Lenox Almond Biscotti

  

If you've never made your own biscotti before, you're missing out on something wonderful. If you've only had them from a box, or one that was massed produced and handed to you with your morning coffee, there's a whole new world of deliciousness awaiting you. I'm a big fan of crazy flavors in my biscotti, but for this, my first biscotti post, I had to share my favorite: straight-up almond.

French Fridays with Dorie: Salted Butter Break-Ups

 

Have you ever wondered what shortbread would be like if it was soft, instead of crispy? Well, this is it, in all of it's buttery, flaky glory. The middle is tender and melting, like a cookie and the edges are crisp and shattery like the best shortbread you've ever had. Because it came out of your oven and it's remarkably simple to put together.

Baked Sunday Mornings:Salt 'n Pepper Sandwich Cookies

 

Oreos for the adventurous. That's what these are. Re-imagined, re-made, remarkable. I'm so impressed by these cookies because they changed my mind. You see, at first, I didn't like them. The combination of heat and sweet didn't do much for me. Sweet and salty? You bet. On board. Sign me up. Sugar and pepper? Mmmm... I don't know....

Baked Sunday Mornings: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

 

About this time last year, I made Red Velvet cupcakes and was hoping to fall in love. They were o.k. I meant to try that recipe again, hoping that it was me, not the cake. But now I probably never will. Look no further for the perfect way to say "I love you." These are easy and delicious and stunning. What more could you ask for in a cookie? I've always wanted to make the classic layer cake, but I've fallen hard for this twist on the Southern classic.

FFWD: Speculoos

 

Spices are for the holidays. It's the time of year when we crave bold flavors and anything warm. These speculoos fit the bill perfectly. They're crunchy and have a blend of spices that will make you want just one more. I'm usually a soft, chewy cookie kind of girl, but I wouldn't want these little gems any other way than what they are: crisp and crunchy,while still having a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is seriously addictive.

Cowboy Cookies

These beauties are from my latest cookbook obsession, Baked Explorations. I love the concept of sweet and salty in a cookie, I love the name and I love anything that comes out of this bakery. Pretzels and chocolate in an oatmeal-espresso cookie? I'm sold.... and now addicted. So I wanted to pass these along to you, because everybody needs an obsession.

Peanut Butter S'more Cookie Sandwiches

  

Southern cooking. It's something I am not familiar with as a Mid-western-raised girl. It's been around for a while and I'll confess I wasn't head-over-heels about it at first. Features were popping up in my favorite magazines about biscuits and greens.....and I shrugged my shoulders and moved on. But something about the home-style, comforting, made by hand aspect about it drew me in. Because everything about that says "love" to me. And now I'm smitten.