Cookie Talk

Create-A-Cookie

2011-02-25T15:27:00.005-05:00

Do you feel that baking cookie cutouts with your child is too much work?

Better Homes and Gardens and Parents magazine have the solution: The virtual cookie .

Just follow the steps and your child will decorate their very own cookie without the fuss or mess. I still prefer the old fashioned way of spending time with your child and sharing in your yummy efforts. If you just don't have the time or energy, this may satisfy your little baker. At least until the taste test!

Enjoy!

Survey: All About Cookies

2011-02-03T13:30:00.002-05:00

All About Cookies

We want to write about it and need to know what you like about cookies. Please help us out. The survey is very short (only 4 multiple choice questions).

Click here to take survey

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Search - Test #4

2010-04-18T15:26:00.005-04:00

Taste Test # 4 - Canyon Ranch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Wins!

Contenders:

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie (#10)

*click link for recipe

Neiman Marcus (recipe, or close to original recipe, below) (#11)

Canyon Ranch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (#12)

* Click link for recipe

Results (16 reviewers - 10 adults, 6 children):

Nestle, Toll House cookie - 5 votes ( 2 children, 3 adults)

Neiman Marcus cookie - 5 votes ( 3 children, 2 adults)

Canyon Ranch - 6 votes (1 child, 5 adults)

Review:

Nestle, Toll House cookie did well, but I think I may have over mixed the dough and the cookie came out much thinner. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but it wasn't the typical Toll House texture. It may be the reason for its 2nd place status.

The Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie is jammed packed with "goodies" that make it a little heavier and full of texture in every bite. Of course, the oatmeal gives it a rougher edge. In this search and experiment, I am trying to keep true to the "chocolate chip" definition and hesitated to add additional ingredients, like the Hershey bar and nuts. Many times, the nuts are optional and I usually leave them out in order to maintain the integrity of the "chocolate chip" and determine if there could be a true winner regarding the type of chip used or substance and taste of dough ingredients. Unfortunately, this is supposed to be a famous Neiman Marcus cookie and it wouldn't be right to essentially change the cookie for the sake of my intentions. I followed the recipe and was surprised that many seem to like the additions to the cookie.

Canyon Ranch's cookie was a favorite of mine in this taste test. It seemed smoother and I really liked the way the recipe called for mixing the ingredients by hand, as opposed to using a mixer. It got me thinking if I over mixed the Toll House batch and that a good cookie dough may need a gentler touch. If you have the answer to this question, please comment and instruct me as to if mixing by hand will contribute to a better (fluffier?) cookie dough. Seeing that this recipe was a contribution through the health and spa facility, I wonder if it is really healthier than the others. I guess the use of canola oil, low-fat cream cheese, wheat flour and the use of egg yolks only does sound like it would be healthier, still without the nutritional facts, I'm not sold.

Neiman-Marcus Cookie Recipe (or close to original)

* Recipe may be halved

Ingredients:

2 cups butter

24 oz. chocolate chips

4 cups flour

2 cups brown sugar

2 tsp. soda

2 tsp. salt

2 cups sugar

1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)

5 cups blended oatmeal

4 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. vanilla

3 cups chopped nuts (your choice) I used combination of walnuts and pecans

Directions:

Measure oatmeal, and blend in a blender to a fine powder. Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and soda. Add chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli), Hershey bar, and nuts. Roll into balls, and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 112 cookies.

Stay tuned for the next taste test. Contenders will be a very "famous" brand and a few ideas of my own.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Search - #3

2010-03-07T15:37:00.006-05:00

Taste Test # 3 - Toll House Wins Again!!

Contenders (recipes are linked):

Double Tree Cookie Recipe (or best rendition of it) (#7)

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie (#8)

Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (#9)

Results (13 Reviewers - 4 children, 9 adults)

Double Tree Hotel chocolate chip cookie (best rendition) - 3 votes (all adult)

Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie - 6 votes (3 children, 3 adults)

Jacques Torres' chocolate chip cookie - 4 votes (1 child, 3 adults)

Review

Double Tree recipe: Chewier than Nestle Toll House cookies, this recipe gets props for staying power. I felt that the cookies tasted fresh, longer. With rolled oatmeal added to the recipe, the texture may not be for everyone. Though I can't be sure if the recipe is the exact one that the Double Tree Hotel actually uses, the cookie hits the spot when you are hanker'in for something sweet. Keep in mind the cookie is served warm at the hotel. During the taste test, all cookies were delivered within 24 hours of baking, but never warm. I'm not sure if that would sway the results. - 3 stars

Nestle Toll House recipe: Still the majority favorite. Though I love the taste, I don't think that the recipe does well staying fresh. In order to keep the integrity of the cookie from faltering, my suggestion is to make the cookie dough ahead, roll into golf-sized balls, place them in a air tight container and keep in the refrigerator. Just pop each ball on a baking sheet and bake them when you want a "fix". You get fresh cookies from a favorite recipe. Pop them in the oven before company comes over and look like a hero....Martha Stewart, move over!

Jacques Torres recipe: A little more complicated than the typical recipe, I personally think it is worth the effort. Cake and bread flour is used in place of all-purpose flour. Pillsbury makes cake flour (in a box down the baking aisle at your local grocery store, but not by the regular flour). The bread flour can be found next to the all-purpose flour. I think the cake flour gives the cookie the consistency that is lacking in Nestle's Toll House recipe. The cookie remains moist, not crunchy and the 60% cacao morsel just put me over the top....YUMMY. Ghirardelli makes a morsel to accommodate the recipe, though you can find the morsels used in the recipe at Whole Foods Markets (the information is included at the end). 3 1/2 stars. I loved it and may combine parts to use with Toll House. Hmmm, I wonder...

Taste Test #4 will add a "spa" and "shopping" experience into the mix. Can you guess what recipes are next?

Taste Test #2 - Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Search

2010-02-19T16:59:00.006-05:00

The chocolate chip cookie is said to be the most popular cookie in the United States. Nestle Toll house cookies are the "gold" standard in making chocolate chip cookies. My grandmother baked the recipe, and I decided to use it as the baseline for my search of the best chocolate chip cookie. Follow me in my quest. I will bake each recipe and distribute to my neighbors, family and friends for review. I am baking up the original recipes from the brands we know, seeking out some famous recipe favorites, then combining the results to see if I can find the best. It may end up that we already have it with our baseline, but it will be fun and yummy to find out.

Here are the results from Taste Test #2....

Nestle Toll house Chocolate Chip Cookie Wins!

The cookie recipes used in this taste test:

Crisco chocolate chip cookie recipe

Nestle Toll house chocolate chip cookie recipe (our baseline)

Land O Lakes chocolate chip cookie recipe

The results (14 reviews received)

Crisco chocolate chip cookie: 4 votes (2 adults, 2 children)

Nestle Toll house chocolate chip cookie: 9votes (6 adults, 3 children)

Land O Lakes chewy chocolate chip cookie: 1 vote (adult)

Personal Reviews:

Crisco chocolate chip cookie recipe - I didn't enjoy the texture on this cookie. Though it was chewy, the cookie flattened out as you baked it. Refrigerating the dough may help to keep the cookie looking a little plumper and limit spreading. I also didn't feel I added enough chocolate chips (as per the recipe). This is one of the possible flaw in every batch of dough, but after tasting and knowing the ingredients I added, I didn't think the recipe called for enough chocolate chips. If using this recipe again, I would add an additional cup of morsels. Due to the number of votes, I would rate it a 2 1/2 - 3 star cookie, but for me, it was my least favorite of the three options.

Nestle Toll house chocolate chip cookie - The old standard. They still seem to bake up crunchier than the other cookies, even if I limited baking time. What I love about these is the way they look after baking. Each cookie has a smooth surface on the top and inviting. They look like the Nestle Toll house pictures and I like that. The taste rarely lets me down, but I still think that there may be room for a little competition. You can't imagine what I have in store for the next round of taste testing.

Land O Lakes chocolate chip cookie - This cookie was very dense and "cakey". Though I liked it better than the Crisco cookie, it didn't out shine Toll house. This cookie baked up plump, but cracked on the top, similar to that of the Crisco cookie. What can I say? I don't like the cracks. The cookie's color was a nice buttery color and, visually, looked more pleasingly than the Crisco cookie. Still, only 1 voted for it and must be rated as such - 1 star (if that).

Taste test #3 coming soon....Look for some of the finest rated recipes tested and reviewed.

