Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate mint sandwiches

Recently I came across some yummy looking cookies on Pinterest; Andes Mint cookies. I couldn't find any Andes Mints at the store with the exception of Christmas peppermints, so I grabbed a box of Fernwood's Chocolate Mint Sandwiches and gave the receipe a try. 

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate Mint Cookies
1 box of Devil's Food Cake mix
1/2 C oil
2 eggs

After Baking
1 package Fernwood chocolate mint sandwiches

Combine the cake mix, oil and eggs. Drop by spoonful on to cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 8 or 9 minutes. The cookies will start to crinkle a bit when they're done. Take the cookies out of the oven when done. In the meantime I cut the mints in half. As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, depending on the size of the cookie, put 1 to 2 mint pieces on each and wait 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes are up take a spoon and spread the now-melted chocolate around.

Recipe Source: Andes Mint Cookies from Six Sisters' Stuff

Pear, Brie & Sliced Almond Grilled Sandwich

Silver Lake, Utah

Because I'm not a food stylist, I wanted to share some pictures with you of Silver Lake that I took yesterday. It really is a beautiful place.

Silver Lake, Utah

A couple of weeks ago I bought a wedge of brie with the intent to make some lovely, melty brie and pear sandwiches for my family. So tonight my daughter went out to eat with a friend and my husband was like "why would you mix those ingredients?" So, this scaled down nicely to a serving for one. It was melty and subdued compared to a grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar. The pear slices were perfectly ripe, the almonds that fell into the pan toasted and brought a nutty flavor to the sandwich.

Pear, Brie & Sliced Almond Grilled Sandwich
5-6 slices of Brie (with the rind trimmed off)
1 pear (cut into slices)
1-2 T sliced almonds (optional)
2 slices whole wheat bread
1/2-1 T butter
Toothpicks

Butter one side of one of the pieces of bread and place it butter side down in the frying pan. Cover the bread with slices of pear, then add the slices of brie, and sprinkle with almonds. Butter one side of the remaining piece of bread and place the bread on the sandwich butter side up. Turn the stove on medium low. Allow the bread to brown, then before flipping the sandwich "pin it" together by adding toothpicks, pushed through diagonally from the corners. This will hold the sandwich together. Flip the sandwich to allow it to brown on the other side, and for the cheese to melt.

Recipe Source: I've seen this all over the place. It's just another version of a grilled cheese. :) This is how I made it.

Suzanne
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The Chocolate - a dessert cafe

"The Chocolate" cafe is located in a cute old house on 9118 South and Redwood Road in West Jordan, Utah. I've driven past it a few times and have been meaning to stop. Today I ran home to pick up my daughter after school and we went there as a special treat, for after-school snack.

There are pretty gardens, and even a few roses, that lead up to the front door--which has stained glass (a good sign, of "charming"right?) You order at the front desk when you enter, then find a place to sit and they bring you your order.

Charming is a good word to describe this little cafe. There are several rooms, each set up with dining spaces that are cozy and welcoming. I loved the little details like the flowers on the mantle--and how clean it was!

We decided to share an eclair and a piece of cake with a cup of tea. The desserts were very good and it was a nice place to chat and pass a rainy afternoon.

The Chocolate (a dessert cafe)

9118 South Redwood Road

West Jordan, Utah  84088

801 566-5330

Have a nice evening!

Suzanne
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Oatmeal with Peanut Butter & Banana

There's just something about a yummy breakfast that makes the day start rolling a little easier. This oatmeal is one of those combos. This recipe is a whole different thing from the pre-fab packets of flavored oatmeal. If you like the following ingredients separately, give this a try. Oatmeal with peanut butter and banana also seems to be a good breakfast for sustained energy. Maybe it's the carb/protein and potassium (from the banana) combo? I hope you enjoy the recipe (it's really good!)

Oatmeal with Peanut Butter & Banana
1-2 C Milk
1-2 C Oatmeal
1 banana (ripe and smashed with a fork)
2 T peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1-2 T brown sugar (or Splenda brown sugar) optional

Add your milk to a pan and heat. Add the same amount of oatmeal, as milk, to the pan and stir to combine. (It's okay to put a little more oatmeal than milk. If there's more milk than oatmeal the oatmeal will be runnier.) Cook the oatmeal on medium to medium/low for 5-10 minutes (watch the pan so the mixture doesn't boil over) and then take the pan off the heat. This makes 1-2 servings.

For each serving: smash a banana in the serving bowl, add a serving of oatmeal and stir to combine. Stir in 1-2 T peanut butter and add brown sugar if you want. This makes a great breakfast if you need to pack it to-go with you.

Enjoy your breakfast!

Suz

Frozen Lemonade

It's been in the high 90's and cold drinks are becoming a highly sought after treat--but going out for them adds up ($$$). We were out in the heat a lot yesterday and this drink saved the day!

Frozen Lemonade

2-3 C ice

1/3-1/2 can lemonade concentrate

1+ C water

Frozen Lemonade (Light)

2-3 C ice

2/3 can sugar free lemonade

2-3 T lemonade concentrate

1-2 T lemon juice (fresh squeezed)

Add the ingredients to your blender and blend on high. If the blender is just spinning and not blending, try adding a little more water  and shake down the ice so the pocket of air created at the bottom is gone. If the mixture is too liquid-y add more ice. Once blended taste the slush to make sure it's lemony enough. If not, add another spoonful (or two) of lemonade concentrate and/or squeeze fresh lemon juice in (to taste). Serve in an insulated travel mug (so it won't melt as fast) with a milkshake spoon and a straw.

Source: Me. Inspiration? Beans and Brew.

Suzanne
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