Blueberry Almond Oatmeal Cookies

The other day I stumbled across some dried blueberries at the grocery store.  I was actually looking for dried cherries when I noticed this bright yellow package peeking out from behind an army of raisins.  I reached for it and saw it was wild blueberries.  Due to my need to have anything and everything blueberry, I quickly threw them in my cart, and the cherries were history.

Goat Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

No matter what I do, I just can't stay away from the goat cheese for long.  It has a creaminess that works so well in baked goods, and I find it always offers this slight tanginess that balances sweet so well.  It has worked beautifully in ice cream, cheesecake,  and even frosting, but would it work in cookies?  I gave my classic thumbprints a goat cheese makeover, and the result was divine!

Baileys Irish Cream Cookies

Happy Friday friends!  I've been doing some major recipe testing all week, and I've got some sweet treats lined up for you in my Saint Patrick's Day series!  Growing up in a very traditional Irish family, and spending about sixteen years competing in Irish step dancing, let's just say Saint Patrick's Day is big in my family.  I'm really looking forward to sharing this series with you where I'll be incorporating products we are all familiar with, and introducing some that might be new to you.  Today I'm kicking off the series with these Baileys Irish Cream cookies.  In one word these cookies are boozylicious, and I don't know about you, but I like the sound of that!

Mascarpone Coffee Cookies

What a busy week guys!  Thanks to all of you for the wonderful response to my Chocolate & Goat Cheese Cupcakes!  I also want to thank Raycom news and reporter Joseph Neese for the feature, and you can check out the story here.  Today's post is another reader request, this time for coffee cookies. This mascarpone coffee cookie is one not to be missed!  It has a rich coffee flavor, and the addition of mascarpone adds a delectable creaminess that will keep you going back for more.

Peanut Butter Peanut M&M Cookies

Peanut Butter Peanut M&M Cookies

There's something to be said for a simple cookie recipe.  One that's been tested a million times, that always comes out right on the money.  That's my peanut butter cookie, and thanks to a few recent requests, this comforting treat is getting the spotlight today!

Nan's Potato Chip Cookies

Happy New Year!  Did you all have a fantastic holiday?? I hope so!  I've been hearing a lot about resolutions this week, and while that's the norm, January 1st is something totally different for me.  January 1st was my nan's birthday, and she was a big influence on me in the kitchen.  Today I would like to share with all of you the last recipe she passed on to me.

White Chocolate Peppermint Milanos

Mint milanos have become one of my most requested cookies of the holiday season.  I started making them a few years back as a component of a chocolate dessert on one of my restaurant menus.  I found they were a playful twist to add to a plated dessert, and right away they were a hit.  I quickly learned that as soon as anyone hears the word milano, they smile, and are eager to try.  Like me, the recipe has evolved over the years.

Walnut Kiss Cookies

Walnut kiss cookies are definitely one of my all time favorite holiday cookies.  These little tea cakes have many names, but I always call them kiss cookies because they're light, nutty, and full of flavor.  They can definitely be made year round, but there's something about dredging them in powdered sugar that makes me think of snow and holidays.  As soon as Thanksgiving is over, and I start to pull out all the Christmas decorations, I head straight into the kitchen and whip up my first batch of the season.

Pecan Pie Napoleon

Pecan Pie has always been one of my favorite Thanksgiving desserts.  It's one of those classics that everyone loves, so I didn't want to change the whole thing, I just wanted to make it better.  I took everything I love about pecan pie, and turned it into a pecan pie napoleon.  Can you say upgrade?!  I also really love this dessert because you get three recipes in one.  My melt in your mouth butter cookies and salted almond & coconut dark chocolate bark are staples in my kitchen.  They are each fabulous on their own, but combined in this dessert, equal pure bliss.  I would also like to share some big news with you guys! I have been featured in a national news story! I want to give a big thank you to Raycom Media and talented reporter Joseph Neese for featuring me.  It's all very exciting and I am beyond grateful.  You can see the story here.

Brown Butter & Pepita Cookies

Okay I'm officially ready for fall baking.  I've been fighting it, but after seeing so many great recipes popping up on countless blogs, I surrender!  What better way to jump right into fall baking than with a new cookie, and even better, a brown butter cookie.

Bourbon Pecan Cookies & What Makes a Dad

The best way I know how to start this is to say it takes a really special person to raise and love a child as their own.  Growing up I always wanted a dad, and not just one that called on my birthday, but one that would be there all the time.  My mom met the man I call my dad when I was about 10, and that's when I got the best dad any girl could ask for.

Black and White Cookies

Black and white cookies are another one of my go to recipes.  I've noticed them making a come back lately and they're one of those retro cookies that everyone loves.  Maybe it's a childhood thing, but I think they're more of a New York thing!  I love giving these cookies in care packages and they look great on dessert buffets at parties.  They only contain a few ingredients and I think that's what makes them so good.

Tri-Color Cookies

The one word that comes to mind when I think of tri-color cookies is LOVE!  I have been completely crazy about these little gems since childhood.  Maybe it's because they're so colorful, or maybe it's because they look like little presents! I would always wonder how they could get all those colors in one little cookie, and more importantly how anything could taste sooo delicious!?  Every time my mom would take me to the bakery, which to me was like going to a party, I knew exactly what I was going to get. I didn't want any part of anything else.  Well except for maybe a whipped cream eclair, or a piece of that heavenly banana cream pie from Conte's bakery. Okay that's another blog post... Now back to the tri-colors, if the bakery was out of them complete devastation ensued.  I know I tend to be a bit on the theatrical side, but they are the best thing in an Italian bakery.