Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Happy Halloween, everyone! Halloween is like Christmas for sweet-toothers like myself, so of course I couldn't wait to whip up a candy-inspired treat this year! In my fondest, spookiest memories of trick-or-treating as a kid, I'll always remember the annual candy trading party that my brothers and I threw upon returning home with our loot. Reese's peanut butter cups were always worth at least two of any other candy, because we all agreed that they were the best. Years later, I still can't resist tearing open a few bright orange wrappers in the month of October. Chocolate and peanut butter really are a match made in heaven, aren't they?!

So, of course, when I miraculously came across a bag of Reese's peanut butter chips in my pantry this week, I took it as a sign of some serious Halloween baking inspiration and let my mind run wild. These Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are made candy-licious by semi-sweet chocolate chips, Hershey's cocoa powder and Reese's peanut butter chips. Their chocolate and peanut butter chewy interior with a slightly crispy exterior make for a seriously irresistible seasonal treat that is sure to put you in the Halloween spirit! Make a batch this Halloween, but be careful, you'll have to eat them quick -- they're so good, the ghouls and goblins might get them!

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey's, in honor of Halloween!)

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 cups Reese's peanut butter chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, cream the butter with a hand mixer. Add the white sugar and brown sugar. Beat until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until blended.

Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder; blend together until smooth. Stir in the chocolate and peanut butter chips. And, don't hold back! It may appear that you are adding too many, but trust me, this is the secret to these cookies.

Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls (about the size of a golf ball; I used an ice cream scoop) and place them one inch apart onto cookie sheets lined with aluminum foil.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Keep a close eye on your oven as temperatures vary and you don't want to over bake these cookies. They're much better softer!

Makes about two dozen cookies. Enjoy!

A Fall Feast Fit for the Food Network

Hey, ya'll! I know that sounds a little funny coming from a born-and-raised New Englander, but I'm feeling especially inspired by Ms. Deen these days, so you'll have to forgive me. It just so happens that the Queen of Southern Cuisine is holding a talent search for the next Deen Team blogger, and as soon as I found out, I knew I had to whip up a fall feast that would make Paula (and Jamie, Bobby, and the whole Deen clan!) proud! 

PaulaDeen.com

You see, Paula might not know it yet, but I happen to think we're soul sisters. We have so much in common and often times when I'm watching one of the many delicious episodes of Paula's Home Cooking, I imagine how much fun we'd have if we were ever able to spend a day together. 

Paula and I share a passion for creating and enjoying delightfully uncomplicated home cooking with our family and friends. I just love Paula's fun, cook-from-the-heart style that she infuses into every recipe. As someone who takes special care to appreciate the "little things" in life, I love Paula for reminding us all to appreciate life's most simple pleasures (like inviting the girls over for brunch, tending a garden, or sharing a laugh with grandchildren). Paula is one of those special people that we all hope to know at some point in our lives -- always lifting spirits and bringing a smile to everyone's face. She really is the epitome of a sweet, southern belle! And, as those close to me know, I have some serious southern aspirations of my own. I'd love to (and am planning to!) make the big move across the Mason Dixon soon. So, I've been taking some notes from Savannah's southern sweetheart when it comes to real, down-home cookin'! 

In true Paula fashion, I rounded up one of my best girlfriends, Sumi, to help me create a fabulously seasonal meal that I think the Deen's (or anyone, really!) would love. We kicked off the night with some fun and festive cocktails (don't you just love the napkins?!) and appetizers. We paired a fruity and floral Riesling with a few whole wheat crackers topped with fig butter and herbed goat cheese. So simple, but dangerously delicious!

Please, excuse the "iPhoneography." ;)

It's no secret that I could spend hours innovating and reveling in the magic of a kitchen, but something about teaming up with good friends makes the process so much more fun. Sumi and I balance each other out perfectly in more ways than one, but especially when it comes to creating an amazing meal -- Sumi loves savory and I love sweet! From shopping for ingredients to sitting down to dig in, we had a ball designing this meal and I can't wait to share my recipes with you!

