Fudge Crackle Cookies

It's been very busy around the cafe' these past several weeks. We haven't had a lot of time to post to the blog, so we wanted to take a minute today to share another recipe with you. Since we've had such an overwhelming response to our Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies, we want to share another delicious cookie recipe with you...Fudge Crackle Cookies. These moist cookies are always a huge hit. We hope you enjoy them!

Fudge Crackle Cookies

1 pkg. fudge brownie mix (13x9 size)
1 C. all-purpose flour
1 egg
½ C. water
¼ C. canola oil
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Confectioner’s sugar


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat the brownie mix, flour, egg, water, and oil until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Place confectioner’s sugar in a shallow dish. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into sugar; roll to coat. Place 2 inches apart on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets . Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set. Let cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Cookbook of the Month: September 2012

Today, we are starting a new feature here at the Inspiration Cafe': Cookbook of the Month. Each month we will feature a cookbook that we have enjoyed and would like to recommend to you. Our first featured cookbook is "Anyone Can Cook". This is a wonderful cookbook for beginner cooks and would be a great gift for college students or young newlyweds who are just getting started on their own.

Review from Publishers Weekly
"This all-purpose, accessible book provides great information in a visual, easy-to-find-in-an-instant format. More than 550 recipes—appetizers through desserts—are illustrated by 1,000 helpful photographs that effectively demonstrate techniques in addition to showing finished dishes. The opening section covers everything from where to find ingredients in a grocery store to the method for cutting up a pineapple or to chop nuts. Recipes are all labeled with a skill level range from absolute basic to more inventive (but still simple); there's a straightforward Guacamole a couple of pages away from Avocado-Feta Salsa; and basic French Toast right before Stuffed Croissant French Toast. The editors anticipate questions and either answer them on the page with the recipe (with the Herbed Leek Gratin, for example, is an explanation of What's a gratin?) or direct them to the location in the book where a technique or ingredient is described, via an Ask Mom box on the bottom of each page. (A box on the Herbed Leek Gratin page points to answers for What is a leek? How do I prepare leeks? How do I snip fresh herbs?) It's a great resource for beginner cooks." (Oct.)
(Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Product Description
No other book looks or cooks like this one! Whether you're a novice or seasoned cook, this book is for you.
Intro to Cooking: An 84-page visual guide answers any question you might have about ingredients, tools, and techniques.
Skill Level: A skill level icon lets you know if a recipe is easy, easier, or easiest to make.
Ask Mom: At the bottom of every recipe you'll find questions you might have about that recipe and a cross-reference to the page with the answer. It's that easy!
550+ Recipes: There's everything from the comfort foods you crave (mashed potatoes and mini meat loaves) to the world flavors (Indian curries and Thai-style wraps) you enjoy in restaurants.
900+ Color Photos: 600 step-by-step photos show you everything you need to know; 300 finished recipe photos entice you to cook.
700+ Tips: Learn from the experts with helpful advice, tips, tricks, and more.

Helpful Hint #1

Today, we would like to share some Cooking Measurement Equivalents that are sure to come in handy at some point...

Cooking Measurement Equivalents

1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)
1/16 cup = 1 tablespoon
1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
1/6 cup = 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
3/8 cup = 6 tablespoons
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons

1 cup = 48 teaspoons
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
8 fluid ounces (fl oz) = 1 cup
1 pint (pt) = 2 cups
1 quart (qt) = 2 pints
4 cups = 1 quart
1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts
16 ounces (oz) = 1 pound (lb)

a Hint = tiny amount (1/2 drop)
a Drop = 1/64 teaspoon (1/2 smidgen)
a Smidgen = 1/32 teaspoon (1/2 pinch)
a Pinch = 1/16 teaspoon (1/2 dash)
a Dash = 1/8 teaspoon (1/2 tad)
a Tad = 1/4 teaspoon
1/4 stick butter = 2 tablespoons
1 stick butter = 1/2 cup
juice of a lemon = 3 tablespoons
juice of an orange = 1/2 cup

Today's Words of Wisdom

Tombstone Cupcakes

Yes, I know Halloween is still over 2 months away, but Fall is my favorite time of year and knowing that it is just around the corner is so exciting! It's never too early to start planning for Halloween parties and events. These cupcakes are a great, simple treat that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tombstone Cupcakes

1 recipe of your favorite cupcakes, prepared
1 can of white frosting (with food coloring added to make green or orange)
Oreo cookies
Nutter Butter cookies
Black gel icing
Pumpkin candies

These cupcakes are so easy to decorate. Simply make your favorite cupcake recipe (chocolate works best). Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with green or orange frosting. Place several Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have crumbs. Using black gel icing, write R.I.P. on one half of a Nutter Butter cookie to make the tombstone. Push the Nutter Butter into the cupcake. Sprinkle the Oreo crumbs in front of the Nutter Butter to simulate the graveyard dirt. Place a Pumpkin candy on the cupcake.