Yum or Yuk? Doodles Cookies Review

2010-02-05T13:19:00.012-05:00

Gluten free, double chocolate chip habanero cookie mix review

(by Doodle Cookies)

In expanding the area of gluten-free baking, I wanted to give readers a convenient option and decided to take a closer look into gluten-free cookie mixes. I reached out to a small company, featured in the most recent edition of Gourmet News, named Doodles Cookies. I wanted to review one of their (gluten-free) cookie mixes. As soon as I received my sample of gluten free double chocolate chip habanero cookie mix, I was excited to try them out. I am a bit of a chocoholic and the cookies looked yummy on the box.

Following the directions on the back of the box, I mixed the ingredients with my hands instead of a mixer. With plastic gloves on, I kneaded the margarine, vanilla, and egg into the previously poured out bag of cookie mix. In less time than you can say chewy chocolaty, chocolate chips, I had the batter ready for scooping. The preparation was extremely easy and great for a young child to help out with. Using a cookie scooper, each scoop was roughly the same in diameter. A slight press, on top of each scoop, allowed for a nice rounded cookie. I selected to keep the cookies baking for 9 minutes, then cooled them off on the cookie rack.

Review (Yum? or Yuk?):

YUK!

Aside from myself, neighborhood and family reviewers consisted of 7 adults, 2 children (all said Yuk).

I truly feel bad about giving this review, but the fact is that the dried habanero pepper should not and does not belong with double chocolate chip. The texture of the cookie was great. It was chewy and the double chocolate chip part was satisfying. Unfortunately the zing from the dried habanero pepper worked its way to your taste buds way too fast, then left your mouth with quite a bit of a hot, spicy aftertaste. It just doesn't work and left you remembering the flavor that you most wanted to forget.

I didn't receive the "heart felt hug for my tummy" and wouldn't recommend this flavor (double chocolate chip habanero) of cookie mix. In fairness, I did not try the other mixes (chocolate chip, sugar cookie, and, nut free, nut butter) and suspect that they may be more satisfying to the palate because of the mainstream flavors. On the healthy meter, all of Doodles Cookies cookie mixes are made with organic ingredients.

Each box of cookie mix costs about $6.50/box. The company indicates that each serving size is 4 teaspoonfuls of the dry mix or 21 servings per container. What that actually equates to once the the cookies are baked is uncertain. I was able to bake up 15 cookies from the mixture equaling out to a cost of $.43/cookie.

About Doodles Cookies:

Started in 2008 by Deborah Sievers who is a 15 year veteran in baking delicious and healthy cookies. Based in Aurora, Illinois, Doodles Cookies decided to expand its organic cookie mixes to include a gluten-free(GF) variety to accommodate people turning to a GF diet. The products can be purchased directly through their website at http://www.doodlescookies.com/

What is gluten-free? As a consumer, it is important to educate yourself. A comprehensive video about gluten sensitivity and the meaning of gluten-free can be found at: http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/video-tutorial/gluten-sensitivity-what-is-it/

Taste Test #1 - Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Search

2010-02-04T19:39:00.006-05:00

The search for the best chocolate chip cookie

(taste test #1)

NESTLE TOLLHOUSE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE WINS

The results are in for taste test #1:

(Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe vs. Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe)

Voters included myself, family and neighborhood families (12 adults, 7 children):

Cookie #1-Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie: 7 votes (4 children, 3 adults)

Cookie #2-Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip Cookie: 4 votes (4 adults)

Cookie #3-Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie: 8 votes (3 children, 5 adults)

Each participant (other than myself) did not know the difference between all three cookies. In this case, it was the chocolate morsel and a slight variation of the recipe. Ghirardelli cookies contained less salt and more vanilla than the Nestle Tollhouse cookie recipe. The voters were given a set of the three cookies, freshly baked within 24 hours of distribution, wrapped and labeled with a number on each (#1 cookie was Ghirardelli milk chocolate morsel, #2 cookie was Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate morsel, and #3 cookie was the tollhouse morsel). After the tasting, I asked for a vote of their favorite out of the three. I also asked to differentiate themselves based on age group. I was curious to see if age has any impact on the decision.

It is becoming clear that taste testers have personal preferences for either milk vs. darker chocolate, chewy vs. crunchy, or salt vs. sweet. Understand the room for error in each cookie and the subsequent decision of the tester. Error #1- though I tried to bake each cookie in the oven for the exact amount of time, my oven temperature must fluctuate because some cookies were done in the 9 minutes and some needed to stay in a little longer because I didn't feel they were cooked enough. Add in the workings of my home, and the consistent yells from other rooms asking for help at the exact time the timer is going off, and some cookies were crunchier than others. I will say that the chewiness or crunchiness of the cookie is completely based on the baking time; want chewy, bake for less time and vice versa...crunchy, more time. Error #2 - the amount of chocolate morsels in each cookie. It is the luck of the draw when scooping out each tablespoon of cookie dough and the amount of morsels that ultimately end up in each cookie. There is a possibility that some testers were jipped of morsels in a cookie which may have effected their vote or preference.

My opinion: I am unclear as to weather any batch was better than the other. I really feel the Ghirardelli chocolate morsels (milk or semi-sweet) are a much smoother chocolate than the Nestle Tollhouse brand. The cookie dough recipe in each had their own strengths and weaknesses. I felt the Tollhouse cookie dough was a bit grainier and had more crunch (regardless of baking time). The thing is, many of the voters really enjoyed the saltiness of the Tollhouse cookie dough and felt it was a great distribution of salty and sweet...something many of us do enjoy. The Ghirardelli cookie dough was sweeter. With the extra pinch of vanilla extract, it could satisfy any sweet tooth.

Verdict: Nestle Tollhouse wins this round, but by a hair

Tasty Tips:

salty/sweet lover = Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie

chocolate connoisseur = Ghirardelli milk chocolate

sweet tooth = Ghirardelli (milk or semi-sweet) chocolate chip cookie

dark chocolate lover = Ghirardelli semi-sweet) chocolate chip cookie

chewy = all of the above, just bake less time

crunchy = all of the above, bake for more time

Taste Test #1 - Ghiradelli Chocolate Chip Cookie

2010-01-28T19:09:00.018-05:00

Test Taste #1: Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

(Contender for the best chocolate chip cookie search)

My first recipe is the Ghirardelli Chocolate chip cookie. I saw the bag of morsels at the grocers and realized that the best chocolate chip cookie may not be in the dough, but in the chocolate morsel. Little did I know that Ghirardelli has 3 different types of chocolate morsels, milk chocolate, semi-sweet, and 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate. So off to the store I went to purchase a bag of each and ensure the results would be comprehensive.

My family, friends and neighbors are having a lot of fun with this. Play with us by asking your family, friends and neighbors to participate. We are in the depths of winter and this is a fun game to take away the blues. All you need are the ingredients from the recipes provided (below), a little presentation for the taste testing process, and a voting ballad (just email me at playalong@pressdough.com to receive .pdf for rules, voting ballads, and even the numbered labels to stick onto each wrapped cookie).

Recipe (Toll house):

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (12 oz pkg) of Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped nuts (optional...we are leaving out due to allergy concerns)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixer until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually, beat in flour mixture. Sir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased (or parchment paper lined) baking sheet.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes and remove to wire rack to cool completely. (makes about 5 dozen cookies)

Recipe (Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie):

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips (we split the dough in 1/2 and added 1 cup of Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips to one batch and 1 cup of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips to the other batch)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. Beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips (remember...for the taste test, we cut the batch of cookie dough in half, then added 1 cup of each type of chocolate chip-milk or semi-sweet-to each batch. It eliminated the need to bake up two batches of the same dough). Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

If you are playing, be sure to keep each batch of cookie baked separate from the others.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Search

2010-01-26T14:41:00.008-05:00

What recipe is the BEST?

The chocolate chip cookie is noted to be the most popular cookie. The most infamous is Nestle's, Toll-House chocolate chip cookie, which is what I usually bake. It got me thinking though. I've seen different variations of the recipe. Usually the variation highlights a company's product or ingredient to use (i.e. Hershey, Land O Lakes, Crisco etc.) within the recipe. This makes me a little suspect. So, I'm on a mission and need your help!

