With the cooling weather, there's just nothing better than a comfortable chair, a glowing fireplace, a cookie and a spooky story. Every day this week, I'm sharing a cookie and a few of my favorite October reads....
I'm sure I'm the last person on planet Earth to discover the Twilight series. The idea just didn't appeal to me-teenagers and vampires, prom and tortured young love. What convinced me to finally pick one up, was an odd connection with my brother in law. Strangely enough, his boss was the Twilight author's (Stephanie Meyers) prom date. On my brother in law's hilariously absurd and mostly fictitious blog, Temparoo, he posted an interview and pictures from the high school prom-go check it out. If that prom picture isn't enough incentive to never ever be famous, I don't know what is. If I thought you might see me with my Julia Roberts hair and metallic leopard skin prom dress (YES-I'M SERIOUS!) that I designed myself, I'd probably just hole up in a ice fishing cabin in Alaska for the rest of my life.
But back to the book.
I picked up Twilight on Friday night, woke up early on Saturday morning, and reading voraciously, finished it off. That's it-one gobble and it was done. And it tasted good. There were teenagers and vampires, yes, but the writing was beautiful in a few places, the characters were believable for vampires, and the story was gripping enough for me to sacrifice a Saturday sleep-in. In short, it was fun, and even funner during this spooky time of year. My Sailor-girl is reading some of it now, too. I don't mind her reading about vampires at her tender age, but I really don't want her thinking about prom yet. And if she asks to see any of my old pictures, that will be the scariest of all....
****Thanks to my wise readers for letting me know that red-hot steamy scenes were coming in the later books. No more Twilight for little girls. She'll have to head back to DaFoe-she's in the middle of Robinson Crusoe. Shipwreck and isolation are much safer themes!
And now for the treat to eat while reading: These fabulous chocolate cookies come from the supremely yummy Andrea at Nummy Kitchen. She was kind enough to share this buttermilk and chocolate brownie-ish cookie recipe. I've decorated them with candy corn for Halloween, but you can bet I'll make them again at Christmastime with crushed candy canes on top.Money Saving Tips: The price of chocolate has climbed recently, so be sure to stock up during holiday sales begin. I use Baker's chocolate and I try to pay about $2.50 a package.
Chocolate Drop Brownie CookiesEstimated Cost: $3.00
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 one ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 and 3/4 cups flour (I used an extra 1/3 cup- and half whole wheat as always)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix butter, sugar, egg, and chocolate thoroughly. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into wet ingredients. Heat oven to 350, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake about 10-12 minutes, or until no imprint remains when touched lightly. After cooling frost with...
Marie's Chocolate Icing
1 tablespoon butter
1 one ounce square unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup powdered sugar
Melt butter and chocolate over hot water. Blend in warm water. Stir in powdered sugar until icing spreads easily.
Coming at the First light of Tuesday:
More Cookie-Bookie
Dark Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Biscotti
66 comments:
Although I haven't read the Twilight series (yet!!), I've only heard great reviews about it!!
Scrumptious cookies!!
While I was very entertained by the Twilight series and also had trouble putting the books down, I have to disagree about the quality of writing. It's definitely a chick-lit summer read, not great literature.
And, call me an overprotective Mom, but I'm not going to let my daughters read it without an accompanying discussion about healthy romantic relationships! The Edward/Bella relationship is so unequal and unhealthy, it's...well, creepy. (There are no perfect boys; we don't fall in love because of someone's "perfect" looks; we don't fall in love with a feeling of danger and the possibility of being hurt--that's tending toward an abusive relationship; AND we don't let boys sit in our room all night while we sleep.) But, since I have all of that pretty straight in my own head, I enjoy the books. And I'll let my girls read them when they're...um, maybe when they're married? :)J/K.
I'll get off the soapbox now.
p.s. I think your brown sugar and oatmeal crumbly apple bars are the best thing I've tasted in quite a while. They may be responsible for a good five pounds at my waistline; I just can't stop eating them!
Prudy, thanks for taking the time to comment on all my posts, I appreciate it. These cookies look perfect for the Halloween season and I absolutely love candy corn. I think I could overdose on it. I also love anything with buttermilk. I will have to try these, it looks like the kids and adults will love them!
Oh Twilight! I admit I am a fan! We have a huge group of girls who are obsessed and are already planning a party for the movie!
The cookies sound so good! I LOVE Halloween!
(Hey I made the Butternut squash for dinner and I too didn't want to fork over a fortune for rice, so I used pearl rice instead, it worked JUST THE SAME as Aborio rice and cost the same as regular! I liked it better than the medium grain. So I am now hooked. That risotto is YUM-E!!!)
Oh are you going to continue reading the Twilight series?
I never heard of the Twilight series until I read this post! I will have to check it out!
