Baked goods

I'm back! We had a fun filled weekend with family in friends. We took a short trip to see some of my relatives and celebrated an early Christmas with them. I took along some baked goods that Roxanne and I made...pecan turtle cookies! They were delicious. Roxanne peeled open over 30 of those tiny caramel wrappers for me...she's an awesome helper. We packed our baked goods up in decorative Christmas boxes and tins to deliver to our loved ones. We also took mistletoe clippings wrapped in cute little baggies tied with holiday ribbon. I always enjoy the simple gifts at Christmas. Nothing says I love you like a homemade treat!

Here is the link to the recepie if you would like to make some yourself! http://pillsburybaking.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?recipeID=1390


Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook Time: 6 min
Yield: 5 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
COOKIES
1
cup Crisco® Butter Shortening
OR 1
stick Crisco® Butter Shortening Sticks
1 1/2
cups granulated sugar
1/2
cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2
tablespoons milk
3
large eggs
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
4
cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1 1/2
teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2
teaspoons cream of tartar
1
teaspoon salt
TOPPINGS
28
caramels, unwrapped
2
tablespoons milk
3
cups pecan halves
1 (6 oz.)
package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation Directions:
1.
BEAT shortening, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add milk. Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla.
2.
COMBINE flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt in medium bowl. Mix into shortening mixture. Chill 1 hour.
3.
HEAT oven to 350ºF.
4.
ROLL out 1/3 of dough at a time to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
5.
CUT with 2 1/4-inch cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden. Remove immediately to cooling rack.

TOPPINGS
1.
COMBINE caramels and milk in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power). Stir after 1 minute. Repeat until smooth (or melt on rangetop in small saucepan on very low heat).
2.
DROP rounded teaspoonfuls on top of each cookie. Place 3 pecan halves around edge of caramel.
3.
PLACE chocolate chips in microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) 1 minute; stir. Repeat until smooth (or melt on rangetop in small saucepan on very low heat).
4.
POUR melted chocolate into small food storage bag. Cut a small corner off the bag; drizzle a small amount of chocolate in the center of the cookie. Do not cover the pecans. Cool completely.