Candy Apple Brittle

* Note: Sorry for yesterday recipe delay, my school has gotten in the way. But, it's finally here and just in time for Halloween.

If you love the taste of Candy apple, and you love peanut brittle. Why not combine the two, and have a two in one brittle.

Serves:10

1/2 c. - 2 Tbsp. Pure Cane sugar
1/4 c. - 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. - 3/4 tsp. Margarine, softened
1/2 c. - 2 Tbsp. dried apples
1/8 tsp. course Himalayan salt
2 Tbsp.- 1 1/2 tsp.water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c.- 2 Tbsp. crushed peanuts

Directions:

1. Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.

2. In a heavy duty 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Stir in peanuts, and dried apples. Set the candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F, or until a small amount of the mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.

3. Remove the mixture from heat; immediately stir in Margarine and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut and apple mixture, into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. breaking candy into pieces.

Jack o lantern Pie

(Inspired by: Pumpkin pie & S'mores)

*Pictures will be coming near you

This recipe is the purr-ect pie, for "HALLOWEEN", as it will have your taste buds Spooked.

Serves: 8

Filling:

3/4 c. Pure cane sugar
1 1/2 tps . pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin Puree
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 Jar (7 oz) Marshmallow creme (To layer at the bottom, of the pie)

Pie shell:

3 c. Rice Krispies
1/3 c. Margarine, softened

Directions:

Filling: Combine all ingredients expect marshmallow creme, in a large mixing bowl.

Pie shell: place rice krispies and margarine in a 9-in pie pan. Place aside 2 Tbsps. of rice krispies for the topping. Using the back of a spoon press down the remaining mixture evenly and firmly to the bottom and the sides of the pie pan to form the crust. Place into your refrigerator to chill.

Preparing the Pie:
1. remove the pie shell from the refrigerator, and add Marshmallow creme, to coat the bottom of the pie shell.
2. Then add in the pumpkin mixture, and spread with a spatula. place into the refrigerator until ready to serve. Dazzle it up with a dollop of whipped cream- Optional
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Apple Chocolate Chip cookies

Why not turn your breakfast into a, on-the-go breakfast.

Serves: 18

1 Tbsp. ground flax seed
3 Tbsp. water
2 c.gluten free old-fashioned oats
1 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) of vegan margarine, softened
1/2 c. Organic Pure sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chocolate chips, or Cacao nibs
1/2 c. Honeycrisp apples, diced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a small-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flax seeds and water. Allow sitting for 2 minutes.

3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together Oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

4. In a larger standard-size mixing bowl with, an electric mixer, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the flax mixture and vanilla extract and stir until combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined. Add the apples and stir until incorporated well.

6. Using about 2 Tablespoonful, Place onto a well-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Gluten Free Raisin and Spice Pretzels

Adapted from: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/GF-Soft-Pretzels-1037560?servings=5&unitType=imperial

If you love Pretzels which Living Better Cafe knows you do, this recipe is perfect for you.

Serves: 5

2 c. Blanched Almond Meal Flour
3/8 eggs, beaten
2/3 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp.- 3/4 tsp. Raisins
1/8 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 1/4 Tbsps. Margarine
3 3/4 Tbsps. Coconut Flour
1 1/4 tsps water
coarse salt

1. Blend together eggs, vanilla and raisins inside of a small mixing bowl; cover and let sit for about 1 hour. Add the almond flour, salt and margarine together and mix until incorporated well. Into the mixture, pour and mix the beaten eggs. your dough should be very wet.

2. Add in 1 Tbsp. of coconut flour and mix until incorporated well. Allowing the mixture to sit for about a minute as the coconut flour takes a bit of time to absorb. You are looking for a dough that can be easily kneaded, yet will not stick to your hands. Add 2 more Tbsp. of coconut flour, your dough should look like the texture of play-doh.

3. Allow the dough to rest for about five minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Gently grease a cookie sheet.

4. Take a hunk of dough about half the size of a golf ball,and roll the dough under your hands into a long skinny pencil about the length of a pencil.

5. Once you have a piece of dough the size of a golf ball, continue to roll it thinner and thinner until it is about twice as long.