The cookies look great....and they look soft! I'm looking forward to cookies every day this week!
I never would have thought to pick up that book either... I'm going to have to add it to my reading list!
Those cookies are so cute and they look wonderful!
Jen H:
Such good points. I did think the writing was beautiful in places, but it's definitely more in the category of fun reads-no thesaurus required. And yes, their relationship is a creepy. Especially the sleeping in the room. Still a fun read. I don't foresee reading the next one unless it is plopped it in my lap. But it was fun. I hope you'll like my book picks later in the week. This is really a highly atypical choice for me. I've had the book since Christmas-a gift that I just couldn't bring myself to read until this weekend.
I'm so glad you liked the apple bars. They are definitely a dangerous treat!
Well, well Prudy!
I have not read these books either for the same concerns. Although I had no trouble reading about a teenage wizard and his adventures! Consistency thou art a jewel.
I'm sure I will end up reading it to see what all the hype is about. I did not think The Davinci Code was well written but I still consumed that one. I'm sure the Twilight books will be the same.
How is Sailor enjoying it? That is amazing how well she can read and comprehend literature. Well, I guess if you begin reading Charles Dickens at the age of five then this should seem like nothing to her!
Your cookies look so adorable, Halloweenish and delectable. You always have the best recipes and ideas. Cookies, fireplace, and a chilling story. It does not get better than that! Thanks again dearest Prudy!
P.S. You looked beautiful in your leopard skinned prom dress and Julia Roberts’s hair! Everyone said so!
Ooh these look yummy. I'm going to have to try them.
Don't worry- you're not the last person to discover the series. I still haven't read it...
These look delicious! My boys will love the candy corn on the top. I have to agree with you on the book! I loved it and can't wait to see the movie next month.
mysisterscucina.blogspot.com
A whole week of cookies and books!I'm not sure about today's book...but I'm going to borrow these cookies from your library, and probably renew them a few times.
Cute cookies! My kids would gobble them up.
I've read the Twilight series (I am on the last book). I loved the characters and it's an entertaining read.
Cookies look great and I really liked the Twilight series and her other novel Host. Fine literature, no but good writing that draws you in and allows you to escape a bit--you betcha. And sometimes that is what good writing is about. Can't wait to see you other October picks!
A very yummy-looking cookie! We could go over the chocolate edge and add a nice warm mug of hot cocoa to go with them. Yum!
I did read all of the first three books in the series. And stayed up all night once or twice to do it. They are definitely captivating.
Perhaps I'm so critical because I worry about my YW who are obsessed with the series. And because I have known girls in abusive relationships and am not sure how to help others avoid that.
You have to show us the picture! You have to! That's cool that you made your dress. I can't sew at all.
The cookies sound great. I love all kinds of cookies.
I've been meaning to read that book! My sister bought it. It would be perfect for Halloween.
Now I have a mental image of you that I won't soon forget!
I will have to keep an eye out for this series, it looks like fun.
I was a closet buffy fan. I bought all the dolls, "for my daughter".
The cookies look great, my boys would love them.
Great looking cookies Erin! Oh, how I miss candy corn!! No such animal over here! I loved the twilight series and cannot wait to see the film when it comes out in December. I hope they haven't ruined it!!!
I must be missing something... I keep reading about this Twilight-series.... I haven't seen them on this side of the ocean yet...
The cookies look delicous!
Vampires scare me so haven't read the book. These cookies look fabo though!
Oooh, I'm a Twilight fan! I sort of recognise it's no way great literature, but it's somehow addictive, isn't it? Like chocolate cookies (see me link there? XD), haha.
Prudy, thanks for the sweet words! So glad you liked these cookies :) Yours look so yummy with the candy corn on top! I must be one of the few who hasn't picked up these Twilight books yet. Not really my style but I might have to read them just to know what people are talking about, know what I mean? I'm really looking forward to your week of cookies and book picks, how fun!
My oldest daughter had read all of the Twilight series and has been harrassing me to read the books too. Your cookies look wonderful, I'd like to curl up with a good John Grisham novel with a few of these cookies by the fire.
I spent the last week reading the entire Twilight series. I couldn't put it down!!!
I've yet to give in to the Twilight Series! Every one around me has fallen victim to them so there must be some thing to them! Maybe one day.
I really could fall victim to these Chocolate buttermilk cookies though. I tend to think that anything with buttermilk in it is always so moist. My favorite!
Great post, good cookies!
Those cookies look wonderful!! I'm so excited that you'll be posting October cookies all week! yay! I have not read Twilight either- I had sort of blown it off, but now maybe I'll pick up a copy- I'm always up for a quick read (with a baby on my hands the new copy Of Human Bondage is going to have to wait until my girl is sleeping through the night!).
