Homemade Oreo Cookies

I have seen a few people blog or talk about making homemade oreos lately.  I think this is such a cute idea!  When my son Connor had sign ups for the Harvest Party at school I signed up to bring a surprise dessert and oreos were the surprise!!

I didn't have a recipe so I just kinda made it up as I went and the cookies were soooo good!  I used orange food coloring for the frosting to give a pumpkin look, but these would be so cute in any color!  Red and Green for Christmas, pink or blue for a baby shower, or any color for any occasion!

The cookies were hard the day that I made them, which was perfect for an oreo-like cookie, but the next day they were softer and a little chewy which (to me!) made them even more yummy!!

The recipe:
For the cookie:
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 and 1/4 sticks of butter, room temp
1 large egg

For the filling:
1 stick butter, room temp (could use Crisco, but butter tastes much better :)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
optional: food coloring of your choice! (I like to use the Wilton gels)

To make the cookie add all dry ingredients into your mixer and combine well on low.  Next add in the butter and then finally the egg.  This will make a stiff dough.  Make 1 inch balls from the dough and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Gently smoosh down the balls before baking.  Bake in a 350 degree over for 9 minutes.  They might appear underdone at 9 minutes, but they aren't...I promise :)  Cool cookies completely and pair them according to size!

Next make your filling.  Start by beating butter and then adding powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.  When fully combined add vanilla and mix some more!  Now you can add food coloring if you wish!

Now its time to assemble your cookies!  Put frosting into a piping bag and pipe about a teaspoon of filling on one of the paired cookies.  Then press them together.  Now you have a little cookie-frosting sandwich which resembles an oreo cookie...only it is so much better!!

I can't wait to use peppermint extract instead of vanilla at Christmas time to make peppermint-chocolate cookies!  YUMMY!

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Well, I have been missing for a while.  I didn't mean I stopped cooking, I have just been so crazy busy!   I am about 3 1/2 months pregnant with our 4th baby which means when I am not feeling nauseous I am EXTREMELY tired, so that means no energy to blog :(  The good news is my first blog back is a recipe that is soooo easy even my mom might try to make it! (She thinks my recipes are too hard or involved and doesn't normally try them :(  I promise, everything I put on here anyone can make!!)

Anyway, onto the food!!  This is so easy and so yummy!  I hope you enjoy it as much as my family did!!

Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
3 tablespoons herb de provence (or italian type seasoning)
Salt & Pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 8 oz package of cream cheese, also in cubes
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 tablespoons milk
about 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Cooked long grain rice for serving!

First lay out your cubed raw chicken and toss with salt, pepper and herbs de provence.  In a saute pan melt butter and oil and heat up.  When the oil is hot add your chicken cubes (the hot oil will help the chicken not to stick!)  Stir when necessary to brown each side of chicken, it may still be raw inside.  Next add in your cream cheese, stirring to melt it along with your cream of chicken soup.  Stir until mixed together, it will be thick so add in your milk!  Just before serving stir in your green onions!  This will add a little crunch and fresh taste to your dinner.  Serve creamy chicken over rice and enjoy :)