My First!

My first blog post.  Inspired by so many people who have encouraged me to share recipes, ideas, and the things I'm passionate about.  I truly hope you enjoy.

I spent this afternoon making some delicious, decadent cookies for a meeting I have tomorrow.  I am a firm believer in the idea that if you need to have a meeting, you must provide a tasty treat.  It just sets the tone for a more enjoyable conversation.  My meeting is Valentine's day-themed, so I decided to try a new recipe-Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies.  M&Ms make these seasonal candies for Valentine's Day each year, and I thought a chocolate cookie would be the perfect backdrop for turning these M&Ms into a baked dessert. 

 As you can see, the red, maroon, and pink colors of the M&Ms lend a festive feel to these Valentine's day-inspired cookies.

 

I also added chocolate chips to make this a truly decadent cookies.  A glass of milk would be a perfect pairing!

 

Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies

 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour (regular flour works fine also)
• 2/3 cup baking cocoa
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large package of Cherry M&Ms
• 1 (6 ounce) package of chocolate chips

 

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350F.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in small bowl and mix together.
3. Beat butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixing bowl until creamy.
4. Beat in eggs.
5. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
7. Drop tablespoon sized balls onto baking sheets (lined with parchment paper).  Press cookies slightly.
8. Bake 9-11 minutes or until centers are set.  Cook on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies