Pecan Shortbread Cookies for Dad

My dad loves shortbread and Pecans. I found this recipe on http://www.joyofbaking.com/shortbreads/PecanShortbreads.html .

I followed the recipe, but I added my own touch. I dipped into melted chocolate!!!!! Yummy!!!

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Pecan Shortbread's:
1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 cup butter, room temperature
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 bag of good semi sweet chocolate

1. I toasted the pecans. 350 for 8 minutes

2. I creamed the butter sugar and vanilla together.

3. Added the flour and salt.

4. Folded in the pecans

5. I then formed it into two logs and then put it in the fridge for a couple hours

6. I cut them about 1/2 inch thick and put on a greased baking sheet. Baked for 15 minutes on 350

7. Melted a bag of good semisweet chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirred, then another thirty seconds. Only 30 seconds at a time until smooth. I then dipped the cookie in the chocolate.

Granola for Mom

My mom and dad are flying to see me and kiddos tomorrow. I can't wait! My mom is very healthy conscience after being sick a little over a year in a half ago. So...today I made a few special items for her and my father. My mom is the one who gave me the passion of motherhood and cooking. Why not return the favor? This recipe is adapted from Giada's from the Food Network. I added a lot of different things.

Enjoy!

Cranberry Granola

1/2 cp. pine nuts

1/2 cp. sunflower seeds

1 cp. Almonds

3 cps oats

1/2 cp of blueberry syrup (you can use regular maple, but it adds a lot of flavor)

1cp. cranberry juice

3/4 cp. of brown sugar

1 cp. cranberries, dried

1. I toasted the nuts in the oven for 8 minutes on 350. I then chopped the almonds and threw it all in a big bowl. I then added the oats.

2. In a saucepan I added the syrup, juice and sugar and only cooked long enough for the sugar to dissolve.

3. I threw the sauce in the big bowl full of nuts and oats. Stir.

4. Added everything onto baking sheet and baked for 30 -40 minutes.

5. Removed and added cranberries. Let cool.