Vanilla Wafer Nut Brittle

I needed a dessert to make on very short notice and I didn't have time to go to the store.  I pulled together half a bag of this and half a bag of that and made this really delicious cookie brittle.  It was a HUGE hit and now I will definitely be making again.  I think the best part is that you really don't need all the exact ingredients.   All you need is butter and brown sugar to make the brittle and everything else you can really wing.  Just add any cookie you like and a combo of nuts and chocolate and you will have a very popular treat.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 box Vanilla Wafer cookies
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips (any variety)
1/4-1/2 cup toffee bits (you can buy packaged in the grocery store or break up a toffee bar like a Heath candy bar into small pieces)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

On a lined cookie sheet lay out Vanilla Wafer cookies in a single layer.  Sprinkle almonds and pecans  over top of cookies and set pan aside.

Meanwhile in a small saucepan melt together butter and brown sugar.   Bring mixture to a boil and continue boiling over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

Carefully pour boiling sugar mixture over the top of the cookies and nuts to cover completely.  Place in hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes until pan is hot and bubbling.

Remove from oven and pour chocolate chips over the top and spread into a smooth layer with an off set spatula or the back of a spoon.  Then sprinkle the top of the melted chocolate with toffee bits.  Let brittle cool completely until hardened.  You can put the cookie sheet with the warm brittle in the freezer to speed up the process.  Break into bite size pieces and try to eat just one!

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Susan brought this to our last family brunch.  It was a huge hit especially with the guys.   If you like cinnamon you will LOVE this easy quick bread.  

Ingredients:

2 cups All Purpose / Plain flour 
1 1/2 cups regular sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbsp cinnamon powder
The Glaze:
1/4 cup powdered / icing sugar
2 tsp milk

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease a 9-in loaf pan.  Combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, egg, vanilla and oil; stir just until moistened.  In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and remaining sugar. Pour half of the batter into bread pan; sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Spread with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar.  Using a skewer or knife, cut through the batter to swirl a few times. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing to wire rack. Cool completely.  For the glaze, combine icing / powdered sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over loaf.  Allow to cool.