6. Be VERY gentle when lift the long skinny piece of dough to the cookie sheet. Twist it carefully into the shape of a pretzel – or shape them into whatever shape you want.

7. Place the pretzels in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Beat the remaining egg and add 1 teaspoon water.

8. Remove the pretzels from the oven. Turn the oven up to 400°F.

9. Turning all of the pretzels over and you will see that the bottom is nicely brown in color. This is actually the top of your pretzel! Lightly brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

10. Return to the oven for 5 minutes more.

Quinoa chili Brittle

Adapted from: http://minimalistbaker.com/quinoa-brittle/

Serves: 10

1/2 c. uncooked quinoa
3/4 c. pecans, chopped
3/4 c. peanuts, chopped
3/4 c. bakers raisins
1/4 c. rolled oats
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 Tbsp. Raw coconut sugar
2 Tbsp. chili powder
pinch Himalayan salt
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1/2 c. maple syrup

Direction:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat, ensuring it covers the entire surface and all the edges (to prevent spill over).

2. Add quinoa, pecans, peanuts, oats, chia seeds, coconut sugar, and salt to a mixing bowl - blend until completely incorporated.

3. To a small saucepan, add coconut oil and maple syrup. Warm over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the two are totally incorporated and there is no visible separation.

4. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir to thoroughly incorporate and coat. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet, or silicone baking mat, and spread into an even layer with a metal spoon. Trying to get it as even as possible, or the edges will burn and the center will no’t crisp up

5. Bake for about 15 minutes, then turn the pan around to ensure even browning. Bake for another addition 5-10 minutes more and watch carefully as to not burn. To tell if brittle the done, is when its uniformly deep golden brown in color and very fragrant. The edges may appear to be getting too brown. but, they’re just getting crisp and caramelized.

6. Let brittle cool completely before breaking into bite-size pieces with a sharp knife or your fingers.

Orange juice cookies

Adapted from: http://catcora.com/recipes/desserts/lemonade-cookies/

When I made Cat Cora's delicious Lemonade cookies for my family one spring day. I thought to myself that theses cookies can also be made using a different kind of juice, and I so happened to think Orange Juice.

Serves: 3 dozen approximately

1 6-oz. Can of Frozen orange Juice concentrate
1/2 lb. Unsalted margarine (2 sticks) (Softened)
1 C. Pure cane Sugar (Plus extra to sprinkle over the cookies)
2 Tbsp. Orange Zest (Finely Grated)
2 Large Eggs
2 1/2 C. All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/8 tsp. Course Himalayan salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Fill a metal large bowl with warm water, and place unopened can of orange juice inside to thaw... meanwhile mixing the cookie dough.

3. In a large glass bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar with a hand mixer, or electric mixer. Add in the orange zest, if desired. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy, 4-5 minutes, then set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

4. Measure out about 1/2 cup of the thawed Orange Juice and set the rest aside. Add about 1/3 of the flour mixture to the creamed margarine and sugar. Stir, then add about one third of the 1/2 cup orange juice. Continue adding the flour and orange juice alternately, stirring after each addition, until the mixture shows no signs of flour. Beat on low speed with the mixer just until all the ingredients are combined.

5. on a ungreased cookie sheet drop teaspoonful of dough 2 inches apart.

6. Bake the cookies, checking them after 8 minutes. When the edges are just starting to brown, remove the cookies from the oven. (The centers will still look soft.) Using a pastry brush, immediately brush the top of each cookie very lightly with a little of the remaining Orange juice concentrate, then lightly sprinkle with sugar. Transferring the cookies to a rack and allow them to cool completely.

7 up cookies

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10188/root-beer-cookies/

If you love 7 up cake then you will love theses cookies.

Serves: 18

1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. Margarine
1 egg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. Course Himalayan salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combined together the brown sugar, 1/2 c. margarine, egg, buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Add flour, baking soda and salt and incorporate well.
4. Drop about a teaspoon sized pieces of dough 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes.

Molten lava cookies

Adapted from: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/…/chocolate-chip-lava-cookies…

If you love Molten lava cake your taste buds will for sure love theses cookies.