Gooey Heath Bar Cake (a.k.a. Tom Selleck Cake)

Several years ago, I worked with a dear older lady who always brought this cake to company potluck dinners. It was so popular that she was expected to bring it every time we had a potluck. After a few years, I finally convinced her to share the recipe and I was amazed at how simple it was to make. She always called it "Tom Selleck Cake" (I guess you can draw your own conclusions as to why she did.) Here at the Inspiration Cafe', we simply call it "Gooey Heath Bar Cake". Hope you enjoy it!

Gooey Heath Bar Cake (a.k.a. Tom Selleck Cake)

1 box German Chocolate cake mix (plus water, eggs, and oil per pkg. directions)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel ice cream topping
1 tub whipped topping
3 Heath candy bars, crushed


Bake cake according to package directions. While still warm, poke holes over entire cake with the rounded end of the handle of a wooden or plastic mixing spoon. Pour ice cream topping over cake. Pour sweetened condensed milk over caramel topping. Refrigerate overnight.
Spread whipped topping over cake and scatter crushed Heath bars.

Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Spread

Today, we are featuring a wonderful cheese spread that becomes the perfect little appetizer when paired with your favorite crackers.

Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Spread

2 (8oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1 (8 oz.) pkg. finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ C. roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
½ tsp. garlic powder
1½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Dash of cayenne pepper or paprika


Mix everything except for roasted red peppers together with a hand mixer until smooth. Stir in roasted red peppers. Form a ball or place mixture into a small storage bowl with a lid. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with your favorite crackers.

Oreo Raspberry-Chocolate Mousse

On the dessert menu today is a wonderful Oreo Raspberry-Chocolate Mousse.

Oreo Raspberry-Chocolate Mousse

1 pkg. Oreo cookies
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 pkgs. (3.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding
1¼ C. milk
3 (8 oz.) containers of Cool Whip
1 (12 oz.) jar of seedless red raspberry jam



Place 18 Oreo cookies in a food processor and process them until they are crumbs. Combine crumbs and butter in a 3 quart bowl with high sides. Press into bottom of bowl to form a crust; set aside. Blend chocolate pudding mix and milk in a large bowl using a whisk. Stir in 1½ containers of Cool Whip and mix well. Spoon the pudding mixture evenly over the crust. Place half of the remaining Oreo cookies in the food processor and pulse until the cookies are small chunky crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the pudding layer. Place jam in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Fold in remaining 1½ containers of Cool Whip and mix well. Spread evenly over cookie crumb layer. Place the remaining Oreo cookies in the food processor and pulse until the cookies are small chunky crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the raspberry layer. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight before serving. Keep refrigerated.

Today's Words of Wisdom

Wednesday Red Plate Special: "Melt in Your Mouth" Chicken

I came across this incredibly simple recipe on Pinterest and knew I had to try it for our very first "Red Plate Special". It is absolutely amazing and the smell throughout the cafe' while it was baking was incredible. I chose shells & cheese, butter & herb mashed potatoes, and biscuits to go with this delicious chicken to make the ultimate comfort food meal. Enjoy!

"Melt in Your Mouth" Chicken

4 boneless chicken breast halves (or 8 chicken breast tenderloins)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder


Mix mayonnaise, cheese and seasonings.
Spread mixture over chicken breast and place in baking dish.
Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.


(Original recipe can be found at: http://www.food.com/recipe/melt-in-your-mouth-chicken-breast-37336 )

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Today we are serving these wonderful Pepperoni Pizza Puffs. These delicious puffs can be served as appetizers or a light main dish. Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs


3 cans (10 count) Grands Jr. Homestyle Buttermilk biscuits (NOT flaky layers)
1 jar Ragu Garlic Parmesan cheese sauce
1 pkg. Kraft Pizza shredded cheese
1 pkg. Hormel sliced pepperoni
1 egg, beaten
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Marinara or Pizza sauce for dipping


Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Separate biscuits and flatten each one with your fingers. Brush each flattened biscuit with Garlic Parmesan cheese sauce. Layer two pepperoni slices (slightly offset) in the center of each biscuit. Place a pinch of shredded cheese on top of pepperoni slices. Layer two more pepperoni slices (slightly offset) on top of shredded cheese. Fold up the edges of the biscuit and pinch to seal. Place the biscuits in 2 greased 9X13 baking pans (seam side down). Brush the top and sides of each biscuit with beaten egg. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Marinara or Pizza sauce for dipping.

