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

The blondie is so unassuming. It might be a bold statement but this might be my favorite recipe -- I actually pride myself on it. In fact, if I were to go into business right now, blondies would be my specialty. I've made several variations to the base but the original version is still my favorite -- a chewy bar studded with white AND dark chocolate with sweetened coconut tossed in for good measure. I made these for the bake sale that I hosted a few weeks ago and these were a huge hit.

I've shared this recipe before but I feel the need to share it again because I don't think they got the credit they deserved the first time around! My photography skills are slowly beginning to improve so I thought I'd update the pictures too :)

Mini Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites

2013-03-06T16:18:00.001-05:00

I have a thing for bite-sized desserts (cake balls, brownie bites, mini apple tarts, etc. etc.). There is something so great about them -- they just always seem to look the cutest. Not to mention, they are the perfect little bite to satisfy that sweet tooth, with a little less guilt. So you say you're over cake pops? Well, I still think they are genius!

I made these cheesecake bites last month for Valentine's Day. Bite-sized perfection. A simple cheesecake covered in chocolate. Oh and as you can see in the picture below, these bites even include my favorite part about cheesecake -- the graham cracker crust!

Mini Pumpkin Loaves with Maple Glaze

2013-03-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

Its March 4th and most are getting excited about the lighter flavors that come with Spring. I'm still eating pumpkin over here. I could eat it year round -- luckily we have cans of pumpkin stockpiled in our cupboard! This pumpkin bread is packed with the usual suspects -- cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. However, the maple glaze sets it apart from your basic pumpkin loaf.

The mini loafs (sold here) are perfect for gifting or, in my case, perfect for selling at a bake sale.

Peanut Butter Brownie Truffles

2013-03-01T10:06:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday! So apparently its National Peanut Butter Lover's Day? Its very fitting that I had planned to share this recipe with you today! All of the goodness of a chewy, chocolate brownie, wrapped up in a layer of chocolate -- with a heavy dose of peanut butter, of course. I also topped these little guys with chopped up peanut butter cups. You can never have too much peanut butter.

Be sure to check out some of my other favorite peanut butter recipes... I have lots of them!

Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas

2013-02-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd take a break from all of the sweet treats to share a simple breakfast idea with you.

I love oatmeal. This has not always been the case. I used to be an oatmeal hater. I forced myself to suck it down during my first job in Chicago, when the easiest thing to do was grab a pack of the Quaker instant (super sweet) stuff on my way out the door -- maple and brown sugar was my go-to.

Then I discovered overnight oats. Yogurt, almond milk, rolled oats and naturally sweetened with bananas or berries -- my new go-to! However, on the weekends, baking is my preferred prep method. The banana bread baked oatmeal still takes the cake but I love the addition of berries in Gina's version! If you're feeding a larger group, follow her recipe for baking the oatmeal in a larger pan.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

2013-02-27T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you've all had no-bake peanut butter bars. You also probably have all of the ingredients in your kitchen to make these right now! Although I've tried these bars many times, this was actually my first time making them! This was item #2 to sell out at the bake sale, which is no surprise since we can all agree on the fact that PB and chocolate is the best dessert combo!

Andes Mint Brownies

2013-02-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

I've never understood people who don't like mint flavored desserts. Mint chocolate chip ice cream? Thin mints? Our family's mint finale dessert? Jeni's buttermint ice cream? Junior mints? And those soft after dinner mints?! So I'm not really sure why I haven't made mint brownies sooner!

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to host a bake sale at Molly's office to raise money for the Columbus Literacy Council. We raised nearly $400 in two hours!! I made a variety of sweet treats, which I'll be sharing over the next few days. I also made a few of my favorites -- blondies, chocolate chip, caramel, pretzel cookies, cranberry pistachio cookies and, of course, cake pops.

These Andes mint brownies were the first to sell out so its only fitting that I share the recipe with you first!

Vanilla Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Filling

2013-02-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

Its not often that I make cupcakes. I save them for vary special occasions, like birthdays and celebrations.... Speaking of birthdays -- happy birthday Caitlin and Lynch!!! Love and MISS you two!

These were definitely celebration cupcakes. My boyfriend matched at Colorado State for his residency and we couldn't be more excited!! So proud of him :) Since I bake for any and every occasion, I sent these into work to wish him good luck. I'm told they were gone instantly -- always a good sign!

I started with a simple vanilla cupcake as my base, filled 'em with white chocolate whipped cream and topped them with my favorite vanilla buttercream. Cream filling makes everything better and it took these simple vanilla cupcakes to a whole new level.