Serves: varies

1/2 c. (1 stick) Margarine, softened
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1/2 c. pure cane sugar
1 large egg
1/2 Tbsp. Pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 (11.5 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a standard size muffin tin with cooking spray. Place ½ c. chocolate chips in a double boiler, and stir until chocolate is melted. Pour into Ziploc bag. Set aside to cool.

2. With an electric mixer, cream the margarine and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat until well combined. In a separate glass mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined. Add the remaining chocolate chips (1 c.) and stir to combine.

3. Using half the cookie dough, scoop 1/2 -2 Tbsp of dough, flatten it out a little bit, and place in the bottom of the muffin tin.

4. Repeat for a total of 10 cookies. Cut a small tip in the corner of the Ziploc bag, and gently squeeze a layer of chocolate over the cookie. Scoop and flatten the remaining dough and place on top of the chocolate layer. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are just browned. As soon as they come out of the oven, run a knife around the edges to make for easy removing later. Cool completely before removing from the muffin tin, running a knife around the edge to help loosen.

Living Better suggestions:

* caoca nibs

Three Ingredient Chocolate Chip cookies

Serves: Makes one dozen 3-in cookies

2 c. Almond Butter
1 c. semi- sweet chocolate chip's
1 egg's

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium sized glass mixing bowl add the almond butter, egg, chocolate chip. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at low speed until smooth.

2. Form the cookie dough into 12 balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten the balls with the tines of a fork to 3-inch rounds. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets.

Note:
You can use. For example, Cashew butter or Peanut Butter if you do not like almond butter.

Triple cacao cookie

( Inspired by Triple chocolate cookie)

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/…/amenas-triple-chocolate-chip-cooki…/

Serves:5

2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. Margarine
2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. pure cane sugar* sugar substitute
1 Tbsp. plus 3/4 tsp. light brown sugar
1/4 egg* egg substitute
1/8 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/3 c. plus 1 tsp. all purpose flour* Gluten free all purpose flour
1/8 tsp. course Himalayan salt
1/8 tsp. Baking soda
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Sweet cacao nibs
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Organic cacao nibs
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Raw cacao nibs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line the baking sheet with a silicon mat.

2. Mash the margarine, sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl with a spatula until creamy and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla; whisk vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a small bowl; dump into the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Fold the sweet cacao nibs, raw cacao nibs, and organic cacao nibs into the mixture. Arrange onto the prepared baking sheet using a small Ice cream scoop or large Ice cream scoop.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes; remove from oven and allow to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Transferring onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

~Living Better Cafe Receipt

Margarine...... $ 3.29
T. sugar...... $ 2.99
organic brown sugar 24oz........$ 2.99
eggs.........$ 2.45
Vanilla extract......... $ 1.99
all purpose flour..........$ 2.99
Himalayan salt........ $ 1.99
Baking soda........... $ 4.99
Sweet cacao nibs...........(Check your local Trader Joes)
Organic cacao nibs.......... (Check your local Trader Joes)
Raw cacao nibs................. (check your local Trader Joes)
Total= $ 20.69 W/O tax

Root beer popcorn

(Inspired By: Original Popcorn ball recipe)

I simply love popcorn, and how versatile this food can be.
As sometime you can have it sweet or Savory, I love them both way's. So I have recreated this recipe, I know you are sure to "LOVE" as well.

Serves: 8
6 qt. Popped corn
2 c. Brown sugar
1 c. Margarine
1/2 c. Light corn syrup
1 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1-2 Tbsp. Root beer extract
2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
1 1/4 c. Crushed root beer candy
Crushed Peanuts * Not recommended for people with tree nut allergies.

Directions:

1. Add the first six ingredients into a pot barely allowing to a boil. removing pot away from the heat.
2. Adding in the last two ingredients, and stir.
3. Pour mixture over popcorn, and mix well.
4. Form into popcorn balls, and coat with crushed candy; crushed peanuts.
ENJOY!

S' more popcorn Treats

(Inspired by: Rice Krispie treats)

Serves: 8

If you thought "YUMMY" to Rice Krispie treats, you would love to sink you're teeth into rendition.

