Monday, February 16, 2009

Blog Candy Fun!!

A Fun Blog Candy!


I "won" a homemade gift by leaving one of the first 5 comments on Nancy's blog, so now I'll see who my first 5 are. The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you!


This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year! (I will get it to you in the next month or so, hopefully - grin).

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. I have tons of ideas, but who knows what it will be? Not you, that's for sure!

5. The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same deal to the first 5 people who do leave a comment  on your blog! (then come here and post, I WILL check your blog *wink*) The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did, will win a handmade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!


So....who will be the first 5 people?????

Blessings and Happy Blogging!
Charlene






Pin It!

Here's my Nutty Heart

Last of my Valentine treats although this won't be the last time I bake these delicious Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread Hearts....easy and yummy.

This is a recipe from Cottage Living. I wanted to make something a bit different than pink/red frosted cookies this year and since time was at a premium, these fit the bill.

You can make the dough ahead, wrap it in plastic warp and freeze it up to 4 months. I bet you could also make it into a log then slice and bake to streamline the process even further. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before cutting and baking if you decide to freeze the dough.

Here's the recipe:


1/2 c. chopped hazelnuts, peeled and lightly toasted, plus extra for dipping
(I put them in the microwave for about 5 minutes, dump them into a clean dishtowel and rub to remove the skins. Nicely toasted, too!)
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. all purpose flour
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 t. kosher salt
8 T. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
10 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped (or you can use chocolate chips)

Process 1/2 c. toasted chopped hazelnuts and next 4 ingredients in a food processor until the nuts are finely ground. Add butter, vanilla, and egg yolk; pulse until butter is cut in evenly ad the mixture starts to come together, scrpaing down the sides of machine once or twice. (Dough will be crumbly and may not come together fully until kneaded.)

Remove dough from processor, knead light 2 or 3 times. Flatten into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. (you may freeze at this point). Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before rolling.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut heart shapes with a 2-1/2 inch cutter, and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Gather and reroll dough scraps and cut again.

Bake 10-12 minutes or just until edges turn light golden brown. Remove from oven, transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Melt chocolate in microwave on high 1 minute at a time, stirring every 30 seconds. Cool slightly. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate and if desired, into finely chopped hazelnuts. Place on waxed or parchment lined baking sheet and chill about 15 minutes or just until chocolate sets. Store in airtight container up to 2 days.

Makes 2 to 2-1/2 dozen

Enjoy!!

Blessings and Happy Baking!

Charlene
Posted by Picasa
Pin It!
01 09 10