Trick or Treats

I'm not normally a Halloween person, as it's the day before my birthday. However, this year we organised to go in mild fancy dress for Tapas. I took along these pumpkin cookies and a some candy corn in gift bags for my friends.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

By about five thirty this afternoon I felt like I had totally wasted my day. An unfulfilling quest for shoes for a wedding had irritated me, and I wanted to make something to end the afternoon on a better note. I had an hour before my evening cinema plans and quickly threw together this recipe for banana chocolate chip cookies. It was really simple and they came out with a cakey quality similar to a whoopie pie. For this recipe I recommend baking on a lower heat so the chocolate chips don't burn and they bake more evenly.

Valentine's Day Cookies

I've been wanting to learn how to make royal icing for a while now. Royal icing is used to decorate cakes and biscuits and it sets hard. After reading up about the techniques and ingredients I thought that making Valentine's treats for my family and friends would be the perfect opportunity to try it. People make it different ways, using egg whites or meringue powder. Although sometimes controversial I decided to use the original egg white recipe, I couldn't see how these raw egg whites would be a problem if it has been done this way for years. I made them using the 'flooding' technique where you outline the shape you want and then thin out the mixture slightly and fill the area in. They were a lot of fun to make and look really cute topped off with coloured sprinkles.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

After a long and stressful week I felt like I deserved these. I've been wanting them for a few days now after watching a Friends episode that mentioned oatmeal cookies...I used this recipe but just used chocolate chips instead of nuts. They are just the right amount chewy and are perfect with a cup of tea or glass of milk. A good way to start a relaxing weekend.

Coconut Cookies

Coconut being his favourite thing, I made these to take for my Grandpa while visiting this weekend. They were really easy to make and a good balance between macaroon and cookie.