Are there any two more famously spectacular fall ingredients than apple and pumpkin? With it's slow roasted, richly spiced flavors, this meal features the dynamic duo in all its glory! The Roasted Pumpkin Spice Glazed Chicken packs perfect pumpkin sweetness with a punch of spice from the peppers and soy sauce. Paired with my Apple Sausage Corn Bread Spicy Stuffing (is there any better southern staple than corn bread?!), the two make a match made in autumn heaven. 

And, of course, the grand finale of this fall feast does not hold anything back! When one is crafting a dessert to earn Paula's seal of approval, it is no time to skimp on rich and decadent flavor. I think my Honey Apple Butter Pecan Crusted Cheesecake with Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce is sure to impress folks at your next dinner party, and I certainly hope Ms. Deen feels the same! Something about the words "honey," "butter," and "pecans" makes me think she might love it. :)

My favorite part of fall is the amazing inspiration for entertaining that it brings. Beautiful, burnt hues of fall foliage, vibrant, freshly-harvested apples and pumpkins, and spooky Halloween decor surround and bless us with unlimited ways to interpret such seasonal elegance in your own home. I'd love to join the Dean Team bloggers to share my own fun, affordable and creative adventures in making the most of life's simple (and delicious!) pleasures. After all, as the Deen's have so kindly taught us, there is nothing more special than the joy of good food, good friends and good family.

Roasted Pumpkin Spice Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

For Chicken: 1 5-pound roasting chicken Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 large bunch fresh rosemary 1 large yellow onion, large chunks 4 carrots cut into 2-inch chunks 5 to 7 small potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks Olive oil
For Pumpkin Spice Glaze: 1 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chicken stock
Directions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the chicken giblets (discard or save for a future endeavor - like gravy!). Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the outside of the chicken. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt, pepper and rosemary. Tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken so the tips do not burn while roasting. 
Place the onions, carrots, and potatoes in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top. Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Baste the chicken with butter and pan juices every half hour. 
Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin spice glaze by combining the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper, maple syrup, salt, butter and chicken stock in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow to simmer and reduce. 
Remove the roast from the oven, baste with pumpkin spice glaze, and cover with aluminum foil. Let the juices in the roast rest for about 20 minutes before transferring the chicken and vegetables to a platter to carve and serve. Enjoy!
Apple Sausage Corn Bread Spicy Stuffing
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed corn bread 1/2 pound ground spicy sausage Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup chopped celery 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped 3/4 cup chicken stock 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the corn bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large casserole dish.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, salt, pepper and rosemary; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Pour sausage mixture over bread in casserole dish. Mix in chopped apples. Drizzle with chicken stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. 
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes to combine flavors. Enjoy!
Honey Apple Butter Pecan Crusted Cheesecake with Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
For Pecan Crust: 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup ground pecans 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup cold butter 8 to 9 tablespoons ice water
For Cheesecake: 3/4 cup honey apple butter 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 3/4 cup Fleur de Sel caramel sauce
For Apple Garnish: 1/2 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced thin 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, pecans, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water and let sit for 1 minute. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out on the floured surface into a circle about 9-10 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. Gently place the dough in a 9-inch springform pan. Aerate the dough with a fork before baking at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
In a large bowl, combine honey apple butter, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth then add eggs and mix well. Pour over crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, or until center is set. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Remove the sides of the springform pan and set cheesecake on a serving platter. 
Heat caramel topping in a small saucepan for about 1 minute. Spread caramel sauce evenly over the cheesecake. 
Sautee apple slices in a small frying pan with brown sugar, cinnamon and sugar. Let cool and garnish the cheesecake by placing them around outside edge. Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Oh dear. These donuts. If you love pumpkin as much as I do and have any weakness in the self-control department, don't make these. Don't say I didn't warn you!