1 Tbsp. Vegetable oil
1/2 c. unpopped popcorn
6 Tbsp. Margarine
5 c. Marshmallow
5 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

(Chocolate chips shouldn't be melted-Apply after marshmallow mixture)

Directions:

1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.

2. Adding vegetable oil to a medium sized saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add popcorn. Keeping the pan moving constantly. When popcorn stops popping, remove from heat. Put popcorn into the prepared pan.

3. Melt Margarine In a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook until melted, stirring constantly. Pour marshmallow mixture, plus add chocolate chips over popcorn and mix with spoon to coat evenly.


4. Allowing mixture to cool slightly. spray with non-stick cooking spray on hands. Mix popcorn with hands so that it is evenly coated, form into ball's or cut them into squares.

5. To add more fun add confetti sprinkles, or drizzle chocolate, or strawberry syrup over. **with crushed peanuts, or you're favorite nut's.

** Not recommended for those with tree nut allergies.

Sunflower seed Brittle

Adapted from:http://www.food.com/recipe/sunflower-seed-brittle-32129

Note: When coming up with these unique twist on brittle, I was thinking its about time to reincorporate health while indulging the taste of sweet,and it's purely nut free for those who are allergic to tree nuts.

Serves: 3/4 lb

1 Tbsp. Margarine
1 c. Unsalted sunflower seeds
1 c.Pure cane sugar
1 c. Flax seeds
1/4 tsp.Course Himalayan salt

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan melt butter.

2. Add in the sunflower seeds, flax seeds and salt and blend well.

3. As you make sure to keep the mixture warm.

4. In a heavy dutch oven skillet melt the sugar over medium heat, as you are stirring constantly.

5. when the sugar turn golden brown, then quickly stir in the seed mixture.

6. Pouring onto a baking sheet and spread with wooden spoon or spatula into equal sized square, about "10" squares.

7. Allowing them to cool until they are firm.

8. once completely cool break into pieces, and enjoy!

*Note: to store away extra pieces, I firmly suggest wrapping them in side wax paper then applying plastic wrap, and place in a cool dry places for individually wrapping. If not individually wrapping store inside an air tight container, away from heat.

Rum Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

(inspired by: Rum raisin ice cream)

Serves: 42

1 c. Raisins
1 c. Pure cane sugar* sugar substitute
1 c. Firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs* egg substitute
2 Tbsp. Milk * (almond, soy, rice milk)
1 1\2 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 1\2 c. All purpose flour * gluten free flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1\2 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
4 c. Quick oats * gluten free oats
2 tsp. Rum extract
1 c. Vegetable Shortening

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. In a large bowl, blend shortening with sugars, adding sugar gradually. Add eggs, milk, vanilla and rum extract; beat well.

3. Add flour, salt and baking soda; beat well. Stir in oats and raisins. Using a ice cream scooper drop Tablespoonfuls rounds about 2-inches apart onto a prepared ungreased cookie sheets.

4. Bake for about 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Before placing cookies onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Ginger Beer Cupcakes

Adapted from: http://draftmag.com/recipes/detail/225

Serves: 12

Cupcakes

2 c. flour
1⁄4 tsp. baking soda
1⁄2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
1⁄2 c. unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1 c. Tightly packed dark brown sugar
zest of 2 Orange
2 large eggs, room temperature
3⁄4 cup Ginger beer

Ginger Beer frosting

1 stick butter (softened)
6 c. confectioners sugar
½ c. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. Ginger beer

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lining the muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Sifting the dry ingredients through the ground ginger into a mixing bowl.

3. In a separate, large mixing bowl, use a electric mixer cream together the butter, sugar, and zest until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Stir in half the flour mixture, then the ginger beer, then the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just blended.

5. Filling each liner 2/3 full, then bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once cooled topping the cupcakes with frosting.

Frosting

1. Combine the butter and confectioners sugar and mix on low speed. Increase speed to medium-high and slowly adding inthe heavy cream and ginger beer. Beat 5 to 7 minutes until light and creamy.

