Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Whatcha Craving...

Kelly introduced us to Renee & Robin several years ago when we were in Colorado.  The "Twins" worked in the mall where Kelly had a part-time job while she attended Colorado State.  They have become just as dear to us, as they were to Kelly.  Coincidentally, both are pregnant and I noticed on Facebook that Renee mentioned she had been craving caramels and sunflower seeds!  My first thought, "wow, what a great combination."  And, I told Renee I would be creating a cookie using Baby's craving.

In addition to the caramels and sunflower seeds, I add a tablespoon of Lyle's Golden Syrup.  I'm sure my friends in Australia recognize this ingredient, and anyone else who has made Anzac Biscuits.  These cookies get their crispness from the syrup, but if you like a softer cookie, you could leave it out. 

I added the photo of Kelly because she would have loved this recipe, not to mention, she couldn't believe some of the things the Twins ate!  Also, one of the confections Kelly and I loved were Fran's Chocolate Caramels with Sea Salt.  In a weird sort of way, these remind me of those candies.  In fact, I thought about drizzling some melted bittersweet chocolate across them, but I thought the plain version would ship better to Renee.  However, feel free to add it...I will next time I bake them.

Caramelly Sunflower Seed Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups golden brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1 T Lyles Golden Syrup
1 egg
1 T Vanilla Extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup caramels, chopped (about half of a 14 oz bag of Kraft Caramels)
3/4 cup lightly salted, sunflower seeds


Preheat oven to 350F-degrees/Convection (or Bake).  In a KitchenAid, using the paddle attachment, beat butter.  Add the sugars and beat until fluffy.  Add the syrup, egg and vanilla and combine thoroughly.  Sift, or mix in a bowl, the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Add to the mixture and combine.  
Unwrap the caramels and use a large Chef's knife to cut in half, then, each half into quarters. (You should get 8 pieces from one caramel).
Add the chopped caramels to the mixture, along with the sunflower seeds.  Beat just until combined.  Scoop out the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet (or use a Silpat).


 With your hand, press the tops down, slightly.  Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Let rest on the baking sheet 5-7 minutes before transferring the cookies to a rack to cool. 
YUM!  Hey Baby Jones...let me know whatcha craving next, these turned out perfect!!

10 comments:

  1. I like this! : )
    What an incredible combination!
    I was just telling my children a few days ago about what each of them had me craving while I was pregnant with them. They thought it was pretty funny yet they still like the same foods!
    I love this photo of Kelly, she is stunning Susan.xoxo

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  2. With Erin, I craved tomatoes, however, she hates ketchup and cringes when it's near her. My cravings with Kelly were more unusual and she was the one who would try anything! I never thought about it until now; thanks for reminding me of these memories.
    That photo of Kelly was taken when she was at Mount Holyoke. She was just naturally beautiful and so is Erin and so are your children. xoxo

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  3. Hello dear Susan

    I wish I could say that I at least craved something during all my pregnancies but I was so nauseaous throughout each of them. Right now though, I am oogling after those cookies...Two months of Raw eating accomplished but I could so easily drop down for a cuppa tea and cookie anyday!

    Love and Hugs to you Kelly's Mommy. Keep smiling..~

    Lots of love
    Suzanne

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  4. I wonder if chocolate covered sunflower seeds that you can buy in a candy store would work!

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  5. oh my stars! chocolate + caramels + seasalt sounds like perfection. What a combo. I hope some day this collection of essays and recipes are in a book that we can all hold in our hands.

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  6. Erin~I was just thinking about that today when I came across a jar of chocolate covered sunflower seeds that my friend Betty had brought me from one of her trips. Just think about it...how could chocolate not make everything better!!

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  7. Oh these sound lovely. Can't wait to whip up a batch. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes.

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  8. Those look delicious!! I just hopped onto your blog and have spent the last twenty minutes reading and salivating. I was packaging up a doll I am making for Ari, and looking at The Wellness Tree, and then notions and threads. Scrolling back in time I saw a picture of Christmas Krinklar and clicked through. My mother made it, calling it Christmas Kringle, when I was a little girl and she and I spent all of last December looking for the recipe, or one just like it. It was my daughter's second Christmas and I was eager to resume the tradition. Lo and behold, this is just like the old Kringle recipe! Added a bookmark for the holiday to come, and joyfully added your blog to my reader.

    I never know what to say, but please allow me to extend my heartfelt wish for your family's healing.

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  9. Ellen~I'm so glad you found a memory to carry on with your daughter. Both our daughters loved this recipe and looked forward to having a piece of Krinklar before opening their presents!
    Thank you for "hopping" on. Love, Susan

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  10. Susan,
    My daughter and I made these and love the flavors; however, our cookies were very flat. Any ideas?

    Blessings, Elizabeth

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