Join in the PT Cookbook Fun(draiser)!

Parent Talk is putting together a family cookbook to sell in 2013 (all proceeds from the cookbook will benefit ParentTalk).  Please consider contributing a favorite recipe today!  Send all recipes to cookbookrecipes@parenttalk.info. Here are two recipes to get you thinking.  Might as well start with dessert, the best part of ANY meal! 

Pumpkin Glazed Cookies by Alexandra Etscovitz

My husband loves pumpkin pie....even in July! I love to make these cookies for Thanksgiving.....or a trip to the beach :). They are really easy to make and definitely a fun fall treat for your kid's lunch box (or your own). :)

COOKIES

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 stick of butter, softened

1 cup pumpkin

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

GLAZE

Powdered Sugar

Water

1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2)  Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl.

3)  Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended.  Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

4)  Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

5)  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

6)  To make the glaze:  Combine the powdered sugar with water until it is creamy. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Magic Bars by Vidya Kagan

Magic Bars are just that:  totally magic.  I first tried these when I was in grad school at Cornell.  My kind younger sister (the baker in our family) sent me a care package filled with her magnificent chocolate-chip cookies and this new gooey, coconutty, chocolaty treat as well.  What were these beautiful morsels of goodness?  I took one bite and fell on the floor – these Magic Bars were the best things I’d ever tasted, bar none (pun intended).  Fast forward about 10 years, when I had a house, kitchen and a husband who loves to eat.  I looked up this Magic Bars recipe and added it to my cookbook binder right away.  It’s been a staple in our house ever since and always makes an appearance – and disappearance! – at our annual neighborhood holiday party.

Magic Bars

½ cup (1 stick) butter

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups flaked sweetened coconut

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees if using a glass dish).

2.  Put butter in a 9”x13” baking pan and put the pan in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the butter.

3.  Remove the pan from the oven.  Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the butter; pour condensed milk over the crumbs.  Top with remaining ingredients.  Press down firmly with fork.

4.  Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool.  Chill if desired.  Cut into bars or diamonds (about 24-bars).  Store at room temperature.