Posted in Baked goods, Baking, breakfast, Brunch, coffee, cookies, Food

Biscotti

This simple recipe is a total winner! The hint of anise gives it that classic, traditional biscotti flavor—but you can easily make it your own.  Skip the anise and try variations like dried cranberries + almond extract, chocolate chips + vanilla, or bright lemon with fresh zest.

Perfect with a cozy cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon anise extract, or 3 drops anise oil
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Line a cookie with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, and anise extract until well-blended. Mix in flour and baking powder to form a heavy dough. Gently knead, if necessary.
  3. Divide dough into two equal pieces. Form each piece into a log slightly less than the length of your cookie sheet. Place the logs side-by-side on the prepared pan.  Using a rolling pin, gently roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
  4. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Using a good serrated knife, gently slice each log crosswise into 1/2” slices. Place slices cut-sides up back on the cookie sheet.  Bake until lightly toasted and golden brown, 5-6 minutes per side.
  6. Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
2 dough logs ready for baking
Golden baked logs
Slices are baked to perfection
Posted in Books, coffee, Crafts, Crochet, Gifts, homemade

Bookish Sunday

Book Rest and Crochet Bookmark

The Midwest has been piling up snow these past few weeks, and now the temperatures are set to take a sharp dive. But no worries—I’ve spent the day doing some of my favorite cozy activities: making book sleeves, and crocheting. It’s always nice to slow down and enjoy the things you love.

Reading is one of my absolute favorite pastimes, and these book sleeves are both cute and practical—they keep my books safe while I’m on the go. Lately, I’ve also been seeing that popular book rest and mug holder everywhere online. I asked my husband to create his own version, and I couldn’t be happier with his design!

Handmade Book Sleeves
Handmade Book Sleeve
Handmade Book Sleeve

Book Rest and Bookmark
Coordinate Your Scrap Fabric

Teabag Crochet Tutorial Teabag Crochet Tutorial

Book Sleeve Tutorial Book Sleeve Tutorial

Posted in breakfast, Brunch, coffee, Food, Gifts, holidays

Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamer

Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamer

This is a fun idea for an inexpensive homemade gift. Make a batch to share with family and friends this holiday season. 

Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamer

  • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp butter extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Whisk all ingredients together.  Pour into air-tight decorative jars or containers. Label containers with directions to “keep refrigerated”. Store refrigerated for up to 7 days. Recipe makes enough for 5 – 4 ounce bottles.