7.26.2012

Oatmeal Cream Cream Cookies


Who doesn't remember those Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies? I do. I didn't eat them frequently as a child, I've never been a big sweets eater....but occasionally I get a craving for something sweet too.

Tonight, I really wanted to make some kind of sweet treat but our pantry is pretty bare - no milk, no sugar.. which really limited my options. I did have Coconut Sugar and have been promising my self to start using it more often, searching for coconut sugar recipes didn't provide me many options. I decided to improvise and look at a few recipes for "regular" oatmeal cookies and see what happens... Here's the recipe I came up with - and I'll definitely be making these again (next time gluten free!)

Oatmeal Cookie Recipe:
1/2c + 1/8c salted butter, room temp
3/4c coconut sugar
1 small/medium egg
1t vanilla
1/2t baking soda
1/4t sea salt
1/8t cinnamon
3/4c organic unbleached Flour
1-1/2c organic quick cook oats, not instant

Preheat oven to 375, line cookie sheet with parchment paper

With Mixer on Medium-high, Cream together butter and coconut sugar until fluffy then add egg and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well.. then add into the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until everything is well mixed.

Drop by small spoonfuls 2 in apart onto parchment lined cookie sheet. (if you are going to make cookie sandwiches, press wet dough flat prior to baking) Bake 10-12 min at 375. Cool on a wire rack.
While cookies are in the oven, make frosting/filling...

Frosting/filling Recipe:
3oz Cream Cheese
1/4c salted butter, room temp
2T honey
1/2t vanilla

Cream everything together until combined and fluffy. Frost cooled individual cookies or fill for cookie sandwiches!

7.22.2012

DIY: Tub and Soap Scum Remover!!

Ok I have a little bit of a "dirty" secret... I have a big garden tub in our master bathroom that rarely gets used and even more rarely gets cleaned. It's WAS a disaster, until this morning. In literally 10 minutes total time, it's sparkling clean with very little effort.

Here's my recipe for the best Tub Ring and Soap Scum Remover:

  • Mix equal parts of White Distilled Vinegar and Dishwashing Soap in a spray bottle. (I found that a recycled spray cleaning bottle worked better than the $1 store spray bottles for a finer mist spray)
  • Spray Vinegar/Soap mixture liberally on your tub/shower and let sit 30+ minutes (I forgot about mine for at least an hour!!) Then I just wiped away the scumminess and rinsed with water. 

I was completely shocked at how well it worked!! and the best part is,  since everything in the spray I make is non-toxic, I'm not afraid of getting it on my skin, no need to worry about toxic fumes or wearing those awful rubber gloves!!!

NOTE: It also works on other scummy areas of your home, like inside your oven or on your cook top!