Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies [Food Network recipe]

YES! Another successful attempt in baking a batch of cookies from scratch. This time I baked oatmeal raisin cookies since my aunt requested me to try and bake these cookies. I downloaded the recipe from Food Network's website and searched for "oatmeal raisin cookies." I chose the recipe that wasn't complicated and/or had little ingredients to work with. The recipe called for 2 table spoons of molasses, but I didn't have this ingredient so I used 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead. I baked more than 20 cookies total even though the recipe said it would yield 1 dozen cookies. Of course, the cookies tasted great and my aunt really liked the cookies. Her comment was to put less raisins. Here is the recipe below:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies-recipe2/index.html


Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies [Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine]

• Total Time: 40 min [Prep time: 20 min, Cook time: 15 min]
• Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins

Directions:

Combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Beat the butter, sugar and molasses in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth, about 2 more minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, add the flour mixture and beat until combined. Stir in the raisins by hand. For the best flavor and texture, cover the dough and chill at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Form the dough into 12 balls, about 2 tablespoonfuls each, and arrange 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten with the back of a fork. Bake until the cookies are golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies [Hershey's Kitchen recipe]

This was my first time baking chocolate chip cookies from scratch. I downloaded the recipe from Hershey's Kitchen website last month and baked these cookies yesterday evening. I followed the baking instructions and I baked about 40 cookies total (and not 60 cookies per the recipe). It was a success! I'm so happy that the cookies turned out great. Here is the recipe below. [BTW, I brought regular chocolate chips. I also didn't add any chopped nuts into my cookies.]

HERSHEY'S Classic Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies


Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 2 eggs 
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 2 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Chips 
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

1 Heat oven to 375°F.

2 Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. About 5 dozen cookies.

Pan Recipe: Spread batter into greased 15-1/2x10-1/2x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake at 375°F. 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. About 48 bars.

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix [Yellow]

Rating: 4.5 / 5

I have been using the Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix for quite sometime. I have tried both the yellow and chocolate cake mixes before this review. I haven't been disappointed yet. Last week, I used the yellow cake mix and made Funfetti cupcakes. I followed the baking directions on the Betty Crocker box and I also added in some rainbow sprinkles into my cupcakes. The cupcakes turned out to be moist and delicious. I was  able to make 24 cupcakes with just one box of the cake mix. I shared my cupcakes with my parents, aunts, and cousins to try. They all enjoyed it! :)