Please comment with or send me (cccookie@pressdough.com) your chocolate chip cookie recipe that you feel is the best. The only requirement is that the ingredients need to be somewhat mainstream and available at most grocer's markets. I'm up for anything, from healthy to sinful. Stay tuned because, after each recipe, I'll review the cookie using Nestle's Toll House cookie as my baseline. Each recipe will be critiqued using the following:

Texture: crispy or chewy, crunchy or soft
Chocolate factor (from 1 to 5, 1 being the least chocolatey)
Healthy or sinful (based on ingredients)
Yum scale (from 1 to 5, 1 being the least yummy, 5+ being off the charts YUMMY!)
Yuk scale - hopefully not, but I have to consider the possibility
Timeline - February 14th will be the announcement (if I get enough entries)
Neighborhood Review/focus group- Don't take my word for it, I'll be handing them out to my neighbors for their opinion.

On your mark, get set, go.....

Yuk or Yum? Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-01-24T19:20:00.007-05:00

Yum! Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Having a child on the spectrum with autism throws a parent into a sea of research and information. One such area is the gluten-free diet. My son has a very discerning taste and texture sensitivity, so this diet hasn't made its way into our house. Nonetheless, I am still a part of this community that strives to help their children through the use of the gluten-free diet.

Two years ago, I cut out this cookie recipe from Relish Magazine. Even then, I was curious and questioned if they could taste as good as regular toll-house cookies (which is my primary comparison). I have one rule. I will never give my child anything I have not tasted first. With that in mind, I set out to bake and test taste.

Recipe:
Step 1: Make gluten-free baking mix
2 1/3 cups chickpea flour (I used white rice flour, next time, I'll try chickpea flour)
2/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. You will have a little left over after using in recipe.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:
1 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/3 cups gluten-free baking mix (above recipe)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips (I used tropical sun gluten and dairy free)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper (easy cleanup). Combine oil and sugar in a large bowl, and beat on medium-high speed. Add eggs (one at a time) until creamy. Add vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add baking mix, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. The mixture will have a play dough-y texture. It is a little more firm than regular cookie dough.
Drop a tablespoon of dough, 2 inches apart. A cookie scooper is great for uniformity. Press each drop to flatten slightly. This will shape the cookie nicely. Bake 10-12 minutes, cool on wire rack. Recipe states it makes 2 dozen, but my batch made about 3.

Information per cookie: 250 calories, 15g fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 250mg sodium

Review: Yum... I thought these cookies were pretty good. Comparatively, I like toll house better, but I didn't feel like I was comparing apples to apples. These cookies have a different taste. It is still good, but did taste a little different. I was impressed with the texture. Each cookie rose nicely and was soft and chewy with a crispness around the edges. It worked well. I did notice that I felt some of the cookie sticking in my teeth afterwards. I'm not sure if that was due to the oil or not. It didn't stay for long, but definitely had a little residue.

The REAL Review (two children-4 years of age): I had a play date over for my 4 year old and gave them each a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie for a snack. They gobbled it up. Since then, the whole jar has disappeared. I know I have dipped my hand in more than a couple of times.

Concern: Only 1 - I am not so sure about the xanthum gum stuff. With its use, it produced a good cookie, but I have read some concerns over it being manufactured in China. Everything is processed to some degree, but the xanthum gum makes me wonder what is in it.

Tip: Shopping for some of the ingredients may take a little searching the first time around. Make a bee-line for your grocers health food area before running around the entire store. Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joes are also good choices when shopping for specific diet requirements, organic, or healthy foods.

Behind the scenes at the Martha Stewart Show

2010-01-21T14:20:00.008-05:00

Martha is one cool cucumber!

Upon arriving at the Martha Stewart Show (and after waiting in the line outside the door...brrr!), every audience member is asked to see ID, given a seat number, and go through a metal detector. Your bags are also checked.

Next is the "holding area", where the last call for bathrooms are made and seat number is announced. We happened to be the very last seat numbers assigned. Tip: arrive earlier than what the email or letter indicates.

As you take your seat, each of the sets (kitchen, craft, and green house) are cheerfully decorated and pristine. The "warm up" guy, Joey Kola came at the audience with a burst of energy. A possible comedian in a past life, Mr. Kola was entertaining. I almost liked him better than, prim and proper, Martha.

Blah, blah, blah...Do you want to hear the down and dirty?

Here it goes: Martha's daughter happened to be a guest on the show. Poor Martha! Her daughter was such a little snot to her. I'm pretty sure Martha usually doesn't take a lot of "BS". It was crazy how disrespectful her daughter, Alexis, was. She has some major mother/daughter issues going on! The slightest bit of inaccuracy(on Martha's part), Alexis would pummel Martha with a snide remark. I was speechless to watch Martha promote her daughter's blog, then hear her daughter diss her on national television! I would hope that Martha spoke to her after, but I have a feeling that this is just the dynamic of the relationship. That girl needs a reality check and gives off a feeling of entitlement. Boy, I hope Alexis doesn't find out that the "house" she created is simply made of sticks. It would be smart for her to appreciate (and run to) the brick "house" where Martha lives. What a naive girl.

Martha: Please parent your daughter on the fine art of appreciation and respect! It is somewhat comforting to know that you don't do everything perfect, and that parenting may not be your strong suit, but you need to do something about her. Alexis' attitude is toxic. As a mother, it was hard to watch.

The only other beefy detail I have to offer is on Martha Stewart's wardrobe. No doubt, the chartreuse color was vibrant and showy, but Martha looked a little frumpy. I'm not sure if it was the sweater or not, but I saw rolls around her tummy. It was not very flattering. I have to commend Martha on the courageous move to wear stilettos. I am NOT kidding! I couldn't believe Martha could walk in these 4" heels. After the show, a comment was made from the audience. Martha, who I believe is in her 60's, kicked up her leg across one of the tables to show off her shoes. For that move, hat's off to you, Martha!

Even though the show was about blogging, it really was about bloggers dedicated to Martha Stewart. I was disappointed by the notion that there was very little reason for actual bloggers to be audience members. I was hoping to increase traffic to my blogs with either an announcement or listing of my URL's. No such luck. The only real tip I learned was in cutting a cake: Cut two slices, then take out the 2nd slice first. That helps keep the slices in tact.

....And there you have it. My morning with Martha.

Martha Stewart Show

2010-01-11T14:36:00.004-05:00

Press Dough is going to the Martha Stewart (blogging) show on Thursday, January 14, 2010! As an audience member, I will be sending out twitter (@pressdough) updates. Make sure you are following. Join me to hear about "Martha" news, what it is like to be in the studio, and how often Martha actually blogs. I'll be sure to post a complete recap of the show. Stay tuned.

Got any questions for Martha? Beginning at 6:30am (EST), I'll be taking the train into the city and checking my twitter account. Show starts at 10 a.m.!

Smiley Face Cookies

2010-01-08T16:59:00.005-05:00

Make someones day or send out get well wishes with smiley faces. Did you ever hear the phrase: If you smile at someone, they will always smile back? Why not spread some happiness with smiley face cookies:

This month's family circle has the DIY recipe for creating these happy sweet snacks. An easier way to create the same results are with cookie tattoos. Completely edible, just peel and stick onto any frosted or fondant surface. No need for food coloring messes or piping bag complications.

Fun Cookie Facts

2010-01-02T14:04:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010

Get motivated for some baking! January is the perfect month to nestle yourself in the kitchen, try out some new cookie recipes and have fun. Here are some cookie facts from faqfood.com to get you started:

Testing out cake batter and oven temperatures, ancient bakers created the cookie by placing a small amount of batter on a sheet and baking that first.
Chocolate chip cookies are the most popular kind of cookie in the United States (tip: good to keep this in mind when baking for others).
Cookies are best either fresh out of the oven (warm) or the day after they are baked. Waiting a day lets the flavors absorb with each other.
If you seal up freshly baked cookies, they will retain too much moisture and fall apart.

2010 Cookie Talk Blog Resolutions:

Post more often
Share new cookie recipes
Increase participation and information exchange (please leave a comment with an inquiry, suggestion, or recipe exchange)
Talk about baking experiences and old wives tales (that actually work).
Review gadgets for baking (Have a gadget for me to review, send me an email?)

New Moon's, Kristen Stewart...a baker? Who knew?

2009-11-04T16:01:00.007-05:00

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, New Moon's leading lady, Kristen Stewart, announces that she can make one mean apple pie. Best known for playing the character of Bella in the Twilight series, Kristen seems to have a little bit in common with her character's domestic side. With the holidays approaching, it would be interesting to know if Kristen has a secret technique or any baking tips for turning out a great apple pie. For now, here is "Grandma's" recipe for a good old fashioned apple pie:

Pie Dough Directions:

2 Cups Sifted Flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup Crisco shortening

Add all of the above ingredients together and cut the Crisco into the flour until texture forms

Add 4 Tablespoons of cold water. Fold in the dough until easily able to work with it. Roll out evenly into two thin rounds.

