Macaroons

Have you ever felt as though you have a secret identity? I do, although it's strange because I never tried to keep it a secret. But I have learned of late that many of you are not aware that I sincerely enjoy cooking and baking. I've always been this way. I remember begging my mom to let me dump in the powdered cheese for mac 'n cheese. Even that was exciting to me. So imagine my surprise when my own sister asked, "When did you turn into Betty Crocker?" I didn't know what to say. What's even more strange, is even though it is a passion of mine, I've never shared it here in my little home in blogland. Maybe that's added to the mystique.

So I am here to say, I enjoy to cook and bake. Yep, that's me. I spend countless hours reading through cooking blogs. Pretty interesting, eh? Now don't be confused. Just because I enjoy it, doesn't mean I'm the best at it. I like simple recipes. Minimal, on hand ingredients. And when I say bake, I mean things of the cookies and cakes variety. I have never tried my hand with anything requiring yeast. For some reason it scares the bejeezes out of me. But it is on my list of things to help me out of my comfort zone and to master. But that's another post.

Now to the good stuff right? Here is one of my very favorite recipes. I've been told these cookies are better than ones purchased in fancy bakeries. You'll find that hilarious when you see how easy they are. Also, I found this recipe in blogland. I have no idea where. I'll try to find it, so credit may be given where due.

Coconut Macaroons

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 bag (14-16oz) flaked coconut

2 tsp vanilla

Chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Grease baking sheets. (And I mean GREASE!) Mix first three ingredients and drops onto cookie sheets. (I suggest greasing up your digits, too before dropping.) Bake 10-15 minutes until edges of coconut are lightly brown. (I like them closer to 15.) Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Or let cool and dip in melted chocolate chips.

Easy right? I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it...but only kind of. :)

*I found it! I can't believe I found the original recipe. So the credit goes to Madigan Made here.

Peanut Butter Bars...aka Heaven

Hello there! So there was this one time, that I had everyone I know under my total control. How did I do this? With my magical...Peanut Butter Bars! Actually, they aren't under my control, it's just how I get invited to parties. ;) When I'm invited, they are also invited. After each gathering, I get multiple requests for the recipe. So I figured it was time to share it with the world. You will die when you see how easy they are.

I got the original recipe from a cookbook given to me by my mother-in-law. It was one complied by her work. I love the title, "Miracle of Cooking." Which I guess is fitting considering her work is the surgical unit at the American Fork Hospital. Anyhoo, thanks Teresa Risher for contributing your recipe. I like that all the ingredients are things I have on hand. I did make a few changes to it. I mean, I don't have a jelly roll pan, so I changed the pan size which required changing the cooking time and the likes. I also doubled the frosting. mmmm.... So here is the recipe as I make them:

3/4 cup margarine, softened

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup peanut butter (separated into 3/4 cups)

1 T vanilla

1/3 t salt

3/4 t baking soda

1 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

Cream margarine and sugars. Add eggs, 3/4 cup peanut butter and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Spread in greased 13x9 pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. It will be light brown on top and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. While still warm, spread with remaining 3/4 peanut butter.

When cool, frost with:

4 cup powdered sugar

4T cocoa powder

1 1/2 t vanilla

Milk for consistency (I like a consistency that will be stiff and slightly grainy looking, but do what you like.) Add just a few teaspoons at a time, it can easily be too much, quickly.

Happy baking!!!