YIELD: 30 puffs

Quote of the Day: April 22, 2012 "Happy Earth Day!"

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything." ~ William Shakespeare

Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

Today, we are serving one of our most popular desserts: Blueberry Cheesecake cookies!

***PLEASE NOTE***While we have made these cookies for quite a while and never had an issue with the quality of the finished product, we have received a few comments from people who have tried the recipe and ended up with "flat-as-pancake" cookies. We plan to take the recipe back to the Test Kitchen in the near future and try a couple of tweaks to see if we can figure out how to help resolve this issue. These cookies are too good to have people disappointed in the quality of the finished product. We will post the results of the Tests as soon as possible. In the meantime, we would suggest baking a small batch at first...if they come out flat, try to chill the batter for a while longer. This really seems to be a key step with this recipe. Thank you so much for the input and we apologize to those who have been disappointed with the results of this recipe. ~ the Inspiration Cafe'

Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

2 boxes Jiffy Blueberry Muffin mix
4 oz. cream cheese
1 stick “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”
½ C. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 ½ C. white chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream together butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time until blended. Combine muffin mix with the butter mixture and mix well. Fold in white chocolate chips. Chill for at least one hour. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until just turning brown around the edges. Cool on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to wire rack until completely cooled.

Strawberry Cobbler

On the menu today, we have a simple and delicious Strawberry Cobbler.


Strawberry Cobbler

1 large tub of frozen sliced strawberries
2 C. sugar, divided
½ C. water
1 stick of butter or margarine
1½ C. self-rising flour
1½ C. milk


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 9x13 glass baking dish and place in the oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup of sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Bake 35 minutes. (Batter will rise to the top while baking.)

Stuffed-Crust Pizza

The Inspiration Cafe has re-opened and on the menu today is a delicious Stuffed-Crust Pizza! The recipe below is for a Pepperoni & Beef pizza, but you can use the basic crust and add whatever toppings you prefer. Enjoy!


Stuffed-Crust Pizza

2 tubes (13.8 ounces each) refrigerated pizza crust
10 pieces string cheese
1 ½ - 2 lbs. of ground beef
Pepperoni slices
1 small jar of marinara or pizza sauce
2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) shredded mozzarella or Italian Blend cheese


Unroll both pizza crusts and place in a greased 15x10x1 inch jellyroll baking pan, letting dough drape 1 in. over the edges. Pinch center seam to seal.
Place string cheese around edges of pan. Fold dough over cheese; pinch to seal. Bake at 425° for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown ground beef until no longer pink, seasoning to taste.
Spread a layer of sauce over crust with ladle. Sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese to cover sauce. Layer pepperoni slices on top of cheese. Layer ground beef on top of pepperoni. Repeat layers of sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and ground beef. Cover top with a layer of cheese.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Quote of the Day: July 26, 2010

Today's "Quote of the Day"...

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Creamy Corn

On the menu at the Inspiration Cafe' today we have one of our most requested recipes: Creamy Corn. Tired of having just plain old corn with dinner? Try this delicious side dish tonight!

Creamy Corn

2 (16 oz.) Pkgs. of frozen corn
1 (8 oz.) Pkg. of cream cheese
2 tbsp. of granulated sugar
4 tbsp. of butter or margarine
¼ cup of milk


Place all ingredients except cream cheese in a Crock-Pot set on high. Cut cream cheese into small chunks and place on top of corn mixture. Leave Crock-Pot on high for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring mixture every 10 minutes. After cream cheese chunks have melted, reduce temperature to low for another hour.

Chocolate Éclair “Cake”

I don't know about where you live, but here in the Southeast U.S. we are going through a HEAT WAVE! What better time to stay inside enjoying the air conditioning and a cool, creamy, chocolatey, delicious dessert like Chocolate Éclair “Cake”? Enjoy!


Chocolate Éclair “Cake”

2 boxes of French Vanilla instant pudding
1 large container of whipped topping
1 box of graham crackers
1 can of milk chocolate icing
3 cups of milk

Line ungreased baking pan or dish (13 X 9) with graham crackers (unbroken). Mix vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and milk. Alternate pudding and graham crackers, ending with graham crackers. Melt icing and pour over crackers. Cool and chill in refrigerator. (Better when made the day before serving).

