Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hershey Bar Cookies {herein lies the highly coveted recipe}

Almost a decade ago {I can't believe I'm old enough to refer to ANYTHING as being a decade ago *sigh*} I came up with this recipe for  a sweet friend's birthday.  Her favorite candy is Hershey bars and I wanted to make something special & unique to her....thus, the Hershey Bar Cookies were born. {I acknowledge that there are probably H.B. Cookie recipes aplenty floating around cyberspace.......but I bet mine's the best  :D}

Twillypop's Hershey Bar Cookies**
P.s. This is a double batch, as I always make my cookie dough in double batches so I can save some dough in the fridge for those cookie "emergencies" we so often find ourselves in the middle of....... :)

Ingredients:

 

     5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

     2 teaspoon baking soda

     2 teaspoon salt

     1 cup (2 sticks) butter AND 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened

     1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

     1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar {I often use turbinado which makes 'em Xtra yum}

     2 teaspoons vanilla extract

     4 large eggs

     3 Tablespoons strong coffee, cooled {can substitute milk}

     4 cups chopped milk chocolate Hershey Bars {about 4 of the 7oz. giant bars}

     **Hershey bar segments {from the mini bars}, or Hershey kisses for decoration

     **optional


the beauty of chopping the chocolate is that you not only get big chunks, but also chocolate shavings which blend into the dough and give it amazing flavor and moistness



it helps to have a real live keebler elf to peel the kisses...... :D


the kisses will completely liquefy, but if left to cool will solidify and keep their shape

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter,margarine, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chopped chocolate. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. *Or, for extra fun, scoop into mini muffin pans, may increase baking time by a few minutes*

BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. {Or 15 mins. for mini-muffin pan.} Immediately upon removing from the oven, top each cookie or "muffin" with chocolate segment or Hershey kiss.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; carefully {so as not to disturb the liquefied chocolate} remove to wire racks to cool completely & until the chocolate cools and sets again .
    You seriously need to taste them to believe them.......

    Monday, June 27, 2011

    Beach Bag {extraordinaire}

    I've been in search of the quintessential beach bag for summer.

    You know, the kind that will hold everything but the kitchen sink.

    Or is it everything AND the kitchen sink?

    Or is it all that and a bag of chips?


    Last week my search ended!!
    
    ...when I received this beauty in the mail.....from MaidenJane on etsy
    If you have kids and need a summer bag into which you can toss EVERYTHING, look no further.  This will fit all you could possibly need.........even a kid or two if need be :-D



    The bag is impeccably made and the custom service was excellent.  So, if you need a summer beach bag,
    look no further than MaidenJane





    Friday, June 24, 2011

    Friday Fan {&Follower} Appreciation Special

    Happy Friday!!

    I appreciate all of my Facebook fans, blog & twitter followers!! And so.......

    A special just for you!





    This weekend only, if you purchase any of my Genevieve ribbon necklaces, I'll make you a matching bracelet for FREE!! 


    Because....who couldn't use a little ribbon and pearls in their life :)

    When you checkout, let me know in the message to seller box that you're an AVID *grins at her own silliness* Twillypop Fan or Follower!

    P.S. FYI, the 3 necklace package IS included!! You buy the package for 3 necklaces and you get 3 matching bracelets!



    Wednesday, June 22, 2011

    Inspiration in Unlikely Places

    Have you ever found inspiration where you LEAST expected it?!

    I have these stacking mugs and bowls on my kitchen counter and....

     I ADORE the colors....every single one of them....

    .......AND I ADORE the combinations of the colors as they are stacked next to each other...

    .......and every time I restack them in a different order there are new combinations that  I LOVE......


    {So I got Inspired}

    The mugs and bowls stared me in the face and tempted me day after day until I gave in.........
    And indulged in a line of necklaces more colorful, and in more unusual color combinations, than ever before.
    Coming soon to your local neighborhood Twillypop Etsy shop :)

    Where is the most unexpected place that you have ever found inspiration? I'd LOVE to hear.........


    {P.s. Scroll down for info on the Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway still going on!}

    Friday, June 17, 2011

    Shabby Apple {dress} Giveaway

    Enter to win THIS dress!!
    AHOY!


    I'm having a Shabby Apple {Dress} Giveaway!!!

    You MUST hop on over to my other blog and enter!

    Click the pic to enter!

    Thursday, June 16, 2011

    {random things} thursday

    {random things}

                                                                         {loving} this song
                             Don't you just want to {live} inside it?

    One Tree {ara133photography}

    Wednesday, June 15, 2011

    Wishing For wednesday


    {wishing for}
    
    Foxglove Enameled Bangle Set {bullfinchbarbury}
    
    
    High Ebony Wedge {mohop}
    
    
     
    
    

    Monday, June 13, 2011

    Twillypop's First Video Blog & Giveaway Winner Announcement


    My 1st video blog!! This video has it ALL :  the giveaway winner, advertising news, ringing phones, and me...Twillypop.

    Do you hate videos of yourself as much as I do?  How do I get over this?!

    Monday, June 6, 2011

    A Mini Giveaway!!

    In celebration of the new line of Twillypop earrings coming soon to my shop.......



    I'm giving a pair away! 

    You choose, hip & trendy hot pink faceted glass or ever classic 10mm white glass pearl...

    All sterling silver findings....

    Follow my blog (it's painless, I promise :-D) and just leave me a comment below to let me know which pair you're hoping for. You're entered!

    For extra entries: 'like' Twillypop on Facebook , follow me on twitter , or tweet/blog about the giveaway.  Please leave a comment for each :)

    Thanks for entering!

    P.S. ends Friday!
    THE GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!