Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Black & White and Red Cookies

One of my fondest memories of growing up, was stopping in at my grandparent's house after school before walking up the 100 yard path to our house.  I'd get to catch up on what both of them had been up to and my grandfather always had a riddle, joke or puzzle to share with us.  The joke, "What's black & white and read (red) all over" was one of his best and I have to say, it gave me a chuckle...even today.  So, this recipe is an ode to my grandfather and his incomparable sense of humor.

Black & White and Red Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 Vanilla beans (split and scraped) 
1 tsp. Vanilla extract (or 2 tsp. if you don't use the beans)
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line cookie sheets with parchment and set aside.
In a stand mixer, using a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.  Scrape the sides as needed with a spatula.  Add the egg, vanilla(s) and unsweetened chocolate and mix to combine.
Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until fully incorporated.  Scrape the sides again and add the white chocolate and cranberries; mix again to combine.
Scoop up the dough and place on the lined baking sheet.  Press down the tops slightly with your hand.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes; tops should be cracked and look "dry."
These would be just perfect with a cold glass of milk for Santa...which by the way, I thought I'd show you my collection of Santa's and Father Christmases that I've been collecting for 30 years.  They have their own cupboard because I believe...
"and it was always said of Ebenezer Scrooge, that he knew
how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the
knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so,
as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!" 
I made this one in the early 90s

I bought this handmade Father Christmas in 1995 after my father passed away.  He looked like my Dad, across the eye:-D

Now, I was all set to go to a friend's craft business (Ellen Hutson, LLC) and deliver a bag; they were busy packing orders, like little elves.
Tis the Season of Giving. Enjoy!

24 comments:

  1. Yummy!! I love your Santas and Father Christmases. I hope to bake this weekend!
    Hugs,
    Donna

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    1. Happy Baking! I looked forward to the season when baking is in full-swing:-D!!

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  2. That is a wonderful collection! I think these cookies could become my husband's new favourites, thanks Susan. xxx

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    1. It's nice to have a top ten! Maybe, they'll be more he'll like when I post my assortment for my Cookie Boxes:-D

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  3. Love your collection and your packaging!

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    1. Thanks Petti--there really are some special ones I hold dear:-))

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  4. I remember your santas in fact didn't you make one for Gwen one year?
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. You're probably thinking of the Santa pins I hand painted on cinnamon sticks. The collection just makes me happy and they're a wonderful memory of all the places we've lived. XOXO

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  5. Home made cookies are so much fun to give...or receive! And I love your Santas. I collected snowmen for awhile but now I wish I had collected Santas. I try to find them at thrift stores and that's fun! Enjoy your day! How special to have a giving heart. Hugs!

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    1. Tis the season for baking and after I hit my deadline for work, travel to pick up our new kitty, Rosie, I will be baking full-steam ahead for the holiday cookie boxes I give, XOXO

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  6. Now, THAT is a collection! I have never seen so many Santas.
    Jane x

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    1. There were lots of little ones I didn't capture. After reading a post yesterday (on a friend's blog) that blogspot has a photo count, I'm now paranoid my blog is going to crash until I figure out a solution. But, I love my Santa's and Father Christmases and they are on display on year long to remind me of all good if feels to give. XOXO

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  7. I must admit to be a cookie addict! I think they are one of my favorite sweets! These look like one's I would love and oh yes a cold glass of milk with them.

    Love your Santa collection!! I have several but not as many as yours! Did I see above that you are getting a new kitty! How wonderful!

    hugs to you, Linda

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  8. Susan, I love the way you display your Santa collection. They are lovely! I collect Santas also--some I've made and some made by my dear sister. They are now on the shelves that bank our fireplace.
    As I gear up the baking I'm going to try your cookie recipe--sure looks like a winner dear friend! xoxo ♥
    Martha Ellen

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  9. Yummy, those look delicioso! Your blog always makes me hungry. :))

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  10. Oh, Susan! I love your Father Christmas collection! Love, love, love it! We are kindred spirits for sure.

    Cookies look yummy I'd like one right now!

    Susan

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  11. I love all the Santas! The old fashioned ones are always my favorite. And the cookies look pretty good too. ;) Have a fabulous weekend!

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  12. So was his answer "a newspaper" or "a zebra with a sunburn?" :-)

    These cookies look divine. I don't think I could not love anything with both cranberries and dark chocolate!

    Your Santa collection is beautiful. It makes me smile because I am sure there are so many happy memories for you in that collection. That's exactly what the holidays are all about!

    Love you, my friend!

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  13. Oh, he did newspaper, a zebra with a sunburn, and my all time favorites (we're Catholic!) a nun with a sunburn and a vampire penguin! He had a very dry sense of humor. Each one of those Santa's has a story from where I've been and who I've known:-D

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  14. Your Santas are a delight and how fun for them to have such terrific stories behind them. The one you made is simply wonderful.

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  15. Your Santa collection is wonderful! I think those cookies sound great. Will try them.

    Judy

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  16. Those cookies look yummy, and what a wonderful Santa collection you have!

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  17. That's a lovely collection. I like that green Santa.
    I like that you always use quality ingredients in the baking. I am very sure these cookies are marvelous.

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  18. I was looking for a new cookie to add to my arsenal of sweet treats for my husband ... what a nice cookie you have given me! Merry Christmas!

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