Cherry Chocolate Blondies

I've been having a love affair with cherries this summer. I've always loved fresh cherries, but I don't know what it is this year--the pregnancy cravings, the fact that they are so abundant and delicious this summer, or that they've been on sale for basically the last month and a half, but I can't get enough of them. And these bars do the very best thing with fresh cherries--add chocolate and a lovely gooey blondie base for an amazing twist on deconstructed and baked up chocolate covered cherry. The chocolate, the gooey blondie, the cherries: a trifecta of yum. It's a one bowl dessert that bakes up in no time and I will absolutely make these again. If nothing more than an excuse to by more cherries. Now you know I'm not a big fruit in my dessert girl, especially fresh fruit (compared to dried) or anything pie-like. But I was headed to see my uncle and aunt, Bud and Sandy, and wanted to take something a little different but still sweet and delicious. This was both and more.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (Gluten Free)

I'm lucky that I've never had a need, due to allergy or intolerance, to cook gluten-free in our home. Sure, we make healthier choices and cookie to reduce certain "bad" things from our diets (so we can enjoy all of the yummy, butter-laden things I like to bake), but gluten free baking in particular has always eluded me because I see a lot of recipes that require substitutions with ingredients I just don't have on hand or come across in my regular grocery shopping. But when I do see an accessible recipe, I'm happy to jump on board and give it a try. Like these cookies I made for my coworker, Laura's birthday. Laura isn't gluten free but does make conscious decisions about her food choices, so while I wanted to celebrate with a sweet treat, I also thought I'd try something new with a little adjustment. Now, these cookies are by no means "healthy," but they do work with the idea of using simple ingredients and only a few of them--six to be precise. And they're delicious. I'll admit, I was skeptical about a flour-less cookie and more than a little concerned they'd be incredibly sweet with that much sugar. But I was pleasantly surprised. Sweet--but not overly so--and full of perfect peanut butter and chocolate flavor (THE baking flavor combo in my opinion), these cookies are the sure for anyone who needs a treat but looking for something without gluten. And I'm happy to have a new recipe in my arsenal for this need.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats

 

So there's these little nugget-like pretzels filled with peanut butter that are a sneaky little addictive snack. You can get them just about anywhere and all the brands I've had are good. It wasn't until I started eating these by the handful that I realized how peanut butter and pretzels make an excellent combination. Of course, when you toss both of them into some krispies treats you really can't go wrong. Crunchy, sweet, and salty, these krispies treats are delicious and topped with just a smattering of chocolate, they really are perfect for summer cookouts, pot lucks and general no-bake goodies.

Root Beer Sandwich Cookies

Root beer cookies with root beer filling. Yup. It's all root beer around here and it's good. Like amazing good. The cookie itself is soft textured, almost like the consistency of an oatmeal creme pie. The filling--yes with that same yummy root beer flavor--is thicker than buttercream, more like an Oreo filling with a root beer kick. My filling got used up before the cookies and I had every intention of stuffing those extra cookies full of vanilla ice cream for a root beer float sandwich, but...let's just say the cookies alone are really good!

My friend Kate (pictured with her cutie son Chad) had a birthday last month. Kate's a root beer fan so as soon as I saw this recipe, I knew it would be her birthday baking. In fact, I was so excited to get these to her that I shipped them out without taking a photo. And the few extra that I had (hey, you have to taste test) got devoured by Dave and I before I realized I had no photo! Luckily Kate is sweet enough (and thankful enough for the cookies) that she took some shots for me. Thanks Kate!

Jumbo Chocolate Chip Muffins

There were a few weeks when I was so hungry, even after having a good breakfast, that while at my desk around 9 or 10 am, I'd find myself taking a little field trip to the coffee cart or cafeteria to pick up a muffin. And for several days in a row, it was a big, giant chocolate chip muffin about the size of a softball that kept call my name. At about $2.50 a pop though, I noticed the damage to my wallet and figured I'd try my hand at making these treats myself. The result? Dave and I both agree these are better than what we've bought at various bakeries. Fluffy, tender and delicious with the perfect amount of chocolate and sweetness with chocolate chips throughout, plus a few extra mini chips on top for extra fun. This recipe helped me save some money on what I've dubbed "second breakfast," a little something I've been enjoying since I started eating for two!