Marie Cookpad

  This is a cookie I used to bake for my children quite often when they were growing up. I used to try to have some kind of a treat waiting for them every day when they got home from school.  Funny enough I never saw myself as a baker, more of a savoury cook, but when I look back I can clearly see that I did both with an equal passion.   My original recipe for Amish Sugar Cookies makes a lot of cookies, which is great when you have five hungry children snapping at your heels, but not so great when you are staring at an empty nest.   That doesn't mean however that we can't still enjoy these delicious treats that we used to bake for our families, and yes . . .  I did enjoy them as well. I am on a quest to try to small batch as many of my old favourites as I can. Smaller recipes to suit the smaller household.  It just makes sense and it means there is far less temptation laying around and actually a bit less waste as well.    This is a great recipe. ...

  A long time ago, in a place far removed from where I am now, I used to be a cook in a Manor House for a family of Millionaires.  It was a fabulous experience in many ways.  I got work and live in a very beautiful environment, using the best ingredients and equipment.    I got to live in a very pretty English cottage set hidden in the corner of a Manor Estate and to stretch my abilities in the kitchen in amazing ways, and to experience a lifestye from the inside out that many never get to see, let alone experience.    This cookie recipe is one I have been baking for my family for many, many years, and it is one that I was directed to bake weekly when I cooked at the Manor.  The Mr loved them.  They had to be in the cookie tin at all times  . . .   The staff loved them also.  In fact I often had to double the recipe because as soon as the other staff smelled them baking, they would arrive in the kitchen for a sneaky biccie or t...

  Do you have family favourites in your recipe repertoire?  I have plenty in mine. These recipes are my tried and trues.  Recipes that have been gleaned and collected through the years, handed down from family and friends. Shared recipes.  Recipes that turn out every time and that never disappoint. Recipes with a history.   Don't get me wrong. I love trying out new recipes.  I have lots saved on Pinterest to try at some point. There are some wonderful gems in the new ones that I try as well, but after a time, I do tend to gravitate back to what I have known, loved, cooked and baked for many a year. Using one of these old recipes is like visiting with a long lost friend.  A companion that has kept you company for many, many years.  Recipes like this are usually attached to fond memories, be they of family members or of friends.   This recipe I am sharing today is so old that I can no longer remember where it came from. It is one that I have be...

  Yes, you read that right . . .  OVEN Fried Chicken.  The eagle has landed and my oven is now up to scratch!  It took them long enough, right?  Not complaining, I am just happy its working again. I love my stove, and am not keen to start over with one I'm not familiar with.      My Canon and I are familiar friends . . .  partners in crime . . . we know each other well and are happy to keep it that way!  To celebrate it being up and running again, I thought I would make one of Todd's favourite dinners, Oven Fried Chicken  . . . . along with Chive & Buttermilk Mash!    He loves his mash.  He is a real mashed potato fiend and will eat them any way, any how, any time!  They are his preferred form of potato, even over chips! (Not me. I love chips/French fries!)   The chicken is a fairly simple and easy recipe, one which I have been making for years. No, it's probably not any healthier than oil fried chi...