Mir | Just About Baked

Teddy Bear Cookies

September 21, 2014
Mir
C is for COOKIE!
14 Comments

It’s hard to make kids happy sometimes. The more effort I put into cooking, the less they tend to appreciate it. If I make really good homemade crispy chicken tenders, for instance, they’ll leave them on their plates. But if I buy the frozen processed ones and throw them on a baking sheet, my son will very nicely thank me for such a delicious dinner.

No, I’m not a lousy cook. But I don’t speak kid palate. Their likes and dislikes remain elusive to me.

That’s why I had to try these cookies. They are just so adorable. And I needed to know if their looks would trump everything else. Does a teddy bear-shaped cookie get eaten no matter what it tastes like? There’s your philosophical question of the day.

Bakery-Style Fudge Frosting

September 19, 2014
Mir
Cakes, Let Them Eat Cake
18 Comments

When I was in college, our dining hall would bring in brownies every Friday night. These were no ordinary brownies. They were covered in a layer of ultra thick, fudgy frosting. The brownies themselves were nothing special, but man, that frosting? Worth every bite.

And boy, did I eat a lot of them. I’d hover near the kitchen, waiting for them to bring out the brownies. And in later years, I experienced that same frosting on cakes because I tracked down the bakery and bought a lot from them. Until they shut down. Cue dramatic sad music!

Caramel Apple Oreo Fudge

September 17, 2014
Mir
Candyland
24 Comments

Those evil geniuses over at Nabisco just won’t quit. What is up with that? Every five seconds they’re releasing a new flavor. Pumpkin Spice is debuting September 24th. I never knew a cookie could have a debut. Heck, I never had one.

But with strange marketing savvy born of years creating a totally addictive product, Nabisco is constantly entrapping me. Latest example: Caramel Apple Oreos. I had to give them a shot. How could I not? Caramel apples are one of my favorite fall treats!

Pumpkin Snack Cake

September 15, 2014
Mir
Cakes, Gluten-Free Goodness, Healthier Indulgences, Let Them Eat Cake
12 Comments

I love the idea of a cookie jar. Growing up, that wasn’t something we had in our house. We had plenty of dessert options, mind you. Just not an actual jar with cookies inside. As a result, it’s always been sort of a dream for me to have a cookie jar.

Except, well, they’re often ugly. And breakable. And most aren’t airtight, so the cookies go bad faster. And when kids get home from school (or their exhausted teacher mom), a cookie isn’t necessarily the answer. Sometimes you want cake. Amazing snack cake. No, not Little Debbie’s (though I do miss those hydrogenated suckers). Healthy, delicious, homemade pumpkin snack cake.

Brownie Pie

September 14, 2014
Mir
Bars n' Brownies, Pie Day, Pies
6 Comments

Whenever I’m feeling kind of meh, I have a few options. A nap isn’t usually possible (there are small children about), so I can either try to sneak episodes of whatever TLC show is new on Netflix without the li’l ones noticing, or I can make a pie. It’s hard to hide what my iPad is doing, so I think the pie wins this one.

Tricked-Out Graham Cracker Crust Tutorial

September 12, 2014
Mir
Pie Day, Pies
14 Comments

I have a lot of strong beliefs. Here are some:

1) The Indianapolis Colts will rise again.

2) Taking time for yourself is not an act of selfishness, but necessity.

3) Cakey brownies are a crime against humanity.

4) A lot of brides need to stop wearing strapless gowns. Other silhouettes rock!

5) Trying to sleep in my class is an act of disrespect.

6) Hope springs eternal as long as you’re getting enough sleep.

Oh, and here’s another for you: graham cracker crust needs to be tricked out!

What do I mean by that? I’m so glad you asked!

Apple Crumble Bars

September 10, 2014
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
10 Comments

Did you know that you can hire someone to help your kid stop sucking his thumb?

Until about a month ago, my son was a die-hard thumb sucker. He was just super attached to it. And when he didn’t have a thumb in his mouth, his shirt collar worked, too. I was getting tired of all the damp, stretched out shirt collars. Not to mention the thought of orthodontia bills down the road!

Our dentist connected us with a miracle worker I call The Thumb Lady, and now he’s habit-free! And since he’s not putting his thumb in his mouth, he now has space for other things. Like these amazing bars.

Double-Decker Bars

September 8, 2014
Mir
Bars n' Brownies
22 Comments

Every now and then, I go too far. When that happens, I’m woman enough to admit it. And I have no shame at all.

These bars go waaaaaay too far. And like I said, not sorry. Just be prepared, because you may have to go where other people are not in preparation for the sugar crash that will inevitably come your way if you eat these. It will be worth it. I speak the truth.

Baked PB Banana Bread Donuts

There is something about a donut. Or two.

Every day, donuts used to be my after-school snack. That was back when my metabolism was working in my favor. Now I can still have donuts, but maybe not every day.

That’s why I love my donut pan! Because you can bake healthier donuts, and they taste phenomenal. And you can get really creative with your flavors. Plus, you don’t get that weird feeling in your tummy that sits there after fried food has invaded the premises.

Peanut Butter Overload Ice Cream

Everyone else is happily beckoning in autumn, but not me. No way! Because it’s still 90 degrees out and I’m hanging out at all the frozen yogurt shops.

My obsession with fro yo is all in the toppings. You go fill your cup with lots of frozen goodness, but then you can dump whatever you want on top. I do that totally logical thing where I get a bucket full of fat-free yogurt and then proceed to pile on the chocolate. Lots of chocolate. And sometimes brownies or cheesecake, too. It’s like a make your own sundae party, any day of the week!