Apple Pie:

12 large McIntosh, peeled and cut thinly (yes, we did say McIntosh, not Granny Smiths)

1 cup Sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tbls butter

1 tbsp milk

Mix sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch together. Leave a tablespoon of mixture on the side to use later and sprinkle on the top of pie crust. Mix apples and remaining mixture together.

In a 9" pie plate, spray a bit of cooking spray and lay out dough on the bottom of plate. Poke bottom with fork. Pour in apple mixture Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of apples. Lay the second round of dough on top of the apples, cut excess and press the crusts into "S" shapes using your thumb and pointer, creating a seal. Use water on edge of dough to make the seal easier to handle. Cut mini slices on top crust to let steam escape during baking. Spread 1 tbsp of milk on top of dough and sprinkle remaining tablespoon of cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.

Tips:

- Cover just the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

- Use pre-made pie crust (i.e. Pillsbury pie crust located in the refrigerated section of your grocery store).

- Make pie ahead of time, except for the baking part and freeze. Thaw out a day before and bake as directed.

Apple pie comes out crispy, apples tender surrounded by a perfect cinnamon syrup mixture.

Any additional tips or variations, please post in the comments section.

Halloween Fun with Edible Cookie Tattoos

2009-10-02T13:30:00.001-04:00

Halloween Party Fun!

Get your Halloween party started this year by involving your little ghouls and goblins. Baking cookies and cupcakes can be so much fun when you add a little flare. Try these tips:

1. Don't go crazy with "made from scratch" baking. A box of cake mix and tub of frosting satisfies your little chef's need to help and their somewhat limited attention span. In our house we used marble cake mix to create these fun-sized cupcakes. Scooping the batter out and squeezing the chocolate on top in the shape of a smiley face provided the "big girl/boy" feeling and yet creative enough to maintain their interest.

2. What child doesn't love tattoos? Edible tattoos are great fun for kids. Each 3 1/2" round tattoo can be applied to a simple round cookie/cupcake by peeling and sticking to frosting. For extra fun, I have the kids cut around the shape (i.e. scared cat or pumpkin) and stick onto these mini cupcakes. Crafts and cooking all in one. Just imagine how proud the party goers will be to make their own snacks!

3. Don't forget to allow time for licking!!

Happy Homemade Cookies Day

2009-10-01T14:13:00.005-04:00

Happy Homemade Cookies Day!

Celebrate by baking up some traditions, straight from family recipe books:

Polish Cookie Cutouts (flakier and tangier)

Ingredients:
1 lb. butter ( I never promised low-fat)
3 cups Flour
3 Tablespoons vinegar (white)
5 Tablespoons water

Mix together butter and flour. Add the vinegar and water. Separate batter into 2 sections and refridgerate overnite for at least a few hours. Roll out each section to 1/8 inch. Cut into squares or cute cutout shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until the cookie stops bubbling and is light brown. Frost with smooth/cookie icing is best. Makes about 5 dozen.

New spin on cookie cutouts: stick on cookie tattoos to your finished product. Just cut around the edible picture, freeze, peel and stick onto any frosted cookie to create a one-of-kind cookie design.

Not enough time for cookie cutouts?

Try these easy Peanut Butter Squares

Ingredients:
1 - 28 oz jar crunchy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:

12 ounces of chocolate morsels
1/2 cup of butter
1 1/2 teaspoon of water

Mix with hands (great for kids to help with). Press into a small cookie sheets (13x9). Melt the chocolate morsels and butter in a double broiler (sauce pan filled 1/4 of the way with water and glass bowl placed over top of water - place on stove on high, water will begin boiling under glass bowl). Add water and spread on top of peanut butter mixture. Chill in refrigerator and cut into squares.

The ABC's of baking cookies

2009-08-08T17:44:00.016-04:00

Did you know that most children loose about 30% or more of what they learned during summer?

Only 3 more weeks of summer vacationing, then back to school. For young readers, a fun way to get back in the "swing" of things is to re-introduce sight words through fun and inventive techniques. Cookie cutters, shaped in the letters of the alphabet, are a great way to ignite interest. Sold individually(through Press Dough), kindergartners and 1st graders have fun using letter shaped cookie cutters to spell, decorate cookies, and work on projects (dip in fingerpaint for letter impression).

For an additional teaching opportunity, get the children measuring, mixing, and rolling out cookie dough for that arithmetic advantage. A connection between academics and real life begin to make more sense and will engage children in understanding why they need education. It is an effective way to get your child on the right path in realizing the importance of studying and school work.

Teachers:

Alphabet/lettered cookie cutters will keep the child engaged. Use for child assessments or as a visual for handwriting, particularly students who may need extra tools and/or techniques (i.e. special needs, autistic students). Handwriting without tears is a method used in many school districts to give students a breakdown of each letter. For some students a visual support is necessary. Letters made of cookie cutters can change things up a bit and may actually get the student(s) more focused on the task at "hand".

Jazzed Rice Krispies Treats

2009-07-24T18:50:00.016-04:00

Rice Krispies Treats are fun and easy. Don't stop at cutting then into boring squares. With a little extra special touch, Rice Krispies treats can be jazzed up and exciting to eat.

Rice Krispies Treats Recipe:

Melt, on low heat, 3 Tbls. of margarine or butter in large pot. Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows or 1 10 oz. package of regular marshmallows (stir frequently). Take off heat and stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies. Spread into a greased (cooking spray) 13x9 pan and let set for a couple of hours.

When Rice Krispies treats are ready, gently release the sheet of treats from the pan and place on wax paper or counter. Jazz the treats by:

1. Cutting into fun shapes with ease using the Press Dough cookie cutters.

2. Create chocolate covered (w/sprinkles) Rice Krispies Suckers - Just cut treats into round (or other) shapes and push popsicle or cookie sticks into the bottom sides. It's a great way to limit messy fingers too!

Melt chocolate: Melt 1 cup chocolate morsels and 1 Tbls. shortening in a double broiler (heat resistant bowl over pan of boiling water). Stir continually. Dip sucker treats into melted chocolate, place on wax paper, and sprinkle with sprinkles. Refrigerate to harden then wrap in plastic wrap or plastic gusset bag. For an even more festive look, tie plastic with ribbon.

3. Rice Krispies Sundaes - Use the remnant pieces of Rice Krispies treats after cutting shapes or rip off small pieces and place in sundae dish or bowl. Drip melted chocolate over pieces and sprinkle, sprinkles on top. Place in refrigerator to harden.

Note: Substitute chocolate syrup or caramel for ease or place remnant pieces in a baggy. The small pieces are perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Star Spangled Cookie Cutter Craft

2009-06-30T09:16:00.011-04:00

In need of some crafty-kid ideas for your BBQ?

Paint with cookie cutters!

Any cookie cutter shapes will do(hearts, trucks, trains, stars, letters). Star shapes will add to the Independence day theme. Kids can "create" their own firework display.

Supplies:
Cookie Cutters
Washable paint (tempera or finger)
paper plates
paper
old t-shirts

Directions:
1. Squeeze a fair amount of paint on each paper plate (1 color each plate)
2. Give children old t-shirts to put on, a piece of paper and choice of cookie cutter(s).
3. Just dip cookie cutter into paint and stamp on piece of paper for a collage look or to color in later.

Once dry - kids can color in their shapes or create their own special fireworks display!

Tip: Kids love to see their name. Using letter shaped cookie cutters is a teaching opportunity and allows each to learn to spell their own name, read, or simply understand the alphabet.

Crafty & Cheap Summer Fun

2009-06-26T08:40:00.004-04:00

Bubble Blower

Kids love this simple (& crafty) toy!

Supplies:

plastic cup
round piece of felt
rubber band
straw (cut)
dish soap
water (spray bottle)

Directions:

Tie felt around plastic cup. Cut small hole in the top of the plastic cup to feed straw through. Cut straw length just enough to touch top of felt (straw should be angled upwards). Pour small amount of dish detergent on top of felt. Spray felt with water.

Have Fun! Once the kids blow into the straw, bubbles will begin to form on top of the felt. They love this. Go outside with some breeze and see the bubble float through the neighborhood. This will keep the kids distracted for tons of time.

Hint: Great party idea!

Kids involvement in tag sales = Profits (No Kidding!)

2009-06-21T16:05:00.014-04:00

Our tag sale has come and gone.

