Barbie Step Out

Barbie has been having some sleepless nights trying to decided what outfit to wear for the blog launch.  I think her selection of this lovely textured evening gown with satin sash is a perfect choice, as we love chocolate at Fashion Plate.

I thought to dazzle you with an elegant dessert, but I decided that easy and delicious would set a nice precedent for recipes to follow.  The recipes will be from Chocolate Crimes, Five Steps to Chocolate Rehab or a sneak peek from my third cookbook, Is There Life After Chocolate?. You can leave a comment  if you have any recipe or baking questions.

Every entry will feature a new outfit for Babs (there are actually multiple "Barbies" from blondes to brunettes) and at least one scrumptious recipe. Whether you love Barbie, chocolate, baking, sixties fashion or a combination, be sure bookmark Fashion Plate or sign up for "follow by e-mail" at the bottom of the page. Be on the lookout for the upcoming contest and  a chance to win an apron. Also, look for my ad in Taste of the South Magazine, beginning  in October.

You may purchase cookbooks by using the Paypal button on the right.  A portion of the cookbook proceeds goes to The Aphasia Center of West Texas. ( Aphasia is a loss of speech and communication skills often caused by stroke.) So, do your self a favor and help a worthy organization, too.

fudge toffee cookies

This won the family Christmas cookie bake-off in 2006. (page 52 in Chocolate Crimes)

filling

Combine:

1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted

¾ cup sweetened condensed milk

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and set aside.

cookie

Cream:

½ cup (one stick) butter

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup confectioners’ sugar

Add:

½ cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Set aside. In another bowl, combine:

2¼ cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Add to creamed mixture. Stir in:

1½ cups toffee bits

⅔ cup chopped pecans

Shape into 1” balls and place on cookie sheet.  Make an indention in the center of each.  Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Top each cookie with one of: 

1¼ cups pecan halves

Bake at 350˚ for 12-14 minutes.  Makes 5½ dozen.

Everyone loves this cookie!  You will be glad you have almost 70 cookies.  It makes sharing a little easier.  I often take these to book signings...it is a very effective sales tool.