Monday, September 16, 2013

Getting My Groove Back...September's Give-Away Apron & Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

I use to be good at moving; we've done it enough times.  However, maybe I was in one place too long (almost 12 years) and this move took a lot out of me!  Happily, I'm recuperating and "getting my groove back."

The first item on my agenda, this past weekend, was to sew an apron for the Give-Away.  Admittedly, this is actually the fabric I bought for an apron for August, but I think it's bright, cheery feel is perfect for an end-of-season last hurrah as the weather changes to chilly nights and rainy days.  You know the rules...just comment on any of the posts for the month of September and you're entered.
Now, on to baking.  That's been a challenge in a new kitchen that doesn't have nearly the cabinet space I had, so organization has been my biggest chore.  However, September brings a new school year beginning and I wanted to do a cookie that was reminiscent of when I was a child coming home to share the excitement of my class with my mother and finding homemade cookies awaiting.

It makes me sad that so many children have a peanut allergy today and even a simple PB & J sandwich isn't allowed in the lunch box at most schools, especially private ones.  I know this because I spent 9 days with my granddaughters (a perk of living closer) and couldn't pack either one my favorite sandwich!
Me and My Girls! 
These Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies take it one step further by adding a filling of, yes, more peanut butter.  Something I would have definitely cheered for when I got home from school.  They also remind me of one of my grandfather's favorite cookies by Burry's, Gaucho Cookies, and a stop off at my grandparents house was also in order before walking up the path to our home.
Photo borrowed from internet


Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

8T (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup crunchy (or smooth) peanut butter
1 1/2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt

Filling:
4 T (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup crunchy (or smooth) peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars thoroughly.  Add the vanilla, then, the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Add the dry ingredients on low speed or fold in with the rubber spatula, as I did.  Let this dough chill at least 1 hour and overnight is okay too.

Preheat oven to 375F-degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Use a 1-ounce scoop and drop the dough onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork, dipped in granulated sugar to do the familiar "criss-cross" on top of the cookies.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Mix up the filling - place all the ingredients into a bowl and with a hand mixer, cream to combine.  Spread filling onto one underside of a cookie, then top with a similar sized one.


Oh, I'm feeling groovy now and back to almost my old self.  These cookies were a big hit when I my hubby took them to a mixed-doubles tennis gathering at the club we've joined...yeah! a place to share my baking habit with.  Enjoy!

31 comments:

  1. Such a cheerful fabric on a gloomy day in Lancashire, and a happy photo of you and your girls. Hope you got the wedding photos I sent via email. x

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    1. I did receive them and they were lovely! Thank you for sharing the day with me, XOXO

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  2. I'm so glad you are getting settled in! You're going to LOVE being there for the Fall! We hope to drive back up some time soon! We had p b and j sandwiches for lunch today! Nothing else better....well, except maybe cookies! Sweet hugs Sis! (love your new apron! WOW! It's beautiful!)

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    1. We're getting a taste of that beautiful weather coming our way and I can't wait for the foliage change. Please let me know if you're in the area; I would love to meet up with one of my Sisters! XOXO

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  3. Glad to hear you are grooving again! Peanut butter cookies are a favorite in my house. My husband loves peanut butter so much he is known to dip a spoon right into the jar. Have fun getting to know your new home and surroundings. xoxo ♥
    Martha Ellen

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    1. A spoonful of peanut butter, most days, gets me through my work schedule! Not too far away from you now, XOXO

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  4. It's a good feeling to be back into the swing of things! Great to find you here. Now is it true that you're building a new home and that it will be ready in about a year? Maybe I have you mixed up with another blogging buddy. I am sad about peanut allergies, too. The last year I worked in public school, they took away peanut butter anything and hazelnut coffee. I didn't know which was worse. Here all such issues are handled by giving everyone a free lunch.

    The September apron is beautiful!

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    1. Yes, Vee...we're building our FINAL home! Of course, I've said that at least 4 times now, but this is really suppose to be it. We should be breaking ground in October and I will for sure document the process. I love building a home and getting it just as I want--it's worth the wait. Thanks for stopping by, I've missed you all, XOXO

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  5. Susan greetings from Paris! It is my last night here and I must admit to being ready to get back home. I have loved every minute of this trip and will never forget it. I do miss my family especially that Tiger...who love PB&J by the way! The Sept apron is gorgeous. I am glad to see you blogging again, I know moving is so hard. I realized I'm not as young as I use to be!! Big Parisian Hugs! Love, Linda

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    1. Can't wait to catch up with you and see all your photos, XOXO

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  6. Susan! You moved! I'm so proud of you, I'm sure it was difficult. We also might make a change (it sounds nice) but I told my hubby we'd better hurry while we still have any energy left! Washington will be alittle for the worse without such a wonderfully sweet woman. Building a new house, what fun! Good for you guys! Take care and keep on sharing your delicious delights.(I could live on anything peanut butter!) Love, Linda

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    1. Linda, this move was much harder than all the rest, but it gets us closer to our grands, which we miss. If you're ever in our area and want to see what North Carolina has, you have a place to stay, XOXO

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  7. So happy to have you back! I've missed your posts. Agree with all the comments about peanut butter. (Did you know Burry's were the manufacturer of Girl Scout cookies? At least, they were when I was a Brownie & Girl Scout--a long time ago! Don't know if Burry's is even still in business.)

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    1. I do remember that...I was a Brownie and Girl Scout too! I don't think they make these anymore--I checked out our local grocery store, XOXO

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  8. yummy yum! it's so nice to see you posting again susan! love the smiling faces photo!

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  9. I remember those peanut butter cookies....you know me not a chocolate gal so those were one of my favorite cookies along with pecan sandies.
    good to have you back in your groove! Since I've known you this would be your third move. last two I think you were only there for about six years. you must be in your glory to be closer to your family!
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  10. Anything peanut butter.......yum
    I always love the criss-cross....back to childhood

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  11. Glad you're back with us, Susan! Happy that you're settling in and starting the house building, too! Funny, we must be channeling yet again as I made peanut butter nutella swirl cookies last weekend for the neighbors. Similarly, I was concerned about food allergies...Never have thought about that before. I love sandwich cookies and these look particularly yummy! Lv, me

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  12. So happy to see you update your food blog, Susan. We are, esp. my husband, are huge fans of peanut butter. These cookies are right up my alley. New apron is so lovely!

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  13. Those cookies sound yummy–I'm a big peanut butter fan! :) Glad you're all moved into your new home!

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  14. OMG, I totally forgot about Gaucho's till you posted the picture....such fond memories of eating them here in NJ!!!
    I love seeing what great recipes you post...I've already stolen and made a few :)

    Peggy in NJ

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  15. Just stumbled onto your blog and love it! (love that apron too!) I've already pinned your Pretzel rolls and see several others to pin as well! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Those were my favorite cookies - called Pitter Patter's in Kansas. We also sold them as Girl Scout Cookies, but I think they were called something boring, like Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies.

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