The rain held out for most of the morning, kids had fun with their baked goods/lemonade stand, and my hubby was in his merchandising glory (he loves doing this...don't ask me why). In light of our experience, I've come up with some tag sale tips I hope you find useful.
Tip #1
Get your kids involved!
Set up a lemonade or baked goods stand for your kids. This will give them a little entrepreneurial spirit and the money they will make...OMG! It is amazing how someone will haggle over a $.50 item with you, but will so easily give that same $.50 to an adorable child selling lemonade/cookie.
Tip #2
Rise and Shine Early
Get the stuff out there early. Forget the "NO EARLY BIRDS!" posting in the paper. Do you want to sell your stuff or not? Most professional tag sale'rs come early. Deal with it. Grab a cup of joe and start selling.
Tip #3
Merchandise as best you can.
This area I left up to my husband because he genuinely loves it. He continues to move and re-position throughout the day. It matters where things are set up. A lot of times, there are just drive-bye's. Make sure the targeted items and/or great looking ones are easily visible.
Tip #4
What are great sellers you ask?
Don't take this to the bank, but we've found that people seek out: cd's, dvds, decent handbags, toys...children's sleds are NOT high ticket items:)
Tip #5
Price right!
I can't stress this enough. You will not get rich off of a tag sale. Your goal is to make a little cash from items that you would probably give to charity anyway. Most people will not pay more than $5, maybe $10 for something astronomically great. If you are selling furniture or antiques, don't call it a tag sale, call it an estate sale or moving sale.
Tip #6
Focus...
Try to stick to the point of purging out the old. We did this somewhat successfully until a lady bought some of our stuff and saw that she had some junk (of her own)that she was going to give to charity in her trunk. Guess who got the junk? She was very sweet though.
Tip #7
Price items
Price individually (labels or colored coded) or set up tables that are generic (i.e. One dollar table, 2 for $3 table etc.). People don't like to ask. I must admit that this tip, we did not follow. My husband was the price police and priced an item on the fly. I don't recommend this method.
Tip #8
Buy (or make) signs and place in populated areas
We don't recommend placing an ad in the paper. We posted on craigslist and strategically placed signs in high traffic stations/corners. Make sure that your sign is clear and concise. Arrows directing buyers to the sale is a plus. No need to spend extra money. People drive around just looking for the signs.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T12:54:00.004-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Cookies For a Cause

2009-06-13T12:18:00.007-04:00

Press Dough bakes up over 200 cookies for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at

Brentapalooza 2009!

Using our own "Ultimate Cookie Cutout Recipe", over 200 B-shaped cookie cutouts will be handed out at a fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Wrapped up individually with our recipe card, these tasty treats are a great thank-you.

Valentine's Day Breakfast

2009-02-07T14:02:00.007-05:00

Valentine's breakfast for the whole family!

For many of us, Valentine's Day is just not for a single person. We have a whole family that we need to express our love for. So I tweaked a valentine's day recipe I saw(http://www.eversave.com/recipes/5276?ref=269814620&zip=06824&sourceid=44617) and made it quick and easy so that the whole family can enjoy the whimsy of the day.

STOP thinking of just using one cookie cutter at a time! With Press Dough's heart shaped multiple cookie cutter, the fun of heart shaped eggs for the entire family is just as easy and even more fun.

Just heat up your large frying pan, spray pan and your (new) multiple cookie cutter with veggie oil, insert the multi-cutter into the frying pan and start cracking eggs. Crack one egg into each cookie cutter. Place about 1 tbsp of water into the frying pan, cover pan with aluminum foil and press the cookie cutter down for about a 30 seconds by using a heavy pan on the top of the multi-cutter. Try to make sure the pan is covered from all sides so that the water evaporates and creates a coating on the yolk. Check to make sure the egg is cooked. Lift multi-cutter out of pan and use spatula to plate the heart shaped (perfectly fried/cooked) eggs.

Tip: Fry up bacon or sausage first in frying pan. Don't drain the fat! Follow the above directions, only leftover grease/fat will allow the yolk to coat. I never promised this would be a non-fattening recipe, but it is delicious!

Crafts with Cookie Cutters

2009-01-26T10:17:00.015-05:00

DIY Coin Glycerin Soap

Gets Kids Washing! Wash for Rewards

Making glycerin soap out of Press Dough's cute multiple cookie cutter shapes just takes a little time and simple tips.

Ingredients/Supplies:

Multiple cookie cutter is desired shapes
2 sheets of Aluminum foil
Melt and Pour glycerin soap - purchased at craft stores
If desired: soap coloring and scent drop - purchased at craft stores
Large glass dish (that you can use for crafting) similar to a pyrex glass bowl for baking
Boiling pot to support large glass dish (for creating a double broiler)
1 quarter to embed in soap
A spray bottle of Alcohol (purchased in the first aid section of your grocery store or pharmacy)

Instructions:
Step 1: Fill up your pot with about 3/4 water and begin heating to a boil on stovetop
Step 2: Cut 8 ounces (to start out with) of melt and pour soap in 1-oz cubes (many packages have templated out 1 oz cubes for you).
Step 3: Once water is boiling in your pot, place your glass bowl on top of boiling water and place the 8 ounces of cubes in the bowl. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Melting the soap will take a little time. Keep checking periodically to make sure your water has not evaporated and see how much has melted. It will be completely liquid when ready to pour into the multiple cookie cutters.

Step 5: While soap is melting, rip off a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap around the bottom of the Press Dough multiple cookie cutter so that all edges are snug (to prevent leakage). Also, try to keep the bottom of the aluminum foil free from creases to ensure a smooth bottom as the soap hardens and molds.

Step 6: Once melted (if desired), drop in about 5-6 drops of coloring and/or scent and stir. Follow the coloring and scenting directions on the package. If you don't feel the color is dark enough, squeeze a couple more drops into the soap. Be cautious with this. You can always add more, but you cannot take out.

Step 7: Once soap is melted, colored, and scented, skim any skin from the soap off the top and pour (using oven mitts (the glass bowl will be HOT) into the prepared multiple cookie cutter so that each cutter is only 1/4 or 1/2 way filled up. Place the excess melted soap back (still in bowl) back on the double broiler to keep melted. Tip: After you pour the melted soap into your cookie cutter molds, spray the top with the alcohol. This will get rid of any bubbles that may have produced and leave your soap clear.

Step 8: Wait about 15-20 minutes for the soap to harden.

Step 9: Once hardened, spray the quarter with alcohol (front and back), spray and place on the semi-hardened soap in the cookie cutter molds. The soap will now be able to hold the weight of the quarter. Take the rest of your melted soap (on the stovetop double broiler) and pour over the quarter. Remember to skim off the skin before pouring and spray the top of the poured soap with alcohol.

Step 10: Let sit for 4o minutes, then press gently to pop shaped glycerin soap out of multi-cutter mold. It is best to let the soap cure for about 1-2 weeks in the area before packaging, but if you can't then just wrap in plastic wrap until you are ready to use or adorn for gifts.

Suggestion: Raffia makes a great looking package for soap. Crystal clear bags or boxes are a great way to give your soap as gifts. Go buy a colorful loofah sponge and add to make a set.

Go Green - DIY Crayons

2009-01-15T19:23:00.008-05:00

Go Green!

Recycle those crayon remnants into fun shapes any age will love to color with.

Just melt and pour into metal cookie cutters.
Step 1: Unwrap all paper from crayons (that you will be melting)
Step 2: Place crayons in a tin container or old pan (or old hot pot). Tip: Try to keep light colors together. If you mix light and dark colors, the color of the crayon will turn out dark.

Heat in over or on stovetop.

Step 3: While crayons are melting, place metal cookie cutter on an old baking pan or platform that you won't worry about. Roll out a little play doh (the size of the cookie cutter) and gently push the cutter into the playdoh (this will keep the liquid from running out)....do as I say, not as I do. I learned this tip from experience.

Step 4: Carefully pour the liquid crayon into the cookie cutter shapes. Step 5: Leave to harden. The crayons will literally pop right out.

Kids love these. What a great way to get some extra mileage out of old crayons.

Holiday Savings

2008-11-08T19:25:00.009-05:00

Only 47 Days Until Christmas

If you are looking for holiday shopping savings, this weekend may be a good time to get some Veteran's Day deals. Here are some links for Free Shipping and savings I have received:

Press Dough - Free Shipping on select holiday cookie cutters

www.pressdough.com/store/home.php

Wal-Mart - $0.97 Shipping

http://www.pressdough.com/resources_affil_site.htm Click on Wal-Mart Icon

Potpourri – Up to 60% savings
http://www.potpourrigift.com/search.asp?skw=RSALE110308&srccode=RE8199&ver=3&GEN1=Fall+Back+Savings
Hanes – Free Shipping with $75 online purchase

http://www.hanes.com/

Lands End Free Shipping unti Nov 11th.