In my continued adventures with my favorite Wilton doughnut pan (I'm telling you, it's SUCH a fun and worthwhile investment!), I decided to whip up a batch of these babies. But, of course, any fall donut is not complete without the signature cinnamon sugar topping, and so these babies are bathed in the deliciousness of exactly that as soon as you pop them out of the oven! I love that these donuts are baked instead of fried (less guilt, right?!) It gives them an amazingly soft and cakey texture that amps up the pumpkin spice flavors to places I never imagined possible (ok, maybe in my fall baking dreams...) These pumpkin treats are a perfect way to spice up breakfast (pumpkin spice, that is!) or really any time of day. Enjoy! :)

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze Recipe adapted from Taste and Tell 
Ingredients:
For the Donuts: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup pumpkin puree 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1/4 cup butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2/3 cup (or to taste) granulated sugar 2 tablespoons (or to taste) cinnamon
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a donut pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. Set aside. In another bowl, cream together the brown sugar, butter and pumpkin. Add in the eggs, mix well, then mix in the milk and vanilla. Stir in the reserved dry ingredients. Place the mix in a large zip-top bag. Cut off the corner and pipe into the donut pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 10-11 minutes.  Remove pan from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to cool. Meanwhile, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter. In a separate small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar.  When the donuts are slightly cool, dip them in the butter, then the cinnamon sugar.  These donuts are best enjoyed when warm. :) Makes about 9 donuts. 

Healthy Baked Stuffed Apples

Photo by HealthyCrush.com

Apple season is most definitely upon us, and I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of the crisp, sweet fall flavor! I even picked up an amazing new "Sugared Apple" scented candle the other day so I could revel in the unmistakable, fresh-from-the-oven baked apple aroma even when I'm not whipping up a delicious apple treat. I'd highly recommend it!

Photo by HealthyCrush.com

Speaking of pulling delicious apple treats from the oven though, let's talk about these baked stuffed apples. While I certainly am loving the seasonal apple craze, I haven't been loving all of the calories that come along with the sugars and butters most recipes require to make your next apple crisp, pie, etc. extra special! Apples are so flavorful and sweet on their own, so when I found this great guilt-free and amazingly simple recipe for Healthy Baked Stuffed Apples, I couldn't wait to try it! The recipe only calls for three (that's right, THREE!) ingredients that I guarantee are sitting in your pantry, plus a few freshly-picked, juicy apples! Throw this together and consider yourself in healthy AND delicious apple-heaven. These taste just like your favorite apple crisp, and don't even pack HALF the calories. Need I say more?!

Healthy Baked Stuffed Apples Recipe by HealthyCrush.com
Ingredients: 1 apple (variety of your choice) 2 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp oats (steel cut oats, rolled oats, whatever you like) Generous sprinkling of cinnamon (Serves one)
Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350F. Slice the apples in half. Scoop out the seeds to create a little “bowl” in each half. Add 1 tbsp of oats to each apple half. Add 1 tbsp of maple syrup to each apple half. (Amount for both oats & syrup may vary depending on the size of your apple). Top with a very generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, let cool a bit, and enjoy! :)

Cinnamon Roll Dutch Apple Pie

Warning: this Apple Pie will make you want to toss the recipe for Grandma's tried and true, mile-high crowd pleaser out the window! The crust of this Dutch-style Apple Pie is made with Cinnamon Rolls -- yes, Cinnamon Rolls. And, the crumb topping is drizzled with Cinnamon Roll icing. The Cinnamon Roll dough coupled with warm, baked apples and fall spices is truly a match made in autumn heaven. It was so much fun to make that I even forgot to take some of my own photos in the process!

Photo by Cooking With Sugar for Pillsbury

This delicious twist on a traditional fall favorite wowed my taste testers, and I'm sure it will be a new must-have at your next gathering! With limited ingredients and simple preparation, this dessert is a perfect way to jazz up good 'ole apple pie. Happy Baking!

Photo by Cooking With Sugar for Pillsbury

Cinnamon Roll Dutch Apple Pie Recipe by Cooking with Sugar for Pillsbury
Ingredients:
For the Crumb Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened
For the Crust: 1 can (12.4 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
For the Filling: 6 medium Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/4 teaspoons apple pie spice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, mix Crumb Topping ingredients with fork until large clumps form. Refrigerate. Spoon icing from can of rolls into small microwavable bowl; cover and refrigerate. Lightly flour rolling pin and work surface or cutting board. Separate dough into 8 rolls. With rolling pin, roll each cinnamon roll, cinnamon side up, into 4 to 5 inch round. In ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate, place 1 dough round in center. Arrange remaining 7 dough rounds around center round and up side of plate, overlapping slightly as necessary. With fingers, press dough to seal together in bottom and up side of pie plate to form crust. Flute edge. In large bowl, gently mix Filling ingredients. Spoon filling into cinnamon roll-lined pie plate. Sprinkle crumb topping over top to completely cover filling. Bake about 1 hour or until top is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool on cooling rack at least 1 hour. Before serving, microwave icing on High 10 to 15 seconds or until runny enough to drizzle. Drizzle back and forth over top of pie.
Helpful Tips: Cover the edges of the crust with 2-inch-wide strips of foil after the first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Whipped cream or ice cream makes the perfect topping for this pie. Keep a close eye on the pie as it's baking -- mine was done in about half the time!

