I have a bit of spectacular news to share today, news that means this holiday season will be the best ever.
I realize I said that last year, but this year really, really, really will be the best.
The Queen Mother and Dad (aka Il Grande Formaggio) are coming to Texas for Christmas. Can y’all believe it?
I know, I know, I’ll stop now…
But I’m so excited, because this is our first Christmas in Austin. And even though we’re not in our permanent home, I’m going to deck these halls and make it super festive. I’ve got my lists started, the decorations pulled, lights untangled, and extension cords everywhere.
Now if I can just keep Dyna from chewing the aforementioned extension cords, everything will come together perfectly.
Of course, if she bites down hard enough while they’re connected, maybe that will teach her not to do it.
This could be interesting to watch…
Double Chocolate Cookie Cake – adapted from Cookie Madness
The original recipe was written so that the dough was divided between two 9″ pans, and frosted with buttercream frosting. I made it in one pan, and left off the icing. I imagine (and I will test this theory) that this dough will make really good drop cookies, as well as the original cookie cake it was designed for.
- 8 tbs. unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup extra dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside
In a mixing bowl, using low speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cocoa powder until well mixed. Gradually add both sugars, increasing speed to medium and scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg. When well mixed, add the baking powder and flour, and mix on low speed until incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan, and bake cookies on center rack at 350 degrees for 20 -30 minutes or until set.
Let cool completely in pan. Cut into wedges and serve.