After several unique dessert challenges, we decided to come back to an American classic-- cookies. With this in mind, we wanted to branch out from the typical chocolate chip cookie and try a couple new recipes. So, we decided on Ginger Cookies and Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies.
Ellie was assigned the task of separating the egg whites from the egg yokes. Once the eggs were added, the batter got a little liquidy, so Ellie got the brilliant idea of using the recipe as a shield!
Rachel measuring out the cocoa and flour.
The Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies called for the dough to be rolled in chopped walnuts, which we were both a little apprehensive about, because neither of us are particularly fond of walnuts. Anyways, the chopper deal thingy majig started falling apart as Ellie was chopping the walnuts; we soon found that it was broken all along!
The recipe called for Shortening instead of butter, so we decided to switch from our status quo of butter to CRISCO (thanks to Rachel's grandma for lending us the Crisco)!
The caramel bubbled out of the thumbprint in the cookies...
Because we decdided to take on two cookie recipes in one evening, we had to do lots of dishes in order to reuse our measuring spoons, pans, etc.
Mmmmm.
The Ginger Cookies before being flattened and baked.
YUMMMMMM. The delicious Ginger Cookies ready to be eaten!
The Reviews:
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
"Tastes healthy." -Gabe
"Missing something to sweeten it up a bit." -Ellie's Dad
"It's kinda nice not to have it soooo sweet." -Ellie's Mom
"These were the best cookies I've had in a long time! They're a good, hearty cookie." -Rachel's Mom
Ginger Cookies
"Good flavor; chew consistency in the middle." -Davis
"Nice texture in both cookies. -Ellie's Mom
"Not overpowering- just right. Refreshing!" -Ellie's Dad
Rachel's Recipe Review: I was excited to take on our cookie challenge. Ellie and I searched and searched for the right cookie recipes and these two really stuck out as being a little "different". I picked the Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint Cookie, which looked like something you'd see in Better Homes and Gardens.......but it ended up taking second place in a two cookie race. :( They tasted very healthy, which my family is used to (obviously....my mom's review tells it all), but after regaining my sweet tooth during Ellie and my's dessert challenge this summer...they tasted a little bland. Though I will say....they taste better on the second, third and fourth days. :) The Ginger cookie recipe Ellie picked was sooo yummy. They were flavorful, but not overpowering, chewy, sugary, and just....DELICIOUS. I do believe my initial comment after taking my first bite was "I could eat all of these"....haha, which basically explains it all!
Ellie's Recipe Ramblings: Yumm! I am definitely a cookie-lover! There is nothing better than warm cookies, fresh from the oven! :) I was excited to try some brand new recipes with this challenge too! The thumbprint cookies looked so delicious in the recipe picture....however, they turned out to be...interesting. I thought they tasted "healthy" and needed some more sugar--they were not sweet! And if you're going to have a "healthy" taste, you want them to at least be good for you--which these definitely were not! Ha! The ginger cookies, on the other hand, were DELICIOUS! They were chewy, and sweet with a little spice from the ginger--all around YUMMY! Those I will definitely make again!
"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand." ~Author Unknown