Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Reduced-fat Gingerbread Cookies

Made the dough with XT this evening. She dumped in the ingredients and helped cut out shapes.The dough was made in the evening before dinner prep, and then rolled out after eating. Used the star cutter and a knife to make simple shapes. House was cold so didn't need to chill long. They rise a little and are on the chewy side. Makes about 40-50 small cookies.
  • 3.5 T butter (48 g), softened
  • ~0.65 c brown sugar (original is for 3/4 c packed, but reduced to loose 1/2 c+)
  • 1/2 c applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 c molasses
  • scant 3 c flour
  • 1 t soda
  • 2 t ginger
  • 1 t cinnamon
  • 1/2 t allspice
  • 1/4 t cloves
  • 1/4 t salt
  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar and applesauce.
  2. Mix in the egg and molasses.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and spices.
  4. Beat flour mixture into wet mixture.
  5. Divide the dough into 2-3 pieces, dusting with flour, and flattening.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  7. Roll to 1/8"-1/4" thick, dusting pin and counter with flour to prevent sticking. Cut out shapes. Optional: add on faces or other decorations using the cookie dough
  8. Place on parchment paper (not directly on cookie sheet, as it's very sticky).
  9. Bake for 9-10 minutes at 350F.
  10. Move to cooling rack immediately.
  11. Store in air tight container.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Crockpot Cheesecake

Trying a smaller size cheesecake (not as deep) to curb the amount I eat. Normal is 3 pkgs/3 eggs/3/4 c sugar. This is cut to 2/3 so can be made in a regular 8" cake pan without spilling over (instead of a high springform pan). It's also cooked in a crockpot. Original directions had the pan in the water, but I've made it sit above the water. Not sure if it makes a difference - may have to try this a few times to find out. Had a slice about an hour or two after chilling and was still very soft. Was much firmer the next day. Steaming method definitely leaves no cracks! Think I'd prefer a pumpkin cheesecake cooked in this method. Will try a flavored variation next time. *** for taste, **** for fun of using slow cooker
  • 2 pkg cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 c sugar (I actually ran out and so had less than this)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t vanilla
  • 1 c graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 c butter, melted
  • cinnamon
  1. Cream the sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add in eggs, one at a time.
  3. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Mix the crumbs, butter and cinnamon. Press into greased 8" cake pan, going halfway up the sides.
  5. Pour cream cheese mixture in.
  6. Pour 2-3 cups water in crockpot. Set cake pan on stand in water. Cook on high for 2.5 hours or until set.
  7. Let cool for an hour and refrigerate.

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Saturday, April 11, 2015

Grain-free pancake/Giant Toddler Cookie

Made these for snack for XB and me. Froze the remaining for a quick 30 second reheat when needed. MM was disappointed for lack of sugary cookie taste, but it was fine as a snack. They curb the snacky feel without tasting so good that you want to eat half a dozen. Found while searching for gestational diabetes recipes.

  • 1/2 c almond butter (all natural)
  • 1/2 c applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 t soda
  • 1/2 t cinnamon
  • 1/2 t vanilla
  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Pour 1/4 c into 7 pancakes (on 2 sheets).
  4. Bake 350F for 12-15 minutes.
  5. Move to cooling rack.