I have not read the Twilight series yet, but a good friend of mine has also sung the praises of these books up and down. She calls the books a mix of Pride & Prejudice, Harry Potter & Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She had me at Pride & Prejudice. The only reason that I haven't picked up Twilight yet is because I have been warned that you won't put the book down until you finish it, and I have spent too many days in dazed confusion because I just couldn't help but stay up until 3:30 a.m. finishing up a book. From what you and my friend have to say about it, Twilight is definitely one of THOSE books! But I've waited long enough -- I'll just have to stock up on some Mountain Dew and dive into it one of these nights!
The cookies look fabulous! My kids will love these, especially with the candy corn on top! Perfect Halloween treat!
Tell Sailor to finish up, I want to borrow it next! I'm always up for a beach read....even if it isn't at the beach but rather in our latest snowstorm.
Mikey's questions for Stephanie Meyer's prom date are what I liked the best--never mind the answers :).
Your cookies looks great and I love the idea of a cookie and bookie together. Sounds like the perfect comfort combo.
We can't wait to see you all.
Your cookies look great! I never make cookies, because it would take about 400 (yes, four hundred) to last more than 4 hours. *sigh* and my dearly beloved does love cookies!
Oh, and I meant to say that Mark is reading Robinson Crusoe for the first book in his 4th grade reading program. He loves it!
Hi- New here..
I love your blog, and the music..
I think I was for sure born in the wrong era...
I may try this cookie recipe tonight.. I am exited!!
And twilight.. Oh don't get me started! I am A HUGE fan.. We 30 something mom's are all having a pj party the day the movie comes out. I know people have some strong reactions to the books, but seriously... I loved them. You need to keep reading, and even though some things will make you mad, and maybe not want to finish.. you have to keep going..
Stephenie Meyer got me reading again.. She is amazing, and her style and way of writing is addictive... I didn't see a crazy and abusive way to the story.. I saw a sweet love story. To each is there own... I have reviews on my blog, but I wouldn't read them until you are finished.
BTW: The last book should be read at 16 or 18 years. It has some situations that I don't feel I would want my children reading until they are adultish ages..But again.. my opinion...
~ Anyways, thanks for your fun blog. I love the easy recipes, the low cost, and the vintagness... LOVE IT!!!
Wow Prudy,
Sailor girl is amazing! I read all the Twilight books. I'm kind of ashamed to admit it. But I feel better about it now, knowing that you read it too! Haha! I agree with you on all your points about the book. It was definitely a page turner and the writing was beautiful in some places. I always think that Stephenie Meyer fashioned it somewhat after Pride and Prejudice. I know it's not on the same plane, but there are some things about it that remind me of it and I think that's one of SM's favorite books. I'm anxious to hear what Sailor thinks about it.
And I always loved your leopard print prom dress! I have some other favorites too! =) And I have to agree with you again about letting children read about vampires over prom!
And. . . the cookies look great! I can't wait to try them! I love the candy corn on top!
Prudence,
Thanks for the props, I really appreciated them. Nice work as always on the cookies.
Heidi, my vampire wife and I were talking Thanksgiving last night. I know you and her and the rest of the gang will just be getting home from Europe the week before but dog gone it I need, no, I must have some of your wonderful gravy! I love it.
Thanks again for the help with my blog.
Mitchell Brave, a.k.a the gravy vampire
Prudy,
Thanks for another good cookie recipe. I am always interested in anything that contains chocolate and buttermilk.
As for the book, I am out of the loop on this on. I haven't even read it, and have a feeling I wouldn't like it. Mallory doesn't think I will at all.
I am tempted to read it, though, to see what it is the masses are interested in.
I am sure I sound like a big, book snob, but I can't help it. I am!
Since, you read it and got up early to finish it, it must be captivating.
All right, I will give it a try.
Thanks for recommending it, especially during October.
These look soft and chewy and delicious. I wish I had one right now.
Yummy cookie for the bookie!!! I haven't given in to the twilight series. Don't know if I will. Sounds pretty kreepy to me. Love your cookies, and will definitely try them one of these days. By the way...where did you serve in Chile? That is where my husband served. I look forward to your cookies this week!
Those are the cutest cookies! I love the dark cookie with the pop of the candy corn. I really liked the Twilight books. My daughter has read it too. We can't wait to see the movie. Have a great day!
What adorable cookies! and better yet a book...I have seen that book everywhere and am curious, now I may have to read it! I'm in the mood for a good read...
Oh, those look so good! Andrea did a great job with that recipe! I think I'll have to try the candycane version... with a little peppermint extract... mm..
