I'm back!

I'm back after unintentionally taking the summer off from blogging. Happy cooking and ENJOY!

Chocolate Zucchini Cookies

1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
2 1/8 c flour
1/3 c cocoa
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 c shredded zucchini
chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheets. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Fold in the grated zucchini. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zucchini Brownies with Hot Fudge Frosting

2 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1/4 c cocoa
1/2 t baking soda
1 t salt
1/2 c oil
2 t vanilla
2 - 2 1/2 c shredded zucchini

Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together. Mix oil, vanilla, and zucchini together. Combine the 2 mixtures. Bake in greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Hot Fudge Frosting (optional):
1/2 c margarine
2 T cocoa
14 c milk
3 1/2 c powdered sugar
1 t vanilla

In saucepan, combine margarine, cocoa, and milk to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour warm frosting over the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven. Cool before cutting.

Chocolate and Caramel Marshmallows

1 bag regular marshmallows
1 lb melting chocolate
1 lb caramels
1/4 c whipping cream

Place chocolate in glass bowl. Put on top of a pan in boiling water. Stir until melted. Reduce heat. In a microwave safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave on high until caramels are melted and bubbling, stirring frequently. Let cool slightly. Dip marshmallows in caramel then chocolate. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Chewy Toffee Almond Bars

1 c butter, softened
1/2 c sugar
2 c flour
1 1/3 c (8 oz pkg) Heath Bits 'O Brickle Toffee Bits
3/4 c light corn syrup
1 c sliced almonds, divided
3/4 c sweetened coconut flakes, divided

Heat oven to 350. Grease sides of 13x9x2" baking pan. Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add flour, beating until well blended. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine toffee bits and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until toffee is melted (about 10-12 minutes). Stir in 1/2 c almonds and 1/2 c coconut. Spread toffee mixture to within 1/4" of edges of crust. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 c almonds and remaining 1/2 c coconut over top. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Grilled Pizza

My husband and I experimented with grilling pizza and absolutely loved it. I like mine covered in veggies, my husband likes meat, and my kids like cheese. We made little individual pizzas for each of our likings with the added benefit of having a smoky flavor in the crust. Here's how to do it:

Prepare all your toppings before your dough is on the grill.

Make your dough. I used a mix to make things easy. Don't use a rolling pin because it will make the dough too thin. It worked the best when I pressed it with my fingers.

Preheat your grill on medium low then put your dough directly on the grate. Pop the bubbles as they form.

When one side is done use tongs to turn.

Quickly put your sauce and toppings on. Don't let the dough burn! Shut the lid and let the cheese melt. If the dough is already cooked, place pizza in the oven on low heat until cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

Ramen Chicken Salad

1 small bunch green onions
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
2 pkgs ramen noodles, broken not cooked
1 pkg cole slaw
2 T sesame seeds
2 T slivered almonds
2 T sunflower seeds

Mix ingredients together.

Sauce:
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 T soy sauce
3 T sugar
1/4 t pepper
2 T vinegar
2 pkgs of ramen noodle seasoning

Mix together with a whip and pour sauce over other ingredients. Stir until completely combined and chill in fridge. I like it best if chilled overnight.

Fondant

For my daughter's Hannah Montana birthday party I decided to try my first fondant cake. She described what she wanted and I gave it a try. It ended up being do much fun and so cute! With the leftover fondant I make some flowers for cupcakes. For recipes and directions on using fondant go to www.wilton.com.