My fireside tea is being hosted by another of my baking Santa's. I'm using some of the gifts that I won from Gina's most generous giveaway. Gina blogs at With Twigs and Branches. Please stop by and tell Gina "hi".
The bouquet of roses that I'm using as my centerpiece is from my sweet friend Stephanie, from The Enchanting Rose. The bouquet was delivered from The Bouqs Company and I must say that they are extraordinary! What a lovely surprise they were! Thank you so much, Stephanie!
I'm using my Merry Christmas teacup from Johnson Brothers.
Isn't this the sweetest, most old-fashioned pattern? Perfect for a girl like me!
This little Santa was given to me from my late beloved hubby, and has a special place in my heart. Santa is checking over the cookies that are oh so tasty. Please help yourself, as I think you'll love them! If you already have a favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe, just use half milk chocolate chips and half of the Andes Peppermint Crunch chips, in place of the two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Peppermint Crunch-Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies (from culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com, found on tastebook.com)
After researching, I found that the recipe is actually adapted from Ready for Dessert by David Lebovitz. Here's the recipe:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
7 ounces milk chocolate chips
7 ounces Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a bowl by
hand), beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and
vanilla on medium speed just until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until thoroughly incorporated, then stir
in the flour mixture followed by the chocolate and peppermint crunch chips.
On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into quarters. Shape
each quarter into a log about 9 inches long. Wrap the logs in plastic
wrap and refrigerate until firm, preferably for 24 hours . I froze my logs).
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the
oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone
baking mats.
Slice the logs into disks ¾ inch thick and place the disks 3 inches
apart on the prepared baking sheets. If the chips crumble out, simply push them back in.
Bake, rotating the baking sheets midway through baking, until the
cookies are very lightly browned in the centers, about 10 minutes. If
you like soft chocolate chip cookies, err on the side of
underbaking.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets until firm enough to handle, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack.
Look at all these wonderful gifts that I received from Gina! Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, Gina! I was overwhelmed by your generosity, and have enjoyed the Christmas CD's, the beautiful dishes, the darling towel, the three Yankee holiday scented candles, the notepads and the books. The handmade card was soooo beautiful! What creativity and love was put into that. I so appreciate everything.
I am sharing this with these lovely parties:
It's so nice to have some new things for holiday decorating and old things that have wonderful meaning. Have a festive week! Merry Christmas sweet friend. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteRoses, sweet gifts, cookies, and a bouquet of grands! Sweetness abounds... Merry Christmas, Kitty!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on winning Gina's generous giveaway, Kitty! It was also very sweet of Stephanie to send you a gorgeous bouquet of roses. I love your Merry Christmas teacup and have mentally added it to my bucket list of china patterns. Hee! I'll all about the peppermint these days so I would definitely help myself to a cookie (or two!). Yummy! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh what a sweet giveaway! Your recipe is just in time to finish my Christmas baking! I love peppermint! Merry Christmas to you Kitty and thanks for being so kind!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, my friend! Mmmm... I would love a cookie right now with my cup of coffee. Last week I made some butter cookies with a sweet frosting and some fudge and I must confess that I have already eaten too many {{smiles}}
ReplyDeleteI need to make some more cookies for the piano concert this coming Wednesday since we are going to serve refreshments during the show and I'm thinking these would be perfect. Thanks for the recipe.
The gifts you won from Gina are darling and they look perfect with your cookies. And I am thrilled to hear the flowers are still doing well. Much love to you, sweet Kitty!
Oh my gosh! These sound so delicious! YUM!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J! Merry Christmas!
Lovely sweet cookies with some of my favorites, peppermint and chocolate. Such a pretty vignette. The roses from Stephanie are gorgeous! Congrats on your win. Merry Christmas dear Kitty.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kitty, what a delight to have tea with you by the fireside. I love your sweet baking santa and especially the one from your dear hubby. Your cookies look so good and I will certainly have to try this one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your wonderful win from Gina. What a delight she is. The gifts she sent are beautiful. Stephanie blessed you with gorgeous roses and what a pretty bouquet they are. She is the best and such a blessing.
Love the card with your grands. The smiles say it all~~
Wishing you and your dear family a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!!
Sending love and hugs your way! xo
Kitty, your darling Santa bear makes me smile. How special that it was a gift from your husband. Beautiful gifts from Gina.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
Dear Kitty:
ReplyDeleteLots like a wonderful selection of items you received and those roses - amazing! I love your cookie recipe, Santa and sweet table. I am so glad you shared your friendship with these blogging friends!
