I Really Want To Win

In March of last year, one of my most favorite blogs, A Duck In Her Pond, introduced me to Gisele, a gifted and fabulous web designer who had prettied up duckie's blog. I quickly became a fan. I think ever since then, I have been dreaming about changing my blog. As you can see...that hasn't happened as this thing hasn't changed in design since I started this blog over a year ago.

SO, imagine my excitement when the talented Gisele offered a new years blog redo!

I totally have to win. Really, this blog is begging for some love, wouldn't you say?

On to a winner right here, congratulations to:

techyone who said...

My favorite is bacon and scrambled eggs.

Monday, 11 January, 2010

Check your inbox and I look forward to hearing back from you!

I'll come back tomorrow with an actual food post, promise.

Cookie Cheesecake Cupcakes

How is everyone doing with their resolutions?

Myself, I have resolved to finally love my house. We have lived here for 3 years and I don't know if I have really moved in. Yes the walls are painted and there aren't boxes all over the place, but I have put off projects because I would rather save the ideas for my "real" house. In my mind I think I always thought we would move in 5 so why bother. What the heck is that all about? I mean, it's my house not my apartment!

I think a lot of it is enjoying the now, not waiting for the "what could be".

This recipe has nothing to do with any of that, I just thought I'd share.

I saw these on my daily blog reading and knew they were something that I had to try out! Upon looking at the recipe, it seemed to be missing a couple of amounts. However, it served as awesome inspiration and were indeed FABULOUS.

Cookie Cheesecake Cupcakes
inspired by That's So Yummy

FOR CHOCOLATE CHIP BOTTOM LAYER
I used my favorite cookie recipe

2 sticks of butter, room temperature

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine the butter and sugars in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix until fluffy and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the mix slowly to combine, being careful not to overmix.

Form the cookie dough into a long log (about 18 inches or so), wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.


Once chilled, cut the dough into 24 pieces and place in the bottom of cupcake tins lined with papers.


Bake the dough in a 325 degree oven for approximately 18 minutes (or until the cookie has spread across the bottom and is slightly browned)

While the cookies bake, make the cheesecake layer.

FOR CHEESECAKE TOP LAYER

2 packages (8 ounces) of cream cheese, room temperature

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients until smooth.

Once the cookies are baked, top them with approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons of the cheesecake mix. Return to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.

Once set, remove the cupcakes from the oven and set on a rack to cool. I put mine in the fridge to set overnight.






Top with homemade whipped cream and enjoy!

How about a giveaway??

Hello and Happy New Year! I hope that everyone is enjoying this new decade. We have had, as most people I imagine, REALLY cold weather which closed down schools last week. My poor sous chef #1 was so angry that more winter break was happening. I assured her that some day she'll pray for a snow day, but that did little to help. Luckily, we have had a full fridge and pantry and so I have actually been baking and accumulating recipes to post!

I'll give you a minute to take that in. Yup, I'm gonna post more. AND, it isn't even my New Year's resolution! More on that one later.

First I have to share that I have a giveaway, but I am apprehensive about it. A while back I was working with due maternity. They offered a gift certificate for one of my readers. I did what I was asked to do, posted the giveaway, and notified the rep of the winner. To my knowledge, she still hasn't gotten her prize, so frustrating. I mean, how is anyone supposed to believe that I am actually going to give something away? However, this giveaway is from a reputable business that I know follows through. That said, I am still a little nervous.

Toward the end of December, I received a pair of coupons to try some Pillsbury Crescent Rolls as well as three serving plates My Blog Spark. I was asked to try one of three appetizer recipes, I chose the bacon-cheese tartlets.

I followed the recipe as best I could, but I would say that using the rolls instead of the sheets proved problematic. It was hard to roll out and make the size needed for the recipe. I ended up with a few less than the recipe and they didn't turn out nearly as cute. BUT, it was a project for both sous chefs and I and throughly enjoyable. Even if they didn't turn out looking so great (which is why there is no picture!).

I used cheddar instead of swiss, but kept the rest of the recipe the same. I'll definitely try it again. It made for a cute breakfast option that had everything the youngins' love!

The folks at Pillsbury and My Blog Spark provided a second gift set with a two coupons for free Pillsbury Crescents as well as the serving plates to give away to one of you.

Ready to win?

Leave a comment and tell me what you prefer to eat for breakfast.

I'll randomly pick a winner on Friday, January 15th.

Disclosure: This Post was sponsored by My Blog Spark. Coupons and products were provided for review and giveaway purposes. This post was not reviewed or edited by My Blog Spark and the thoughts and opinions are completely mine. Others may have a different experience.