Raspberry Squares

I discovered this recipe on a food forum I belong to. Its from my cyber foodie friend Linda and it originated from her mother's friend. It's a tried and true cookie (bar), and an oldie AND goodie. You can find the recipe over at Linda's Blog, How to Cook Like a Wolf. I love her background music, photography, writing, not to mention amazing recipes!

What I love about these squares is that they are not overly sweet.......great with a hot cup of coffee or tea. I usually have all the ingredients on hand as well and they are easy to put together.

INGREDIENTS



2 sticks unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar (divided)
2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks
1 10 oz. jar seedless raspberry jam
4 egg whites
2 cups finely chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Cream together the butter,yolks, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Add flour and salt and knead with fingers. Pat dough into a greased 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1" jelly roll pan.
2. Bake at 350* 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Remove from oven and spread with raspberry jam.
4. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold in remaining 1 cup sugar
and nuts. Gently spread on top of jam. Bake for 25 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.



check out this vintage sifter!


Ready for first bake




Topping

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've seen this recipe on various blogs and just had to try it. The recipe is the original creation of Jenny from the blog, "Picky Palate." I made these for tomorrow when our dog will have his first birthday party (cookies are treats for the children attending) and also for my youngest son to take on a road trip this weekend. I tried one and they are absolutely fantastic (especially warm and freshly baked).

Ingredients
Oops - photo left out eggs and baking soda but I used them :)!


2 sticks softened unsalted butter
3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar
1 Cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 oz bag chocolate chips
1 bag Oreo Cookies, I used the double stuff

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.



Ready to bake:


Baked:


Ready to enjoy:


This made 18 very large cookies.