Kitty:
ReplyDeleteI couldn't arrive at the link - check it for Gina!
Beautiful family, Kitty. Mr. Dragon used to give me a bear every Christmas. I think our hubby's are hanging out together. <3 You hit the jackpot with Gina's give-a-way. Fun! I like Johnson Bros anything! You always share the most tempting recipes! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh, Kitty, what a lovely bouquet of roses from Stephanie and the giveaway is very generous! You are very much loved here in Blogland! Your JB Merry Christmas teacup is so pretty and the little bear is adorable. Those cookies look amazing too. Thank you for sharing with us and have a Beautiful and Blessed Christmas with your family!
ReplyDeleteChristmas blessings,
Sandi
Oh, I forgot to mention the collage of your grandchildren; how darling! Thanks for sharing their sweet faces with us. Merry Christmas to you all! xo
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty - I love you chef Santa. Isn't he the cutest. Thank you for a great recipe to add to my book. I will certainly try them sometime. Enjoy all your sweet gifts from your friend. I will pop over for a visit. "Merry Christmas". Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeleteI love how you win such lovely things. I think everyone loves you! That set is adorable. Those chocolate chip cookies look very festive. I wll begin baking tonight. Merry Christmas to yiu and yours. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty - I love you chef Santa. Isn't he the cutest. Thank you for a great recipe to add to my book. I will certainly try them sometime. Enjoy all your sweet gifts from your friend. I will pop over for a visit. "Merry Christmas". Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely gifts...the flowers are gorgeous and lovely Christmas treasures from Gina's giveaway. Your Johnson Bros. teacup has an amazing pattern. I also love traditional Christmas teaware and decor.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos of your beautiful grandchildren!
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Nora
I love your Santas! I don't think anyone can have too many. :) The cookies are delish I know ~ you're a wonderful cook. The gifts from Gina are so wonderful! I know you're enjoying them. The flowers are gorgeous too! I just love to have fresh flowers in the house.
ReplyDeleteThe grands are so adorable! I can only imagine how much fun you have with them. I really miss those days.
I hope you're having a good week and that you have a Merry Christmas! Holidays are so difficult for our family now...I hope yours are better.
xoxo
Pat
Kitty, oh my those cookies are tempting! That tea cup is gorgeous! The grandchildren look so happy! Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. PS I'm glad that you are enjoying the dishes etc :-)
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about it Kitty dear - You are loved MUCH! What lovely lovely gifts to warm your heart. I could probably eat 6 of these luscious cookies with a cup of tea and be perfectly satisfied. Sure enjoyed seeing all the 'pretties' in this post. Sending big hugs to you Sweet Friend. I know why you are so loved...how wonderful that others know as well. XO
ReplyDeleteGood Evening Kitty~~ Such a lovely tea by your fireside, and those cookies sound perfectly delicious for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with your old fashioned holiday tea cup, my that is gorgeous!
Wouldn't a whole set of dishes with that pattern be just lovely gracing ones dining room table on Christmas day?
Your roses that dear Stephanie blessed you with are quite pretty, and what a delightful giveaway from Gina.
Your grandchildren are precious sharing their Christmas joy with us.
Merry Christmas, sweet friend.
Debbie
Kitty, I've never met a Johnson Brothers pattern I didn't love and your sweet Merry Christmas pattern is no exception! I love the idea of swapping out some chocolate chips for peppermint in your cookies! Wishing you and your cute grandkids a very Merry Christmas.♥
ReplyDeleteKitty, Those cookies look yummy! Love all your decorations. Have a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteThose cookies look so good. I just copied the recipe for possible future use. And Johnson Brothers patterns are ALWAYS special!!
ReplyDeleteHello, Kitty....
ReplyDeleteThe Johnson Bros. pattern is perfection! So pretty. Like the tree inside the cup. The sweet Santa bear must hold so much meaning. Very sweet pics of your grandkiddos. I hope you have a blessed holiday!
Hello Kitty, those cookies look so yummy! Thanks for sharing them with us at Cooking and Crafting with J & J. Wishing you a wonderful week and a Merry Christmas. Julie xo
ReplyDeleteKitty, those cookies look so yummy! I'll have to save the recipe for next year ;o) Merry Christmas to you and your family. xxoo
ReplyDeleteThese sound even sound good for breakfast! Merry Merry Christmas Kitty!
