Almond German Chocolate Cupcakes With Pistachio Whipped Frosting

Fancy up a boxed cake mix with some almond extract.
Since I live in Colorado I like using boxed baking mixes, they just need a small adjustment for the altitude.


Cupcakes

• Boxed German chocolate cake mix
• Water
• Veg oil
• Eggs
• 2 1/2-3 tsp almond extract

Frosting

• Instant pistachio pudding
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz Cool Whip

Use any brand of German chocolate cake mix and follow directions on box, adding 2 1/2-3 tsp. of almond extract to cake mix. Bake as directed

For frosting...with a blender, mix the milk and pudding mix until combined. Fold in the container of Cool Whip. Allow mixture to set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Using a piping bag or ziplock bag with corner cut, top the cupcakes with whipped frosting. Store in refrigerator.

Since I just made these for my family and not a party where we would eat them all at once, I stored the cupcakes in an airtight container and frosted the cupcakes as we ate them, leaving the remaining frosting in the ziplock bag in the fridge.

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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies - Better Homes and Gardens Recipes

Who doesn't love chocolate chip cookies? I've tried a bunch of different recipes and I always go back to this one.

Prep: 25 minutes        Bake: 8 minutes per batch

1/2 c shortening(I use butter flavor)
1/2 c butter or margarine
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 c packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1-12 oz package (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c chopped nuts(optional)

1. In large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with electric mixer on medium for 30 seconds. Add sugars and baking soda. Beat till combined, scraping sides of bowl. Beat in the eggs and vanilla till combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with mixer, stir in remaining flour and chocolate chips with large spoon.
2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven 8-10 minutes or till lightly browned. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Makes about 60 cookies.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

The  first Better Homes and Gardens cookbook was introduced in 1930 and has been found in America's kitchens ever since. It was in my kitchen growing up and is still the place I go to look for classic recipes as well as new ideas on those days where I just don't know what to make. I thought it would be fun to share my favorite recipes that I cook for my family and maybe try some new ones. Some of the recipes I follow may be different that those you find on the BHG website just because the BHG test kitchens are always updating their recipes to reflect changes in America's tastes, techniques, and lifestyles. Any recipes I make will be coming from Better Homes and Gardens, New Cook Book(11th and 14th Edition) and Better Homes and Gardens, Our Best Recipes. 

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

The Classic Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

These are so good and for some reason, I haven't made them in years. This recipes is not new, but why mess with perfection?

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. milk
2 c. sugar
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 pinch of salt
3-3 1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1/2-1 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

In  large pot, bring first five ingredients to a boil, then continue to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add remaining three ingredients. Mix well. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to cool.