Ready! Set! BAKE!

"Oh the weather outside is frightful... but the kitchen is so delightful!..."

Happy Saturday to one and all who might stop in for a cup of coffee and conversation.

Today begins "Ready, Set, BAKE!" the marathon baking time when I bake as much as I can in a weekend. We're already off to a good start! I have 12 different cookie packages to put together and I've completed the first dozen cookies for each package! The first 12 dozen cookies baked were a simple cookie, yet quickly has become everyone's favorite: PeanutButter M&M cookies.

These are easy to make and have a wonderful texture that will melt in your mouth. They taste GREAT with a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of milk. It is reported that Santa loves these!

Here is the recipe:

1 3/4C All purpose flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2C Brown Sugar (light) packed

1/2C Peanut Butter (smooth)

2T Milk

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2C Sugar

1/2C Crisco Solid Shortening

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 357 degrees.

Cream shortening, sugars, egg, milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Add all the dry ingredients and mix until just combined

Add peanut butter and mix to incorporate.

Using a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.

Roll the balls in either granular sugar or coarse sugar. (I use coarse sugar.. more sparkle!)

Place balls appx. 1" apart on a parchment lined or silpat lined baking sheet (I prefer silpat)

Press each ball with your fingertips until they are a uniform round size.

Press M&M's into the cookie dough (use as many as you wish)

Bake for 12 minutes. They will be rather 'loose' when they come out of the oven. Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes and transfer to a wire cooling rack until firm.

Package these quickly or they will be eaten!