Gingersnaps

I have always always always loved gingersnaps. You know the know the old fashioned kind you could buy in a bag at your local grocery store? The kind my grandma used to keep in her pantry, perfect for dipping in her daily cup of tea. I loved those crunchy cookies something fierce. The flavor of the molasses and spices was spot on, but that crispness was really something special. 

I've made Spicy Molasses Cookies many many times and it is by far my favorite molasses cookie recipe. But the thing is, those are amazingly soft, chewy cookies. I wanted crunchy. 

I did some internet scouring and discovered the secret--a longer baking time. That's it! I could use my same trusty recipe and just bake them longer! Genius! 

These cookies turned out exactly like I imagined! For the crunchy cookie lovers in your life, this is your recipe! 

Gingersnaps

recipe by adorkablerecipes.blogspot.com (originally adapted from thepioneerwoman.com)

makes 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 egg

2 cups flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp cardamom

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

extra sugar for coating

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a large bowl, beat together shortening, sugar, molasses and egg. In a second bowl combine dry ingredients with a whisk. Stir the dry mixture into the creamed ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. 

Scoop out dough by the tablespoon and roll into sugar. Place on a cookie sheet, 1-2 inches apart. 

Bake for 12-14 minutes. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes on the pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Note: The longer baking time achieves the crispy, crunchy characteristic of the true gingersnap. 

---

Subscribe to The Adorkable Recipes  and Follow on Facebook.

Cinnamon Sunflower Seed Energy Bites

You all might be keen enough to deduce how slightly addicted I am to these little energy bites. I've made a batch a week since I first found the original recipe and each time I've tweaked it into something new. I love the versatility of the recipe, not to mention the amazing flavor, and the packed nutrients. If you haven't tried these yet, you must!

Cinnamon Sunflower Seed Energy Bites

recipe adapted from Smashed Peas and Carrots

Makes 24 bites

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup oats

1 cup flaked coconut

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup ground flax seed

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes then roll into walnut-sized balls. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to a week. 

----

Have you Subscribed to The Adorkable Recipes and Followed on Facebook?.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

I love me some Cool Whip and anything dairy that comes out of an aerosol can, but there is nothing quite like freshly whipped cream. Seriously. Friends, this is so fast and easy to make, you'd really be selling yourself (or your pie) short, without sweetened whipped cream.

Sweetened Whipped Cream Recipe
recipe from The Betty Crocker Cookbook


Makes 2 cups whipped cream


Note: Always start with cream right from the fridge, and if possible chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes until cold to the touch. Recipe may be halved.

Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp granulated or powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions
In chilled medium bowl, beat all ingredients with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Do not over beat.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare for deliciousness.


Subscribe to The Adorkable Recipes
Follow on Facebook.

Super Spicy Three Pepper Chili Recipe

After a day of canning tomatoes with my good friend, we discovered one of the jars didn't seal and it needed to be used this week. With the cooler weather rolling in, I decided chili was definitely the way to go. Overflowing with fresh, spicy peppers, and hearty tomatoes and kidney beans, this chili is sure to please the spicy heat lovers in your life. 

Super Spicy Three Pepper Chili Recipe

recipe by adorkablerecipes.blogspot.com

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 banana pepper, chopped

1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp Italian seasonings 

salt

pepper

2 --14.5 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed 

1 quart stewed tomatoes 

1--8oz can tomato sauce

3-4 cups water 

Directions

Heat a large stock pot over medium heat and drizzle with oil twice around the pan. Once oil is hot, add onions, peppers, and garlic and cook until softened. Sprinkle with seasonings. Stir in beans and tomatoes, breaking up tomatoes as desired. Add in tomato sauce and water. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer at least 30 minutes--up to 5 hours (the longer the better!) 

--

Subscribe to The Adorkable Recipes and it's really cool to Follow on Facebook.