Tag: celebration

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
Delicious Recipes

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment
Cake Mix Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies | lookingjoligood.blog

Several years ago, I had a version of these cookies while my sister-in-law’s mother was visiting for Christmas. They left such an impression that I’ve thought about them often ever since. Recently, I decided to track down the recipe and give it a try.

Trust me, if you make these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’re going to have a hard time resisting them. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with a rich buttery flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the kind of treat that disappears as soon as they hit the plate.

I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker site and wanted to share it with you. I’ve included the link to their recipe and video guide below—happy baking! And don’t say I didn’t warn you—they’re dangerously good!

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1-2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
  3. Add Cake Mix: Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle.
  5. Form Cookie Balls: Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
  6. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
  7. Bake: Place the cookie balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, you can sprinkle more powdered sugar on top before serving.

Tips

  • For variations, consider using different cake mixes like chocolate or lemon.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days (there is no way these cookies are still going to be around three days later. 😉)

Enjoy these delicious gooey butter cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Betty Crocker’s recipe:
https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cake-mix-gooey-butter-cookies/f7a9017b-870f-4b20-b37f-392f53c65fbc!
https://www.bettycrocker.com/videos/cake-mix-gooey-butter-cookies

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Creamy Cranberry Dip
Delicious Recipes

Creamy Cranberry Dip

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I love cranberry sauce! This is tangy and sweet dip that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cranberry sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter dip, add a bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice. Beat until smooth.
  2. Fold in cranberry sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce until combined.
  3. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Serve: Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or chips.
  5. Try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉
Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Peppermint Bark
Delicious Recipes

Peppermint Bark

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

A festive and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself:

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate chips1
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Melt the chocolates: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
  2. Spread the white chocolate: Spread the melted white chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Melt the dark chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in the same way.
  4. Drizzle the dark chocolate: Drizzle the dark chocolate over the white chocolate, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Sprinkle with candy canes: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the top.
  6. Chill and break: Let the bark cool completely, then break it into pieces.

Tip: For a fun twist, add other ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit to the white chocolate layer before adding the dark chocolate. 🎄

This recipe is quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Gingerbread Cookies
Delicious Recipes

Gingerbread Cookies

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

I’m in the mood for holiday food. Over the next few days I am going to be sharing some holiday recipes. I love gingerbread cookies! These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating and gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Royal icing (for decorating)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until1 just combined.
  4. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.

Royal Icing:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder*
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5-6 tablespoons water

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and spreadable.

*If you need a substitute for meringue powder, you can use an equal amount of reconstituted egg white powder mixed with water, a slightly smaller amount of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), or a gelatin mixture made with warm water and gelatin powder – just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly depending on the substitute you choose.

Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of hot cocoa, glass of milk, coffee, or tea!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
happy-mothers-day- | lookingjoligood.blog Happy, Mother’s Day 2024…
Lifestyle

Happy, Mother’s Day 2024…

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day!

As I celebrate Mother’s Day today, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being a mother. It is a role that has brought me immeasurable joy, endless challenges, and an unconditional love that I am grateful for.

Motherhood has been an incredible journey filled with surprises and a multitude of lessons. As I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, I am in awe of the transformative power of nurturing life.

From the moment I held my first child in my arms for the very first time, I was overcome with a love unlike any other. It was a love that knew no bounds, that stretched me beyond what I thought possible. Through the sleepless nights and endless challenges, I discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed.

Motherhood has taught me patience, resilience, and unconditional love. It has shown me the beauty in the small moments—the sound of my children’s laughter, the warmth of their embraces, the wonder in their eyes as they explore the world around them.

But perhaps the greatest lesson of all has been the gift of perspective. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, motherhood has taught me to find joy in the simple pleasures, to appreciate the fleeting moments, and to hold onto the memories that will last a lifetime.

Today, as we celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our lives, many of us are enveloped in feelings of joy and contentment. We delight in the company of our cherished mothers and grandmothers, and we enjoy the love of our precious children.

