Cookie Monster

Well if you haven't caught on thus far I have a bit of a sweet tooth turning me into a ravenous, unstoppable dessert loving monster. At the beginning of the summer I had the privilege of tasting the best cookie known to man, made by my homegirl Emilie. This really is saying a lot because I am incredibly loyal to my mama's cookie making abilities. I felt some serious guilt asking for this recipe feeling an incredible amount of betrayal to my own family recipe.

On the other hand it just didn't seem fair not to share this mouth watering cookie with all of you. Not to mention the whole blogging about baking isn't really that big of a sacrifice. It basically gives me a good excuse to eat cookie dough...justification I can live with.

So Thursday night was the season opener for Ole Miss football. My girl Alex and I decided to do a little baking before the game...cookie tailgating I suppose. She was the baker in this blogging story. I was her sous baker if I can even take credit for that. I really just took pictures and ate spoonfuls of dough.

Not only are these cookies insanely delicious but easy as pie to make. Just dump all the ingredients into one bowl and mix.

Yes, two sticks of butter makes all the difference in the world.

This is Amber. If dogs could talk I think it would go a little something like this..."Hey guys, watchya doin'?"

"Can I have some too?" Bless her heart

We are peanut butter and chocolate lovers so we got a little crazy with the chips.

Let me start by saying this, I am perfectly aware that I have a double chin. It has little to do with the camera angle and a lot to do with the fact I love cookie dough, chocolate, cupcakes, doughnuts, etc. Let's just say I have to run aaaaa loooottt to find some sort of balance. Life is too short not to enjoy all the sweetness.

Make sure to pull them out when they are just golden around the edges. This is the trick to their ewwy gooey goodness.

The gal behind the recipe. Girlfran can make a mean cookie.

Ole Miss earned themselves a victory. I will gladly take the credit and say that it had everything to do with these lucky cookies ;)

Here's the recipe:

2 1/4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 bag (about 6-7 oz) mini chocolate chips
1/2 bag (about 6-7 oz) peanut butter chips

Mix everything together except the chips. Then throw those in and mix again (wooden spoon really does the trick!). We used an ice cream scoop for giant cookie size on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-9 minutes, and take them out of the oven just before they start to get brown on the edges.

Happy Eating!!!

XOXO,

Bee

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Your New Favorite Cookies

Double Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies w/ Peanut Butter Filling

Brace yourself...you won't be the same after you try these delectable little treats. They combine everything I love about dessert: chocolate, peanut butter, espresso, and cookies. While I wish I could take the credit for these babies, I have to admit that the recipe is from another blog and I found it via Pinterest. You can find the original here. I'll take all of the credit for the making and eating of them though.

Here's everything you'll need for the cookie portion of the recipe.

Mixing all the dry ingredients....

...Now mixing all the butter and sugar

If I'm being honest I had a few spoonfuls of this. The double chocolate espresso cookies are yummy enough on their own, but add the peanut butter filling and it takes it to a whole new level.

Not so patiently waiting for the cookies to bake.

In the meantime here's everything you need for the filling.

The cookies are finally done! Once they cool just spread them with the peanut butter filling, make your little sandwiches, and try to refrain from eating them all in one sitting.

Obviously I couldn't wait to try a bite.

Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies
1 cup flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp instant espresso powder

-Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder. Set aside.

-In another bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars. Stir in the egg and vanilla.

- Gradually mix in the flour mixture to the wet mixture, until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.

-Separate the dough into two and roll them into 2 uniform logs about 12 inches long. Refrigerate it until firm enough to slice.

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

- Cut the logs into 1 inch slices and place 1 ½ inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the dough looks just baked. The cookies should be tender, so do not over bake.

Peanut Butter Filling

2 cups powdered sugar

6 Tbsp softened unsalted butter

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 Tbsp milk

-Cream all the ingredients together until well mixed. Use immediately.

XO,
Lo

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A Vineyard Vines Affair

This Saturday was one for the books. Two of my favorites, Alex + Casey, threw quite the shindig for their newly engaged friends, Vince + Ashley.
The darling couple (pictured just below) have quite the love for Vineyard Vines apparel. It seemed only fitting to throw them a party to celebrate tying the knot. It was a picture perfect Southern affair painted with whales, stripes, sweets for days, and the preppiest of dress codes.
Not a detail was forgotten as laughs were shared, sweets indulged, and drinks consumed. To top it off there was a rotating musical act that did anything but disappoint. It was a recipe for success.

My sweet friend Amanda made these delectable and adorable cookies to suit the theme. They tasted as good as they looked! I unfortunately wasn't quick enough and only got my hands on one. (If you are in need for some sweet treats for a party I can hook you up!)

 Nobody was thirsty...

 These little devils were my demise. Strawberry mini cupcakes with cream cheese icing. So sweet and so little. How many little baby cupcakes does it take to make one BIG cupcake? I tell myself double digits.

 The tambourine man.

Ted just watch dogging.

The darling bride-to-be. Isn't she pretty?

Amanda, sister of the groom and sweet Allison.

Well it wouldn't be a party without games now would it.

It would appear that not everyone in this picture is impressed with my musical talents. A little insulting if I do say so myself.

 The host doing his very manly duty of grilling. The kabobs were delectable.

Amanda (sister of the groom) + Josh (best man) battled it on the quiz of who knows Vince + Ashley better. It was a close race one by the best man himself. The tie breaker was the insanely long list of nicknames for Vince. 

Alex, the hostess, just hostessing :)

The happy couple.

Love was in the air apparently as Alex + Casey, the newly married party throwers, clearly can't get enough of each other. 

The first act, Myla Smith. I really dug her.

 Act 2 of the rotating musical act, Jeff Prewitt. Also a winner.

Father and daughter.

Some could use a lesson in photography.

My Memphis family

 Mother and daughter love

The engiNERD, Casey, engineered these wine bottle tiki torches. Pretty dang cool. 

 The third and final act for our little outdoor concert, Caleb + Jo. A truly talented group. If you are in the Memphis area, I highly recommend.

 A little ambiance.

It was a memorable evening and one I doubt the bride and groom will forget. I have already informed Casey + Alex that I expect the same treatment in party quality when I convince some bloke to marry me. They are good friends to have. Get in line folks! 

XOXO,

Bee

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