Baked Glazed Apple Cider Donuts

One of my favorite fall pastimes is apple picking, and though I haven't had a chance to get out to the orchards yet, I have been dying to start whipping up some of my favorite fall apple recipes! I was psyched to finally get my hands on some fresh picked Macintosh this weekend and knew that Apple Cider Donuts had to be up first. There's just something about the smell of warm, baked apples and fall spices that makes you feel at home, don't you think?!

This baked version of Apple Cider Donuts is a healthier adaptation to frying them, but certainly doesn't count out any flavor. The dough is dense like a muffin or scone, but also light and airy. The chunks of baked apple coupled with warm cinnamon and nutmeg create the perfect fall bite. Top these babies with a thin layer of apple cider glaze, and consider yourself in Apple Cider Donut heaven! Happy Baking!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Recipe adapted from Healthy. Delicious. 

Ingredients:

For the donuts:
1/2 cup Apple Cider
2 tablespoons Butter, softened
1/4 cup Sugar
1 Egg
1/4 cup Milk
2 cups All Purpose Flour, plus additional for dusting
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 Apple, cut into a 1/8-inch dice (about 1 cup)

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered Sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Apple Cider
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cinnamon and Sugar for dusting

Preparation:
Pour the apple cider into a small pan set over high heat. Bring to a boil and allow to reduce by half. Set aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, then mix in the reduced cider and milk.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold in the diced apple, then mix in the remaining flour.

Chill the dough for 15 minutes to help it firm up.

Heat oven to 425F. Remove the dough from the fridge and spoon into a greased Wilton donut pan (or cut into donut shapes on a floured surface using a donut cutter, cookie cutters, or a glass, then carefully transfer each donut to a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat).

Bake at 425F for 10 minutes.

Allow donuts to cool for 3-5 minutes and dip the top half of each donut in the glaze.

Dust with cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy!

Makes about 7-9 delicious donuts.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

I absolutely love oatmeal for breakfast. Packed with all sorts of nutrition benefits, it's a perfectly delicious way to start the day. So, of course, when I came across this easy (one bowl!) and healthy recipe for Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal, it seemed like another fun way to kick off October and incorporate pumpkin this season. I couldn't wait to whip up a batch! Can you even imagine a more amazing fall breakfast treat?! 

I have to admit I prefer baked oatmeal to instant oatmeal, and this pumpkin recipe was no exception. The oatmeal is dense, the pumpkin keeps it moist and the array of spices punches up the fall fabulousness to a whole new level! The recipe doesn't call for any sugar, so to add a hint of sweetness, I sprinkled some cinnamon sugar on top of the oatmeal before popping it in the oven. You could also serve it with some pecans, diced apple, dried cranberries or brown sugar to kick up the sweet factor, if desired. No matter how you prefer your oatmeal, this recipe is a great way to enjoy fall flavors in a healthy and scrumptious way! Enjoy!

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

Recipe by Real Mom Kitchen

Ingredients:

½ cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

⅓ cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

⅔ cup milk (I used skim)

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp fresh ground nutmeg

½ tsp salt

2 cups old fashioned oats

1½ tsp baking powder

A few pinches of cinnamon sugar (optional)

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

1 apple, diced (optional)

¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

Brown sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with non stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, egg, syrup, vanilla, milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, oats, baking powder, and pecans if desired.

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Add a few pinches of cinnamon sugar, if desired. 

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden and let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Cut into 9 squares and if desired, top each serving with some diced apple, dried cranberries, and brown sugar.