Enter in: Promotion code FREESHIP and the PIN 181990108
http://www.landsend.com/

One Step Ahead – Free Shipping on orders over $100 (until Nove 11th)

Enter promotion code SHPFREBE
http://www.onestepahead.com/

Pottery Barn Kids – Veteran’s Day Sale – Until Nov. 12th.

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/sale/index.cfm?&bnrid=3501652&cm_ven=Email&cm_cat=Veterans_Day_Sale&cm_pla=DTC&cm_ite=dtc_shop_all_sale

Shop Irish – Free Shipping Plus $10 off $60 or more order (see details)

$4.99 Shipping on all other orders until Nov 20th.
Enter code FSDBL at checkout to receive discount.
http://www.shopirish.com/

MQT: Do you know of any holiday deals? If so, share them with us and post a comment. We have to look out for each other. After all, isn't that what true holiday spirit is all about?

Autistic...I mean Awesome

2008-11-01T10:42:00.006-04:00

Halloween is officially over, but before we move onto the holiday hub-bub I wanted to savor the memories of yesterday. For my daughter, dressing up is a breeze. She is excited, full of energy, and fulfills every expectation a parent can have.

With my son, we never quite know how the holiday will go. Each year the preparation of the costume is filled with stipulations (no tags, no hats or masks, no scratchiness etc.). This year was no different. My husband I begin with a pow-wow of what possible costumes fit into his acceptance. Then, we ask him what he would like to be. "A Chicken!" he shouts. OMG! For one thing, how in the world am I going to make a costume that resembles a chicken? For another, the texture sensitivity on this is going to be out of this world for him. So, I did a test and put on a very furry coat to explain that this is what a chicken is going to feel like. That did it...we settled on a red crayon.

I got my sewing machine out (keep in mind, I am no seamstress) and proceeded to create something that will excite my son and the population. I want him to attract all the compliments and attention he can (as I know that natural attraction is much easier for him). I share with you the fruits of my labor (above). With that said, I would encourage anyone to spend the $13 at

Wal-Mart to buy the cutest witch costume I have ever seen. The deal of the century for me and so much easier!

After the pair came home, they were both more excited than I have ever seen. My son will not eat (or try) an ounce of candy. For him, it was about the experience. He took each piece of his candy out of his bag and began lining them up and calling out their name (with my help):

"Recess!" - that would be reese's peanut butter cup

"Milk Shake!" - that would be Milky Way bars

"Baby Grace/Baby Ava!" (interchanging names)-

for Baby Ruth (he has cousins that we call baby Grace and baby Ava.

"Kitty Cat!" - Kit Kat

We were able to see him in the school parade and go to his class party with great success. This is a first for me. Historically, it has been an emotional disaster for all of us.

To top off the night, he stood up on the bed and said:

" Mom, I want to give you a hug"

(he is not a hugger and held both arms out and squeezed)

Today....Autism is Awesome!

MQT: Can you think of little gestures your loved ones do to help you get through the times when it is not so easy?

Holiday Calendar Planning and Tips

2008-10-29T21:43:00.014-04:00

Testing out the Press Dough multi-cutter, I am knee deep in making salt dough ornaments...and it is not even November! They are turning out pretty good. If you are thinking of making some of your own gifts, this is a great idea.

In the wake of my "projects", I decided to create a working calendar for the holidays to help plan, provide tips and promote events that come my way. It can be found at http://www.pressdough.com/resources.html

Here is a preview of some of the ornaments I have made:

MQT: Have you begun planning out your holiday budget, shopping, baking, and celebrations?

Shoppe For Tradition

2008-10-13T13:34:00.004-04:00

73 More Days Until Christmas! New Look! New Features!

I want to help you create some great traditions this year! You will find an opportunity to pick and choose the traditions you hold most dear, all the while saving you time.

Join me each week as I feature products, many that help our special needs children (motor skills, visual/pretend play), post a countdown planning calendar, activity tips or suggestions, and holiday links to events. If you know of any major events (holiday extravaganza's) happening in your town, please leave me a comment and I will add it to our calendar.

For additional fun, great new Press Dough products are developing for the season.

Don't forget to sign up for our Press Dough Cookie Cutter weekly giveaway!

MQT: Do you have a plan/to-do list for the holiday season?

High School + Heart Cookies = Yummy Fun

2008-10-08T10:37:00.008-04:00

Well, I think I just found the most famous cookie cutouts ever:

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/10/05/zac-vanessa-are-cookie-cutter/comment-page-6/#comments

If you are looking for something to do during a fun night of sleepovers, a night of movies or friendly gathering, try baking up some cookie cutouts. Recipes for either sugar cookie cutouts or chocolate chip cutouts can be found at: http://www.pressdough.com/resources.html#recipes

Bake up some fun using the Press Dough Heart Multi-Cookie Cutter:
http://www.pressdough.com/store/product.php?productid=2&cat=8&page=1

Your tween and her friends can create fun "cookie" messages while chatting about the latest and greatest styles or celebrity gossip.
Yummy, hip, and fun! You are sure to be voted "Most Popular Party".

Don't forget, holidays are coming.

MQT: What name or message would you write on your own heart cookies? Who would you give it to?

I would give a cookie heart to my daughter with her name printed, mini m&m's lining the edge, and pink icing dotted throughout. For my son, I would bake a chocolate chip heart - knowing he would never eat such a sweet indulgence - print a big letter R in the center (for his name) in Red (favorite color), line the edge with a thin layer of red, swirly icing and stick a candle in the center (since choc. chip cookies can be cooked softer) and sing a melody of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow". Keep in mind, my kids are still very young.

DIY- Cookie Cutter Ornaments

2008-10-04T10:48:00.004-04:00

Why buy those reproduced "dough" ornaments when YOU (and yours) can do it yourself?

There is nothing more personal than receiving something made with love. For myself, I begin thinking about holiday gifts for the 20 + teachers and therapists during summer. I'm not kidding. I want to show my appreciation for their dedication. I was thrilled when I stumbled across this do-it-yourself demonstration of dough ornaments:
http://www.diyalert.com/node/4090#comment-345

It made me think back to making these type of ornaments with my own mother. My sister and I actually went door to door selling them for extra Christmas money. Every year, these ornaments make it onto my mothers tree and remind me of that one year. Although my family was going through quite a hardship at the time, the memory of those dough ornaments are so vivid and happy.

This year, it seems right to make dough ornaments with my own kids. Of course, I'll be utilizing my time and energy by using the Press Dough cookie cutters (multi-cutters). I should be able to cut about 8 ornaments with every rolled out, circle of dough. It should go quick enough to keep the attention span of my 2 year old.

With the "economic crisis", we are going through a change in our view of spending and materialism. This is a great year to focus on making memories. I know from my own childhood, a memory will last forever.

MQT: What memories from your own childhood can you share that will have an everlasting effect on you and those you love? Lose yourself in the magic of memories this year. The family will be stronger for it.

Cookie Cutter Giveaway

2008-09-27T10:45:00.003-04:00

89 Days Until Christmas!

Today, we kick off the holiday countdown with a weekly cookie cutter giveaway. Each week until Christmas, we will give away one of our exclusive holiday cookie cutters. Be sure to sign up for your chance at: http://www.pressdough.com/store/register.php. Get in on the fun early.

The Press Dough Multi Cookie Cutter solves the need for cookie speed. Just press and go. Make your holidays memorable and fun.

MQT: Are you already shopping for the holidays?

For me, I have found that when I begin too early, I tend to buy more because I forget what I already purchased early on.

Investment

2008-09-14T12:18:00.005-04:00

Is my answer to my previous post.

When a teacher, therapist or paraprofessional is personally invested in my son, I can be assured that they are working to make a difference for him. When I hear, "your son is such a joy" or "Ryan is so great to work with", I know that their help is going beyond a paycheck and the obstacles that arise will be handled with passion because of passion for my child.

For each of our children, there is no cookie cutter approach. If there were, we all would have answers, not questions.

My Question Today (MQT): Are you invested in something (a cause or person) more than just stocks? Can you see how heightend your passion becomes when an investment deals with the heart and not the wallet?

Stay tuned for: Team meeting thoughts and some cookie talk

"It Takes a Village..."