2. If the frosting is too loose, add in extra sugar just up to1 c. until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Wholesome goodness granola bars

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Playgroup-Granola-Bars/Detail.aspx?evt19=1&referringHubId=84&scale=24&ismetric=0

Serves: 24

2 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. Flax seeds
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. mixed fruit
3/4 c. Raisins
3/4 tsp. Himalayan salt
1/2 c. Manuka honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flax seeds, cinnamon, flour, raisins, mixed fruit and salt. Making a well in the center of the mixture, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Gently pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

2. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do wait until completely cool then bars will be hard to cut.

S'more thumb print cookies

Serves: 36 dozen

1 1/2 c. all- purpose flour
1/2 c. wheat flour* substitute for gluten free
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. course Himalayan salt
3/4 c. coconut sugar
1/4 c. Margarine * substitute butter
1/3 c. low fat milk * substitute for (Rice,Soy,Almond)
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. Almond extract
1 tsp. Marshmallow creme
36 Chocolate chips morsels

Directions:

1. Whisking together all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, and salt in large bowl.

2. Beat sugar and margarine with electric mixer until becomes light and fluffy. Adding in gradually beat in milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. Beat in flour mixture until soft dough forms. Wrapping dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes, or until overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 325 for about 8 minutes. spray (2) cookie sheets with cooking spray. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, and place dough balls 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Press indentation in center of each ball with thumb.

4. Using the back of a measuring teaspoon, make a slight impression in the center of each cookie. Transfer the marshmallow creme to a resealable plastic bag. Seal bag and snip off a tiny corner of the bag. Use the bag to pipe about 1 teaspoon of the marshmallow creme into the center of each cookie. Push a chocolate morsels into the center of the marshmallow creme, pointed side down. Return cookies to the oven. Bake for 2 or 3 minutes more or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer to wire racks and let cool.

Peanut butter and Banana S'more Sandwich

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/smore-sandwiches

Serves: 4

8 slices bread
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Banana, slice

Directions:

1. Spread butter onto one side of both slices of bread. Placing bread butter sides down in a cast iron fry pan. Spread half of the peanut butter, and layer the banana slices onto the exposed side of each piece of bread. Stick the marshmallows to one side and the chocolate chips to the other. Pressing down with a metal spatula for about 3 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted. It should be nice and golden brown on both sides.

* Note: you can even make this recipe during camping, same technique using a camp fire. (just don't forget to tag along your cast iron pan) Enjoy!

coconut cherry cookies

Adapted from: http://www.raleys.com/www/
recipe;jsessionid=3DDDCEC561150ECB1FE5190F19DFCD9E?recipeid=1005864&themeid= )

* Substitute

Serves: 3 dozen

1 Box yellow or white cake mix * (gluten free)
2 c. shredded coconut, plus additional for rolling
2 c. Dried cherries
1/4 cup cream of coconut (found in the Liquor Dept.) Or (Substitute equal parts of coconut syrup
Or sweetened condensed milk with coconut extract to taste)
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Stir and blend together cake mix, coconut, cream of coconut, softened butter, cherries and eggs in a medium bowl. Roll into balls and roll in additional coconut. Spray non stick cooking spray on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. 

Banana Cream filled cookies

Serves: 12 dozens

1 1/2 c. All purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. Baking powder
1/4 tsp. Himalayan salt
3 Tbsp. + 1 3/4 tsp. Vegetable shortening
2/3 c. Granulated cane sugar
1 1/4 eggs
1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. Lemon extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 c. Chopped peanuts

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350.

2. Lightly grease cookie sheets, in a large bowl cream the shortening and the sugar together. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and lemon extract. Beat in the bananas and the nuts. Gradually add the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly colored. Place onto wire racks to cool.

Vanilla cream filling

1/3 c. + 1 Tbsp. Powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. Cream cheese, soften
1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract

Directions:

1. With electric mixer mix 1/3 + 1 Tbsp. Powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. Cream cheese, and Vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth into the bowl; beat well.

2. Spread 1/2 teaspoon filling on the bottom of 30 cooled cookies; top with remaining cookies.