Monday, March 11, 2013

I just HAD too

Ok, I promise I have been trying to bake less but last night I had such a good dinner planned and it was just begging for something sweet to complete it. I guess I can share the dinner too, since mom is the one who told me how to do it....

You need a Pork Loin- plain- un flavored (although the flavored ones a good too) and some Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. 

Throw the pork loin in a crock pot 4-ish hours before you want to eat. Give a bottle of liquid smoke a few shakes on top and then grind some salt and pepper over that. Flip the pork over and flavor the other side the same way. Cover and let cook on low for 3-4 hours. Once it has reached 165 degrees its finished. 5 minutes before eating pull it out and let rest. Then cut at serve. I also had roasted Asparagus and a salad. I rolled the asparagus in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Then roasted at 400 for 8 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded parmesean and return to oven for another 2 minutes. DELISH!

So you see, not having a dessert after a nice Sunday dinner would have been irresponsible. AND the kids deserved it because they ate better than they have their whole lives- Olivia did not even complain or ask how much gross stuff she had to eat. She actually tried it willingly and had MORE! So this is a dessert I had pinned but never tried. And it's a little unfortunate that it turned out because it's mostly what I have eaten today. Sugar cookies only soooo much easier! Its from whatever website is on the picture, what is it... high heels and grills? Anyway, here you go. Oh and she talks about greasing your hands to help with the stickiness when pressing it into the pan. Yeah- mine wasn't sticky at all but it turned out great. 


Ingredients:

Cookies: 
  • 2-1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour is fine)
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1-1/2 Tbsp. sour cream (I used plain greek yogurt)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting:
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup half and half (I used milk)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Pinch of salt
  • Several drops of food coloring (optional)

Directions:
  1. COOKIES: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. (The longer you beat it, the fluffier your cookies will be.)
  4. Add egg and combine well.
  5. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely blended.
  6. Slowly add the flour mixture and stir until well combined.
  7. Gently press the batter into the greased baking dish and spread out with hands. (If you butter your hands, this will help with the stickiness.)
  8. Bake 17-20 minutes, or until edges become lightly golden.
  9. Set aside to cool completely.
  10. FROSTING: In a medium bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and half and half until light and fluffy.
  11. Stir in vanilla and salt, combine well.
  12. Add food coloring until desired color.
  13. Frost your cooled cookie bars evenly.
  14. Cut into squares and serve.