2008-09-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

After a stressful week of working the kinks out with the bus, I have a good feeling about my son’s current team of school personnel. The quote that comes to mind, and now unfortunately associated with politics, is the popular proverb:

“It takes a village to raise a child”

In our case, this can’t be truer. Team Ryan consists of my son, a kindergarten teacher, a special education teacher, a paraprofessional, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, P.E. teacher (we get extra help), Aqua therapist, bus driver, principal, peer mentors, me, my husband, and my daughter. All are individuals who have daily interactions with my child for the success of my child. This doesn’t even include the support of our family and friends (I need to mention them or I will bear the wrath of my mother), and oral motor therapist, nutritionist, music therapist, pediatrician etc. It is amazing, challenging, and inspiring.

Why do I think we have such a great team? Tune in. I have a great reason.

Today’s Question: Do you consider yourself a team player or are you an exclusive member of your mission in life? For that matter, do you have a mission?

Kindergarten Kid

2008-09-03T19:03:00.005-04:00

We have survived the first day of kindergarten.

It was not without anxiety. Transitioning is hard for any child (and parent). For our son, it has always proved to be difficult. So when the bus came and Ryan was unable to find a seat, it was at that moment I knew we were in a bit of trouble. He was a lost puppy.

I had tried to prepare him for his new school. We had a book made (called social stories) to include pictures of school, his teachers, and his classes. I took him to the new school playground, at least twice a week to get comfortable in his new surroundings. I hoped it would also provide a feeling of confidence and make it easier for him to “fit” in with his typical peers. We would talk about kindergarten and all the new friends he would make. Could I have done more to help him?

I had not thought about the bus to school. This could be a deal breaker for him. It is unbelievably disorganizing to a child with special needs. There is no routine. It is loud and unsettling. As Ryan road away, I was beside myself with worry. He looked straight ahead, scared at the uncertainty of it all and put on the bravest face he could. I went home and wept. Not so brave.

I wish I had a magic wand and “pressdough” all our anxiety is gone. The good news is that we have a great team of school personnel to help us through.

Today is done. I look forward to each new day. For Ryan is my teacher and I learned about what true bravery is. I can’t wait for another lesson tomorrow.

Question: What do you learn from the children in your life?

A Bucket of Rocks

2008-08-27T22:12:00.002-04:00

Today, I went to visit my son’s kindergarten class. He will begin school tomorrow. In his eyes, I saw the apprehension and anxiety of starting this new phase. He is scared and I can’t blame him. I am too.

After coming home, I sat in our backyard watching my son throw his “collection” of rocks from a recent beach trip, into the marsh (we have tall reeds as part of a conservation area). With each rock, I began to imagine he was throwing his feelings of fear, apprehension, and anxiety away. The higher and farther the toss, the longer it would take for those emotions to creep back.

There is always humor to lighten the load. While searching for a pic, I found this "bucket of rocks". It gave me a chuckle. I hope it does the same for you.

Today's Question: What would you throw away with your own rocks?

Today's saying: A cookie a day keeps the fears away. It's all good.

Picketing Playdates

2008-08-03T22:06:00.003-04:00

What happened to spontaneity?

I can't stand that there is never a ring at the door bell to ask for "Johnny" to come out and play. A friend will never just stop by so the kids could play and we could chat.
I know for a fact that most of my neighbors, friends, and even family would be mortified by such a ripple in their routine waters. Everyone is so stuck on making sure their house is in pristine order before exposing it to others that we have lost what is really important...connecting with each other.
We all have children people! Toys will be on the floor, dishes in the sink and pee is probably around the toilet bowl. Yes, of course I try to keep all of this to a minimum (for my own sanity), but I am upset that it may even cross my mind to think about how my house may look with a stop over visit. The peer "motherhood" pressure bears its ugly head.
I am trying to get back to the basics. With a child on the spectrum, a scheduled playdate may be necessary to prepare my son. A scheduled playdate is necessary for safety (if the other mom needs to drop off their child). Other than that, I am picketing playdates and wish for the "old" fashioned days to return.

As children, were you too busy to play in the neighborhood? As children, did you run over and ring the door of your neighbors house? As children, did it seem simpler, maybe even happier?

Award Winning!

2008-07-29T18:17:00.008-04:00

Big News!

Press Dough's signature product, the multi-cutter, has won the 2008 Seal of Excellence award by Creative Child Magazine (http://ww.creativechildonline.com/). Each award is voted on from a panel of 50 moms and educators, also giving Press Dough the Preferred Choice Award for its cookie activity kit.

Look for Press Dough to be listed in the October/November issue of the magazine!

Back to School Shopping

2008-07-24T21:22:00.004-04:00

Here we go again…a new wardrobe of clothes for kindergarten.

I am sure I am not alone in the problems I have finding the perfect clothing for my son to wear. His texture sensitivities often lead me to send in unwanted clothing to his occupational therapist for her to try her methods. His sensitivity creates a whirlwind of uncertainty every morning. Though I try to pick out a couple of every item he needs to wear, we still sometimes get more than we bargain for at 7am.

Every tag needs to be cut. Thank goodness for the new tagless versions of clothing! Collars are not a favorite and often unused each season.

From summer to fall, we have struggles going from minimal clothing to layering. Whenever my son gets the opportunity, shoes and socks come off. Every item I buy is a gamble. What is a mother to do?

To find some sort of relief, I've come up with a formula that my son (or me) may find useful to determine likable-ness that may go something like this:

"Color + style (no collar or button downs) + tagless+ softness + character/emblem + fit + familiarity + buttons, zipper, pockets + movement sound (preferably none) + tightness of elastic (in pants)= “might” wear clothing"

Similar to the law of physics, this may be an impossible task. On the upside, at least I won't have to worry about him nagging me for any items of popularity when he gets older.

My question today: We all probably have some formula that we live by. What's yours?

My Preschool Grad

2008-06-14T09:46:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I had the experience of attending my son's preschool graduation. My eyes were welled with emotion as I walked into the gym. I have to admit, my feelings didn't come from the event. It was poorly organized and lacked much thought from the school. Without a microphone, we all couldn't hear any of the names called, associate any school buddy with our child, and they didn't even prepare a little song for the children to sing for us. It was pretty anti-climatic. I venture to guess that no other parent was emotional like I was. Why, then was I? Aside from finding out that our camera's battery was dead, my thoughts were of my little boy and how far he has come. He has worked so hard and strives to do his very best. It is difficult to put into words how very proud I am. As I write, I am tearing with emotion. I am in awe of my son. Together, we are climbing a mountain that once seemed impossible to climb. Today, my emotions take control because I see (maybe for the first time) the mountain top is not only possible to reach, it will be reached with the greatest of skill, each step hand in hand.

As I look past all the other parents, I twist and extend my torso to get a good look at my little graduate. Staring at the most important piece of my life, I have tunnel vision. Walking up the steps of the podium to retrieve his diploma, he is decked out in a shiny teal cap and gown. He gives his teacher a high five, looks out at the audience and retreats back to his seat. At this point, I am clapping like a mad person with tears streaming down my face, making sure my daughter is cheering as well and hoping my husband is capturing the moment with our video camera. It was our moment to acknowledge the struggles we overcame.

My son was first on the roster to receive his graduation status. Next, came his peers. One by one, they walked up the podium for their time in the spotlight. As each child was presented, it stunned me to hear the lack of participation in the audience (parents). There were only faint claps. Probably that of the parents of the child and us. The effort was minimal. Of course, I was clapping, my daughter was clapping, and my husband was clapping for every child. As I looked around the room, the audience was in their own little world chatting with others. Then I veered over to my son. Low and behold, as he saw each of his peers, he clapped without prompting. Sitting with his classmates, he was the cheering section. Emotions again floated through me as I realized he knew to clap because we cheer for each other every day. Cheering is not a learned skill through school. It just is part of a person's character. For me, it was a sign that raising my children with character and integrity is at the core of my work as a mother.
My question for today: Do you cheer for more than just your own people? Cheerleading is a skill that leads with encouragement, trust, and (if nothing else) lots of clapping. I learned my son is a leader today. Are you?

Autistic Child Voted Out of Class??