~Cat
Twilight drives me insane. My sister is obsessed with it. I've read the books, and I'll admit she's good at keeping you gripped in. But once I read the second book, I couldn't deal with it. Now I simply can't stand the author because I've read several interviews where she whines about all her fan mail. I want to throttle her. Most authors would die for that kind of attention, and would kill for the money she's making. To go on TV and whine about the laundry baskets of adoring letters from the people buying your books is beyond tacky.
Drives me nuts.
Cookies look wonderful! :) I'm back from the dreadful wedding--long story! If you really want to hear it, I'll e-mail you. Otherwise, I'll spare you.
I'm one of the few women left alive who hasn't read Twilight... But these cookies look too good to pass up!
I haven't read Twilight either, but thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I will probably pick it up soon! So excited to see what you bring us this week :)
Delicious little cookies! My kids would love these with the candy corn on top. I could put those on any food and they would eat it. These would make darling little classroom gift bags for Halloween!
That sounds like a really good book. I'm off to make these yummy cookies...
Thank you my dear for your caring comments at my food-blog. I loved them :-)
I have to admit I've never heard of these books either. Are they really scary? I hope not. You know I never ever see horror movies, they scare me to death and then I have nightmares for weeks. Weird right?
But these cookies are right up my alley. I love to use buttermilk in these types of cakey cookies. You are so creative here.
These cookies look yummy!! As for the book, I have read the first one and had a hard time putting it down. I have that problem with most books though:) WHEN, I get a chance for some free reading time.
I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of those books without having to buy them...but my local library has a long wait! I may just have to break down and buy them. :-)
No, you're not the last one discovering the Twilight series, I didn't know what that was even! Maybe the books haven't arrived in Europe yet...
Cute cookies Prudy, can't wait for the other ones you have planed for us!
I am going to start Breaking Dawn this week. I can't wait to get into it! Glad you found the series.
Thanks for the cookie recipe. I have buttermilk I need to use! Perfect timing!
My mom told me about Twilight. I am not much of a reader..to be honest it puts me to slepp and my mind cant concentrate on 1 thing at a time!! AGGGGHHH!
Your cookies are precious!
Thanks for your comment on my Dulce de Leche post! Y'all could have burned your faces off cooking it like that..but it sure is worth it!
OMG! I worse a metallic leopard/zebra/tiger print dress to my prom, too! I had this crazy eye make up on. I don't know about Julia Roberts' hair, but it was pretty big. But my prom was only a mere 10 years ago, so I have no excuse...
The cookies are cute. Very cute. I feel the need to purchase candy corns now.
Simply love the chocolate cookies with the candy corn. You are a swell Mommy!
These cookies look really good. I would probably eat all of the candy corn before they made it to the cookie, though.
i have resisted the twilight books, too. but i feel like the last one on the planet. i did enjoy mikey's interview of her prom date. very entertaining.
these cookies look like they'd be a hit around here. i'm always up for a festive treat. for that matter, i'm always up for a treat.
As much as I've always avoided films or fiction with occult/supernatural themes, I confess I became hooked with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a show I first watched fully expecting to hate it. I read Twilight, and while it's no Buffy, it is enjoyable. When I taught sixth grade a lot of my students were reading it.
It's interesting how there seems to be such a fascination with vampires lately. I'd much rather be eating Chocolate Buttermilk Cookies than blood...
Erin, these cookies are the feature on the Serious Eats blog this morning. Congratulations.
first of all, your prom dress sounds stellar. :)
secondly, i'm still convinced that i'm the last person to get on board the twilight train, but maybe i'll go ahead and give it a shot.
finally, these cookies are extremely versatile, as you said. the mint on top sounds perfect.
That book is perfect for Halloween!
The cookies sound and look great. I adore cookies :)
Rosie x
I like this book theme you have going on! So fun. I can't wait to see what you do for Christmas! These cookies sound perfect, two desserts in one :).
My friend's teenager was reading it, and I have to admit I was tempted. So you're not last Prudy, only second to last :)
Okay, stop there with Twilight, seriously, don't pick up the other 3 or you'll want to slit your wrists like I do.
I hate it now, I honestly am reading the 4th one and have been for about 2 months. I have no desire to pick it up, other than to just get it over with. I hate where she took the story and all of the other books lack the passion and intrigue that the first one held. I almost threw Eclipse across the room at one point. The rest of the other 3 could all be told in 200 pages but she DRAGS it out and DRAGS it out. There is about 5 minutes of good stuff in the 200 hours it takes to read. Seriously! You've been warned!
I loved cookie bookie week! How neat an idea was that ;)
We all love these at our house. They are a little bit crumbly though, so I feed them to people outdoors, which you can do here in Texas in October.
m6f32a9n61 g0x07z8a07 w0v69b1x16 a2i25c9a71 t4p66r6k95 p7d57v9s93
Post a Comment