However, amidst the laughter and festivities, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone experiences this day in the same way. For some, Mother’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of profound loss—the absence of a beloved mother or grandmother, the heartache of a lost child, or the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams and expectations. The sight of others reveling in maternal love may only serve to amplify these feelings of longing and emptiness.

It’s important that we extend compassion and understanding to those who are navigating this day with heavy hearts, offering them a comforting embrace or a listening ear. Let us honor the complexity of emotions that Mother’s Day evokes, recognizing that for some, it’s not just a celebration, but a day of remembrance and healing.

“Happy Mother’s Day” to all:

💐 Those who are Mothers
💐 Those who anticipate motherhood
💐 Those who grieve the loss of their Mothers
💐 Those Mothers who mourn their children
💐 Step-mothers navigating their unique journeys
💐 Women yearning to embrace Motherhood
💐 Those facing challenges in their Mother relationships
💐 Those navigating difficult dynamics with their children
💐 Women who have chosen a different path
💐 Pet owners who nurture their fur babies
💐 And to everyone honoring the spirit of Motherhood in their own way.

lookingjoligood.blog

Happy Mother’s Day.

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream from Haagen-Dazs | lookingjoligood.com The Trap Of Celebrating With Food
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

The Trap Of Celebrating With Food

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Over the last few months I have been on a journey from Flab to FAB.  If you have been following along, thank you so much for your support.  These last few pounds have been the toughest to shed!  I have 1.5 lbs to go, and it has been a struggle!

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have never had an issue with daily exercise. I love to get up early and get in a workout before the rest of my family is even awake.  My down fall has always been diet, even more specifically the sweet stuff!  The holidays are a tough time to be trying to lose those last few pound.  Some weeks I have been happy to just have not gained any weight.

I LOVE to eat!  I have had many conversations with fellow food lovers about where’s the best place to get homemade ice cream or freshly baked bread, or which restaurant has the best tasting menu.  I also love to cook myself.  I like to try new recipes, watch cooking shows and read cookbooks and food magazines.

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream from Haagen-Dazs | lookingjoligood.com
My favorite kind of ice cream

While the occasional food splurge is fine, and actually part of a successful weight loss routine, it is important to keep it an occasional splurge. While these occasions don’t have to be huge major special events – My daughter got a 100% on her first math test- Yay! Lets get ice cream!  My son scored a goal in soccer, Yay! Let’s get ice cream!  I did awesome at my job interview!Yay! Let’s get ice cream! I got the job! Yay! Let’s get ice cream!  I had a great first day of work!  Yay! Let’s get ice cream! I need to be careful that  I only  make exceptions for true special occasions.

Often what ends up happening is that these “special occasions” can become a daily even. They can easily turn into… I folded all the laundry! Yay! Lets get ice cream! I found my missing earring! Yay! Lets get ice cream!  I am having a great hair day!  Yay! Lets get ice cream!  Today is Wednesday! Yay! Lets get ice cream!  My Boston Terrier, Tessie, is super cute! Yay! Lets get ice cream!   See where I am going with this…(also, can you tell I like ice cream? :-))

My cute dog Tessie | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Look at that cute face!

While I have been on my Flab to FAB journey, I have had to start thinking about food and diet in a different way.  While good healthy food feels rewarding, food is fuel, not a reward.  Celebrating is fun, and celebrating with food is fun too, but it is not the only way to celebrate.

Instead of using food as a reward, I have been trying to reward myself in other ways.  Some ways include: getting a pedicure, buying new smaller clothes :-), getting some new makeup, or splurging on a new purse.  Sometimes the celebration is just giving myself a little bit of a break to sit down and read an extra chapter in a good book.  While I do still like to celebrate with food, I am slowly retraining myself to have a healthier relationship with food.

I hope that you found this helpful, and thank you for following along with me on my journey from Flab to FAB!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Click HERE if you would like to read my previous Flab To FAB  posts.