The Relevant Blogging Conference

I just registered for my first blogging conference! I am so excited. Since blogging is rather new to me, I felt I could benefit greatly from this gathering of great minds and hearts. When I read what Relevant was all about, I knew I needed to be there.

This isn't just any conference. But it is for moms that blog AND... are Christians. the purpose of this conference is to blog with a purpose. It should be a great time! Just can't wait! Maybe you would like to go?

German Chocolate Cookies

I have a wonderful friend Susan who is just starting a brand new site called Chocolate and Coffee Recipes. Yeah sounds yummy huh? I am sure her site is going to be a great success. Here is one of her best recipes she was kind enough to share with me!

Here is what Susan had to say about this recipe...

"You'll love these German chocolate cookies if you love German chocolate cake. Try this simple German chocolate cookie recipe we found in a thrift store cookbook. We love cookies and German chocolate cake, so we gave this one a try."

Ingredients for German Chocolate Cookies

•1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons sifted flour
•1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/2 cup sugar
•1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
•1 egg
•1/2 cup butter, softened
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
•1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Put 1/3 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler to melt while you're preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Next, add both sugars, egg, butter, and vanilla. Mix until it is well blended.

When the chocolate chips have melted, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool. (This only took a few minutes.)

Add the cooled melted chocolate to the batter and mix until it's well blended.

Stir in the nuts (if adding) and the remaining chocolate chips.

Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Teaspoon "drops" will yield roughly 4 dozen cookies. If you make the "drops" the size of a Tablespoon, you'll get about 2 dozen cookies that are 2 1/2 inches across. The size of the cookies is really a personal preference. Baking time is not much different.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.


Was the recipe any good?
The cookies turned out moist, chocolatey and delicious! We opted not to add the nuts, but I'm sure the nuts would have added additional flavor and texture to the cookies. They were a hit with our mailman and the entire family! We hope you enjoy them too.

Thanks again Susan!

Baked Potato Soup

A few months ago I was down with a broken ankle and a sweet friend brought me this soup. Our family loved it!. I just cooked it for the first time myself the other night, and it was a big hit once again.

Here are my tips for making this, which my friend passed on to me. Double the recipe and use a whole package of bacon. (It just wouldn't be as good without that whole bunch o'bacon in there!)

Quick Tip...from someone with burned fingertips). Cook the potatoes far enough ahead so they are cool when you need to peel them!

Enjoy!-

Baked Potato Soup

4 medium baked potatoes
2 slices of bacon
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/2 c. green onions with tops, thinly sliced
1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth
1 1/2 c. milk
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 c. light sour cream
2 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup)

Directions:
Remove skins from baked potatoes. Coarsely mash potatoes.

In 4 qt. casserole, cook bacon over medium heat untl crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel to drain; crumble and set aside. Discard all but 1/2 teaspoon drippings in pan.

Meanwhile, chop celery. Thinly slice green onions. Add chicken broth, milk, mashed potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, salt and black pepper to drippings in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.

Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon. Ladle soup into 4 bowls. Shred 2 tablespoons cheese over each serving.


Thanks Jenny On The Spot!