ReplyDeleteJenna
I just love your Johnson Brothers teacup Kitty! So festive. And the cookies look delicious...but I'd do dark chocolate...I don't like milk. What a lovely family! I know you will have a blessed Christmas. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Ruth
Hi Kitty,
ReplyDeleteWe both made peppermint treats this week and your cookies look delish. Do you like peppermint ice cream? I love it and they only have it in the stores at Christmas. Your Johnson Brother's Teacup is absolutely gorgeous! I love that pattern and would love to come across it. Oh my ~ What darling grandchildren! It's so wonderful to be with children at Christmas Time. Have a Wonderful Christmas Dear Kitty! Blessings! Karen
I love peppermint...your cookies look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMany Christmas blessings to you and those you love.
xoxoxoxo
The cookies look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe...Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteDearest Kitty, when I think upon my Christmas gifts this year, I will count you among my blessings. It was such a joy for Larry and I to meet you. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year for you and your loved ones. Love and Blessings xo
ReplyDeleteDearest Kitty, when I think upon my Christmas gifts this year, I will count you among my blessings. It was such a joy for Larry and I to meet you. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year for you and your loved ones. Love and Blessings xo
ReplyDeleteIt must be a great help at this busy time of year to have a baking Santa.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
What a darling helper! Sounds so yummy!
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty,
ReplyDeleteWhat a festive setting for your awesome Peppermint Crunch Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great holiday season!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Oh, Kitty- you are always so chipper and festive and sweet.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you won those awesome gifties from Gina - how wonderful!
As for Stephanie, she's about as sweet as they come, for SURE.
I wish you the new year's absolute best, dear friend: Health, Joy, Love and Peace to you and yours. Hugs and love. ♥♥♥
Oh, Kitty- you are always so chipper and festive and sweet.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you won those awesome gifties from Gina - how wonderful!
As for Stephanie, she's about as sweet as they come, for SURE.
I wish you the new year's absolute best, dear friend: Health, Joy, Love and Peace to you and yours. Hugs and love. ♥♥♥
Kitty, I just wanted to stop by your kitchen today to wish you a Happy New Year. I love the pattern on your Johnson's Brothers china. When I see one like that, I am always overcome with a child-like wish to step inside. Your cookies look delicious!
ReplyDeleteKitty, I just wanted to stop by your kitchen today to wish you a Happy New Year. I love the pattern on your Johnson's Brothers china. When I see one like that, I am always overcome with a child-like wish to step inside. Your cookies look delicious!
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Belated Merry Christmas, my friend! I hope you had a wonderful day with your family. I LOVE the Johnson Brothers "Merry Christmas" teacup and saucer -- so pretty! The baking Santa is really cute; do you have a collection of those? I'm sure the one that Rich gave you is extra special for sure.
Your cookie recipe looks delicious, and I'll be pinning it. We actually have a chocolate chip cookie recipe that we love, but I think substituting the peppermint crunch chips would be good for Christmas. You certainly hit the jackpot with Gina's giveaway. What great gifts!!
I hope the rest of your Christmas holiday is good, Kitty, and wishing you Blessings in the coming New Year.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
It looks like I missed this post but must say how much I like the JB teacup and all the goodies you received from Gina's giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet of Stephanie to send you a bouquet, she's a thoughtful blogging sister and I received a handmade teacup coaster from her in a card.
Thinking of you and praying for family peace in 2016 Kitty.
Hi Kitty, Hope you enjoyed a special Christmas. We got back from our trip and had a nice relaxing time. It is amazing how being away from the computer can do so much good! Wishing you a beautiful new year. Prayers for you and your family to be blessed with health, happiness and much love in 2016.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way!! xo
Hi Kitty, Hope you enjoyed a special Christmas. We got back from our trip and had a nice relaxing time. It is amazing how being away from the computer can do so much good! Wishing you a beautiful new year. Prayers for you and your family to be blessed with health, happiness and much love in 2016.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs your way!! xo
Yum!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year dear Kitty. May the new year bring you joy and happiness.
ReplyDeleteI love this post my friend. Thanks for the cookie récipe, you know how I love cookies and can't get enough recipies, lol!
ReplyDeleteHere to wish you a very happy and blessed new year to you and yours.
FABBY
I so need to try these! The pictures made my mouth water.
ReplyDelete