Trying to bake into Christmas

Definitely made up for lost time on this one.  In my attempt to get into the Christmas spirit I tackled two different kinds of cookies AND brownies. Here we go..

I use to think potato chip cookies were weird. They sound weird and are hard to imagine, but once I tried them I loved them and decided to tackle 'em. With a twist, of course.

I found a recipe that includes butterscotch chips, and I must say it's a pleasant surprise.

Again, potato chip cookies, it sounds weird but they're worth a shot.

Considering I have this brownie pan that I've been using for cookies and cake, it's about time to make brownies with it. In order to keep it out of the house I went for the peanut butter route. I like peanut butter, but in moderation so this made it easier to pass along to my boyfriend who's pretty much become my taste-tester and is a fan of anything peanut butter.

These are also made with chopped peanuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Still debating on making a nutella icing to pour on top.

Sidenote- these gave me an excuse to use one of my favorite kitchen gages - The Ninja!

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of peanut butter, the chocolate off-sets it all and they're still really good.

Now more cookies..The best cookies are actually just simple sugar cookies. Sugar cookies are real easy to make and can seem pretty bland, but you have to have some fun with them...

Say hello to the Global Warming Snowmen. This is what happens when it's 60 degrees on December 3rd in Chicago and explains why I still can't get into Christmas.

A spin on hot chocolate

Usually it has to be closer to winter for hot chocolate to be on my mind, but hot chocolate in cake form is a different story. And not just any hot chocolate; tuxedo hot chocolate. I'm not a big fan of real rich and dark chocolate so I found a happy medium by adding white chocolate chips to the batter along with mini marshmallows.

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Too sweet? No way. This chocolate cake is very different from any other chocolate cake and honestly, with it's smooth and soft texture it does taste like a good cup of hot chocolate. The marshmallows and the white chocolate collaborate nicely especially with the light and fluffy marshmallow frosting. 

Speaking of really good tuxedos, ready for some new James Bond this weekend? Grab a cupcake and take a look back at Casino Royale before Skyfall hits the theaters: Just Hit Play Also take a look at the not-as-good Qauntum of Solace

Or just look at this...

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