Wednesday, September 5, 2012

As American as Apple Pie(lets)


"As American as Apple Pie".  It's not a saying for no reason.  Just because you're patriotic doesn't mean that you always want to make a whole pie though.  So try out these pie-lets... They are sure to please!

~Apple Pie-lets

1 can of crescent rolls
2 apples
2 T sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 T melted butter (divided)
Extra cinnamon and sugar to top

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a baking sheet.
Finely chop apples and coat with 1 T butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
Place the mixture in the center of each crescent triangle and fold it over and seal the edges with a fork.
Place each folded triangle on the baking sheet.  Brush the tops with the other tablespoon of butter and the extra cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Star-Spangled Cookie Pops



Iced sugar cookie pops.  What a way to celebrate our country on Labor Day!  These cookies are easy, delicious, and cute enough to serve at any party (or to just eat at home)!

~Sugar cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. 

Roll out the cookie dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.  Use a star shaped cookie cutter and place on a greased sheet pan.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. 

Working quickly, insert a bamboo skewer into the bottom of the cookie about 3/4 inch.  Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.  Let cool completely before icing.

~Buttercream Icing

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Directions

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.  Top cookies with sprinkles.