Quote of the Day: July 23, 2010

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." ~ Winston Churchill

Sloppy-Joes

Happy Friday, Everyone! On the menu today we have the perfect Friday night dinner, one of the quickest and easiest favorites: Sloppy-Joes! While there's nothing wrong with Sloppy-Joes from a can, why not take just a few extra minutes and try this wonderful homemade recipe.


Sloppy-Joes

3 lbs. ground chuck
1 medium onion, diced
1 small bottle of ketchup
3 Tbsp. yellow mustard
dash of Worchestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste


Brown ground chuck and onions. Add ketchup, mustard, and worchestershire sauce. (If too tart, add a little sugar). Serve on hamburger buns.

Cookies for Kids' Cancer

Today I want to introduce you to a wonderful organization that is making great strides in raising funds to fight pediatric cancers. Cookies for Kid's Cancer was started by the mother of a precious 2-year old boy named Liam. He was diagnosed with a deadly cancer called Neuroblastoma, a disease that only about 30% of children survive. Here are a few facts from the Cookies for Kid's Cancer website...

Their mission

Cookies for Kids' Cancer is committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids' Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer.

Their Goal

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is not about one child or one type of pediatric cancer. It is about improving the survival rates for all pediatric cancers. Important statistics to know:

· There has not been a new drug developed specifically for pediatric cancer treatment in nearly 20 years.

· The treatments most children receive today were created for adults and have not been proven truly safe for children.

· If children survive the initial treatments, they are often left with other life threatening conditions from the aggressive treatments intended to save them.

· The survival rates for pediatric cancers have improved from where they were in the 80's when very few children survived at all.

· The unfortunate reality is that progress has all but stalled and survival rates lag behind most adult cancers. Breast cancer for example now has survival rates over 90%.


Please visit http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org to learn more about this wonderful organization and how you can help to make a difference.

Double Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Today is Cookie Day at the Inspiration Cafe'! You'll love these wonderful, moist cookies! This is the perfect recipe for a Bake Sale (especially one to raise money for "Cookies for Kids' Cancer") because it yields a large amount of cookies. Enjoy!


Double Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
2½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 egg white
½ cup sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3½ cups bread flour
1 Tbsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 cups Jumbo semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add brown sugar, beating until creamy. Beat in eggs, egg white, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined.

In a medium bowl, combine bread flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined. Fold in chocolate chips until combined.

Drop batter by tablespoonfuls (I use a cookie scoop), 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets (I ONLY use insulated). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool on sheets for 2 minutes. Remove from sheets and cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Today's special is delicious Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Who doesn't love Macaroni and Cheese?

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 (16 oz.) box of elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. of any 4-cheese shredded cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1 C. milk
4 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
½ C. of sour cream
½ tsp. salt


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Once the macaroni is cooked and drained, place in a large bowl while still hot and add one pkg. of the shredded cheese. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour into a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. Take out of oven and top with remaining pkg. of shredded cheese. Return to oven until cheese has melted.

Quote of the Day: July 20, 2010

Here's our very first "Quote of the Day":

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Baked Penne Parmesan

On the menu today is a tasty pasta dish that proves that Parmesan cheese is much more than just a topping, "Baked Penne Parmesan".

Baked Penne Parmesan

1 box (16 oz.) Penne pasta, Cooked & Drained
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
¾ cup Parmesan Cheese
1 8 oz. Pkg. Shredded Italian Cheese


Brown Ground Beef and drain. Stir in Pasta, Sauce, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese. Mix Well. Spoon into 13X9 baking dish. Top with Shredded cheese and then sprinkle remaining Parmesan Cheese on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Strawberry-Banana Jell-O Cake

For our first recipe at the Inspiration Cafe', we're offering a slice of a wonderful dessert: the simple, delicious Strawberry-Banana Jell-O Cake. Enjoy!


Strawberry-Banana Jell-O Cake

1 box white cake mix
1 large box strawberry-banana gelatin
¾ cup of hot water
1 (8 oz.) tub of whipped topping


Bake cake according to directions. Mix box of gelatin with hot water until dissolved. Poke holes over entire cake with large fork or the rounded end of a wooden or plastic spoon handle. Pour gelatin over entire cake. Chill for 2 to 3 hours. Spread whipped topping evenly over top. Garnish with sliced strawberries and bananas if desired. Keep refrigerated.

Welcome to the Inspiration Cafe'!

Welcome to the Grand Opening of the Inspiration Cafe', your online hangout where you'll find some delicious, quick and easy recipes and handy cooking tips all seasoned with a little uplifting encouragement and positive thinking. So pull up a chair at any empty table. There's always immediate seating and no reservations are required. Hopefully you'll find some great food for the body and soul and keep coming back for more!