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Peanut Butter Granola Bars

January 29, 2009 By Steph 16 Comments
also seen on Cafe Zupas Blog

also seen on Cafe Zupas Blog

It has been one week ago today that I did my very first cooking segment on live television.  And I have to say, it was a lot of fun.  I made myself ill during the week leading up to the day, but once I got there and set everything up, I forgot how nervous I was and just tried to enjoy the moment.  And I did!  Everyone was so nice and made me feel so comfortable and right at home.  I thought I did so much better than I expected myself to (I lack in the confidence department), that is until I decided to watch the segment.  I will never do that again.  But I am proud of myself, and for that I will hold the memory forever.  I just wanted to thank all the locals who watched it for all the nice words of encouragement.  It meant a lot to me to get some positive feedback!  Anyways, enough about that. On to the recipe.

I posted this on the Cafe Zupas blog last week and I had to post them again here on Stephanie’s Kitchen. My kids loved these healthy little snacks and I will definitely be making them again.  You don’t have to add the chocolate, but here again, this wouldn’t be Stephanie’s Kitchen without a little chocolate.  I hope you enjoy them and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

2 cups granola
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

In a bowl, mix together the honey and peanut butter until smooth. Add the granola and mix until well coated. Pat into a 8X8 greased pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Place in a 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Smooth out chocolate over the top of the granola. Chill until set. Cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Filed Under: bars, cafe zupas blog, chocolate, no bake desserts

Snickerdoodles

January 20, 2009 By Steph 43 Comments

I’m actually surprised I haven’t posted this recipe before.  Yes, everyone has a snickerdoodle recipe, but these are by far the BEST recipe I have ever tried.  And I’ve tried a lot.  But I’ve been making these for my husband almost every weekend for years, only because he begs me too.  He loves them.  No, he worships them.  They are scrumptious!  Give them a try!

And just a heads up for all of you lovely Utah-ns.  Is that what we call ourselves? Anyways, I was asked by a local news talk show (Studio 5) to do a cooking segment on Thursday the 22nd at 11:00 if you want to tune in.  This is my very first EVER cooking segment and I am super nervous, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.  I’m really excited.  I will also be having a little chat with the hosts about us Foodies, who we are and why we do what we do.  If anyone more experienced than me has any advice for me, I would love it more than anything!!! So, if you live here in Utah, tune in!  Channel 5, KSL, Studio 5. Have a great week!

Snickerdoodles
makes 3 dozen

3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs

1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tarter, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
2. Using a mixer, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add in eggs. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until well incorporated.
3. Mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Shape in to 1 1/2 inch balls and dip in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Do not over bake or they will be too crispy. Bake just until light and golden.

Filed Under: cookies

Mini Chocolate Tarts

January 16, 2009 By Steph 17 Comments

Hi everyone!  Hope ya’ll had a wonderful week.  I know I did but I am so ready for the weekend! I know I haven’t posted in a while but here I am back with a delicious sweet treat, of course.  I haven’t posted anything savory in quite a while.  Since the pregnancy, I honestly have been relying on the recipes I already have that have one main ingredient – simplicity. I’m all about simple right now.  With 2 crazy kids and constant nausea (which by the way is getting a lot better) I have been cooking for my family but only if it is easy and fast.  But I am feeling my creativity slip back into my life a little more each day so hopefully I’ll have some great recipes here very soon that don’t involve chocolate.  Of course, my blog wouldn’t be my blog without a little chocolate, but you get my point.  Thanks for all of your support, it is very much appreciated!  So onto the recipe.

These little tarts are perfect for any gathering, party or just a simple dessert.  This recipe does use a cake mix but I say yay to that because of the above paragraph – simple.  You can fool anyone and think you slaved away all day in the kitchen!  Give them a try, I hope you like them! Have a great weekend!!

Mini Chocolate Tarts
makes 24 tarts

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup melted butter
1 3.4 oz box instant chocolate pudding
1 cup half and half
1 8 oz container cool whip

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg and butter until smooth. Scoop batter 2/3rds full into a mini muffin tin sprayed with non stick spray. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the edges are set. Immediately press down the centers of the cups using a tart shaper or a plastic lid of a soda bottle. Cool completely.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the pudding with the half and half until smooth. Fold in the cool whip. Spoon or pipe into the cups and top with a fresh strawberry or raspberry.

Enjoy!

Filed Under: brownies, chocolate, desserts

Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bars

January 5, 2009 By Steph 16 Comments

These bars are sure to please.  They are nothing but ooey gooey bites of chocolatey goodness.  It’s the only way I can think to describe them.  You have to try them for yourself to completely understand what I am talking about.  They are rich and filled with chocolate, toffee bits and pecans.  Not to mention the butter.  But don’t think about that.  Yes, it’s January and you are probably on the whole eat light and healthier bit, but you know it won’t last long and there is always room for chocolate in moderation.  Just make a batch of these, eat one and give the rest away to people you love.  That way you don’t have to feel guilty about anything!

Have a great week everyone!!!

Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bars

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 egg
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup toffee bits

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar until well blended. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until it resembles course crumbs. Whisk the egg and add to the flour mixture, mix well. stir in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips and the pecans. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture. Press the remaining crumbs into a greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the hot crust. Top with the toffee bits. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set and golden brown. Cool completely and cut into bars.

Filed Under: bars