2008-05-27T10:02:00.003-04:00

Okay, I have to calm myself down because I am so disheartened by this event. This morning, I caught a glimpse of a story indicating that a autistic child in kindergarten was voted out of his class in Florida. What is wrong with society? After reading the entire article, it occurred to me that this child they were referring to "became" my own son. He is going into kindergarten next year and,as I was thinking and reading, I was becoming personally involved. I am horrified that an adult, especially in the educational system, would even remotely think that this was approriate to do to a 5 year old child. As a mother of a special needs child, I now know that I cannot rest until there are changes made, awareness understood, and a greater sense of empathy for the special needs. In breaking my thoughts down, I see 3 areas of concentration:
1. The education system - We have come a long way since 20 years (even 10 years) ago, but we obviously need to do more. I hope you all follow, support, and act with me as I lead by example. I would be a hypocrite to my son if I only expected him to work as hard as he does and not do the same for him.
2. The responsibility of community - Creating community awareness is one thing. Making our communities accountable for eachother is a challenge. Autism, or any special needs individual, is an important part of our daily living. We all need to take responsibility and take action. The special needs community can be helped, and more importantly contribute to society, if given the tools, education, and acceptance that we (the typical person) is allowed.
3. High profile and business Involvement/Investments - Businesses, people, and new ideas need to jump in to make change possible. We all have heard about the best investment we could do is to invest in our children.
Today's question: Ask yourself if you or your business invests in ALL children (not just the easy, typical, uncomplicated children)? Do you invest energy and resources into the special needs children of this world? Does the PTA in your school work with the special ed PTA to create a partnership that contributes to the educational system?

For me, I am saddened by the ignorance and sheer thoughtlessness of even one teacher making such a mockery of a little child. This is one teacher too many. I wonder if there are others.

Favorite Toy

2008-05-02T20:34:00.002-04:00

Do your kids have a favorite toy? Mine do. My daughter will don 10 bracelets on her right arm at any given time. "Zook at me, mommy?" As she comes running into the room. Her kitchen set is another favorite. Most mornings she summons me to the kids table for my very own "birthday party". There are plates, tea cups, "sugar", muffin pans, spoons, "milk", and whatever else she thinks to fit. A birthday tune and kiss is all she needs to feel that she did good. She is like me...a caregiver.
My son has different interests. His favorite "toy" is a fan. It doesn't matter what kind (ceiling, window, or table top). Today, he spotted the window fan in our basement. All of the sudden, he was carting it up the stairs so he could see the blades go fast, go slow, stop, and go around again. Fans are what he loves. If the question was given to other little 4 year old boys, their answers would range from trucks or planes, to buzz lightyear or spiderman. I have to admit that for the sake of acceptance, I would rarely divulge the actual answer. My answer for him will be pinwheels. You see, there is an acceptance level of society. In my mind, the pinwheel meets my sons requirements while still positioning him at the level of acceptance. He won't be looked upon as odd with that answer. I venture to guess that we all do this daily to some degree. It just isn't as obvious because we don't really have anything "wrong" or different with us.
My question: Is there a stretch of truth that is appropriate? When was the last time you stretched the truth? How old are you...really? How much do you weigh...really? How is your marriage...really?

Sandart

2008-04-30T21:28:00.002-04:00

I went to a local carnival this past weekend. The first of the season. We had talked up the event to my son because he just loves ferris wheels...not riding, but watching them go around and around. As we left the car for the long walk to where the lights were shining and the scurry of people, my son gleamed with anticipation and skipped to gate. Upon our arrival, we headed straight for the ferris wheel. There we stood. It was not only our first destination, but it was to be the final one. At least for the parent who teamed up with my son...me. We tried to walk over to the kiddie rides and even engage in a game of fishing for a prize. Whatever we tried, my son kept directing me back over to the ferris wheel. He was stimming (a word used in the autism community to mean self stimmulating behavior). I let him do this because it is something he needs. It isn't about me and my desires to see him jump on a little elephant that floats up and down...like most other children. I don't care because he was lit up with excitment.
Meanwhile, my husband took my daughter to a sandart table. There were many different colors of sand to choose from. She chose her bottle (with the help of daddy) and began to pick the colors she was drawn to. She selected each color carefully and poured the sand through the funnel into the glass bottle. With little success, my husband tried to direct her to some colors he wanted to see. No way! She was in the drivers seat. After she completed her masterpiece, a cork plug held her creation in tact. She was so thrilled when she came over to show me. It was the prettiest bottle I have ever seen. Yes, I was still holding hands with my son at the ferris wheel trying to stay out of the way of the passer bys.
I thought about what kind of sandart I would make and then about the colors my son would create. It would be the most perfect rainbow. Every day we sing about rainbows, we color rainbows, he shines like a rainbow and he is our pot of gold.
The question for today: How would your sandart look if you could make one? Would it have many thin layers of different colors or a few thick layers of similar colors? Would it have very straight, linear lines, a wave, or even a shaken up look? Would your bottle be tall and thin, short and round or pear shaped?
Think about what you actually would choose. Does your life reflect your sandart?

Press Dough Multi-Cookie Cutters

2008-04-27T14:57:00.001-04:00

Are You A Mother Goose?

2008-04-26T12:27:00.005-04:00

This morning I went to a hair appointment. While in the chair, outside the window, there sat a "mother goose" sitting on her eggs, awaiting the arrival of her ducklings. The hair shop has named her Irsula. Guarding her most precious creation, she sat so stoic, grabbing a branch here and a branch there to build her home. The true form of a "nesting" mother, it brought a tear to my eye as I think about my own children. From my observation, I found out that I am a, "full-on", mother goose.
From the time my son was born, I have rarely left his side. Diagnosed with a heart condition, we had him transferred to a hospital in NYC where they performed surgery on him at only 5 days old. The hospital was so frustrated with me because I required round the clock supervision, by either my husband or my mother, in order for me to leave my child and go get the rest I needed. The nursing staff was more than qualified to care for my son, but I needed to have him "feel" that there was someone right by his side that loves him and will protect him. Well, almost 5 years later, the mother goose in me has not changed.
My son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 18 months. He did not speak an intelligible word until almost 4 years old. During that time, we used pictures and my gut, that voice inside of me, to know what he wanted or how to help him. Though he is doing phenomenol, he is entering kindergarten and mother goose (that would be me), is still hovering with passion, concern, and hope to make sure he gets what he needs (therapy wise). Oh the poor souls that have to deal me. When it comes to my kids, I am a passionate person and no one better mess with them.
So for today, the question I ask:
Are you a mother goose or a goose that happened to become a mother?

Cookie cutter that makes multiple cuts?

2008-03-16T14:19:00.005-04:00

Have you heard of such a device? Neither have I until I had the task of cutting out Valentine's Day cookies for my son's class last year. After positioning my, one and only, heart cookie cutter every which way on the dough, I was wondering if there was a better way. I scoured the internet looking, but found nothing. With cheers from family and friends, I embarked on submitting this idea of a multiple cookie cutter to a contest. Though I didn't get the benefits of winning this contest, I pursued this "idea" that everyone thought was so great. Again, I went to the internet and researched to make sure that a product, like the one I pictured in my head, was not already out in the market. I still couldn't find anything.
I took a leap and began my own "product development" on this cookie cutter that could cut multiple shapes at one time. I really was questioning why no one else thought or did this. My answer is...there were others but for some reason their ideas/products didn't work. I am now still forging forward in hopes of just touching a super itty bitty piece of the pie and began another search yesterday only to find that I am in good company. Yes, there are others who either had the same idea as me (at the same time), or possibly saw what I was doing off of my site. I am a little disappointed, but I am choosing to look at the positive. What are they:
1. I know that others thought the multi cutter was good enough to create themselves.
2. I know that my motivation is really to help bring families together and encourage young, ripe, innocent eyes of children.
3. By providing a solution for moms with limited time (which basically means all of us) I want to give these moms an opportunity to spend a moment doing a special activity, they might not otherwise do because of such time constraints.
4. Business wise: I have low overhead and a great technique to manufacture all types of cookie cutter shapes. I am simply cheaper!
5. Competition is good. It keeps us on our toes and will either push us out or get us in the game....bring it on!

Librarians

2008-02-29T13:16:00.004-05:00

CALLING ALL LIBRARIANS! CALLING ALL LIBRARIANS!

Did you ever hear of a storybook sprinkles workshop?
The concept is to hold the workshops at local libraries. In conjuction with a book reading to children ages 4-6, the children decorate cookie cutouts in similar shapes, characters, or themes of the books read. Press Dough hopes to create fun library experiences for young children so they keep coming back. We will supply all the ingredients (cookie mix, icing mix, sprinkles, cookie bags, and twist ties, and multiple cookie cutter, which is a set of 4 cookie cutters bonded together) and try to make the process as easy as possible for the library staff. All you need is a volunteer to bake! Please contact me if you are interested in holding a workshop at your library:
customercare@pressdough.com