Chocolate!

As usual, I haven't been baking too much this summer. July was so hot and besides cookies for Adam's lunches, we just haven't been craving baked treats. I've consumed more popsicles, iced coffees and McDonald's frappes this summer.

As I've stated before, we tend not to buy cookies. I usually make a batch every other week and I substitute part of the butter or oil for applesauce. Homemade cookies are so much chewier than store bought cookies too! One of my favourite batches of cookies I made this summer was Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Cookies. They were so delicious and soft!

Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Cookies

1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
(You can omit applesauce and add in another 1/2 cup of butter or margarine)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups butterscotch chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat butter, applesauce, and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. 

Stir together flour, cocoa, and baking soda in separate bowl and gradually add it to butter mixture.


Stir in butterscotch chips and drop by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8-9 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.  
 
Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Cookies

I also whipped up a batch of brownies when my Mom came up to visit in July. I then decided to add some toppings to it... When the pan came out of the oven I stabbed the brownies randomly with a butter knife. I then poured a can of sweetened condensed milk over the brownies. Then I spread out mini marshmallows over it. After that I drizzled caramel sauce all over. Have a tooth ache yet?!? As you can imagine, it was delicious! Like my Mom said after eating her first piece though, it's not as sweet as you expect. I think it's because the brownies were from scratch and I just don't find them as sweet as boxed brownies.

Brownies

Mmmmm.... Caramel....
Brownies

I did make up a pie and a delicious dump cake recently for some guests. I'll share those recipes soon!

Have you made anything really yummy and sweet this summer?

xo Jen

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