Gram's Coconut Crisps

One cookie that I distinctly remember from my childhood, is my Gram's cookies. Whenever we went to visit, Gram always had a supply of cookies. Either fresh baked, or a stash in the freezer that was ready for when anyone showed up! Imagine my surprise when I asked my mom if she had Gram's cookie recipe, and she asked which cookie. Really? I need to clarify Gram's famous cookie?? Thankfully, my sister has the same memories. When Sis and I were on the phone this week, I told her I was making Gram's cookies, she immediately new which one and wanted to know how I got the recipe. I guess she had asked for it a couple years ago, neither my mom nor my gram knew what cookie Sis was talking about. I must have shook something loose in my mom's memory, because she was able to locate it for me! SCORE!  

This isn't a chewy cookie like I normally share. Instead this cookie is more crisp, and packed with flavor and goodies! Thanks for being such an amazing baker Gram!!! 

Hope you all love her cookies as much as her Buttermilk Pancakes I shared a while back! 

Gram's Coconut Crisps 
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup oil 
1 cup light brown sugar 
1 cup granulated sugar 
1 egg 
2 tsp. vanilla 
1 tsp. coconut flavoring (I omited since I could not find this) 
3 1/2 cup flour 
1 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. soda 
1 tsp. cream of tartar 
1 cup oatmeal 
1 cup chocolate chips 
1 cup coconut 
1 cup Rice Krispies 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside. 

In large bowl, cream together butter, oil and sugars. Add egg, vanilla, and coconut flavoring. Add flour mixture one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in oatmeal, chocolate chips, coconut and Rice Krispies. Mix until well combined. 

Using small cookie scoop, drop dough onto cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.**  Cool for 3 to 4 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack. 

**Gram's note is "Do not over brown", so I baked for 15 minutes exactly, and they were at a golden color, and are perfection. Store in airtight container. Or do like Gram did and freeze them and you will be ready whenever you need a cookie!

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Paula Deen's Banana Pudding - Tested and Approved

Today I have the first in what I hope to be a "series" here on Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies. Due to the changes in our life and work habits, things are kind of a work in progress.

One thing that is always happening though is I am making recipes in my kitchen that other bloggers are sharing. Some of these I absolutely love. While they were huge hits, and have my seal of approval, I love them just the way they are. I'm not tinkering with them, and I may only make them once.  These are the recipes I want to share with you. 

The ones that have my seal of approval.

I'm not sharing ones that I found to fail. There's enough negativity out here I am not sharing negative experiences.  If there is a recipe you would like me to test for you, drop me a line! I would consider testing it for you. 

So anyway.... Here is the first edition which is featuring Paula Deen's Banana Pudding from South Your Mouth. I made this for a potluck at work when I was looking for something different, yet would be traditional enough to go over well with our team. This Banana Pudding was a complete hit.  I had just enough left over to bring home two pieces for dinner. I sometimes hesitate about recipes that might be to sweet, but this isn't to sweet at all. It's the perfect banana pudding. 

The recipe calls for Pepperidge Farms Chessman Cookies. I'd never heard of them before, but even I had no problem finding them. For my international friends without access to these, a nice buttery shortbread cookie is what you would want to substitute for these. 

Give it a try!

Paula Deen's Banana Pudding

Daily Goodie Box!

It's that time again! Time for a Daily Goodie Box! Honestly, this is my most favorite box I've received so far!  Look at these fun, delicious, and helpful products!

Love Grown - Kids Cereal Cups

A great Gluten Free cereal. Very Berry!

Rise Brewing Co - Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Blood Orange

It taste's more like tea than coffee! I loved the Blood Orange kick in this drink.

Ecosafe - Vitamin C Gummies

These were great. Gummies without corn syrup. 

Green Goo - 100% All Natural First Aid 

After only a couple days, I am already getting relief on my problematic dry elbows. This is great for many other things too, including insect bites... I'll definitely be needing this next year!

Softer Than Brittle - Cashew

One word, Yum. One more word, Delicious!

My M&M’S® - Personalized M&M’S®

These are sooo fun! I'd heard of them, but to see them makes me want to find an occasion to have some.  Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, holiday, or even just a fun surprise for someone!

Eat Your Coffee - Salted Caramel Macchiato Bars

Yes, you read that right. Eat Your Coffee! It's a caffeinated snack bar! I will be keeping one of these in my purse!

Choice Organics Teas - Earl Grey Tea 

A tasty tea to sip on after a long day at the office.

All Good - SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion

This will keep you safe in the sun. Not greasy either. 

Daily Goodie Box. It's more than just Free Samples!

Go check it out! Seriously couldn't be easier.
All you need to do after getting a box, is let them know what you think!

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp. In my mind, apple crisp is the ultimate fall dessert. The perfect way to enjoy the apple you picked up on your trip to the apple orchard. 

However, I've always struggled with loving an apple crisp I've made. Even the most loved apple crisp recipes just left me wanting something different. Something more. No longer. I found this recipe from Cooking with Mary. I love it! Instead of Truckin' Man asking when I am going to make apple crisp, now I am asking when he is ready for more!

You can easily double this recipe if you are serving a larger family. The perfect balance of apples, cinnamon and crunch topping! Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even the whipped cream in the can is our go to!

Apple Crisp

4-5 cups apple, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 cup water

Topping
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread apples in baking dish. In small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture over top of apples. Pour water evenly over top.

In medium bowl, combine topping ingredients mixing until completely combined. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and apples are tender.

Source: Cooking With Mary and Friends

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