Hi, mamas! We have lived in our neighborhood for just over a year, and it's a great community. Some of our neighbors have done some really nice things for us lately (offering help with heavy lifting, sharpening lawn mower blades, etc), and I'd love to reciprocate by making some cookies, pies, or something in the kitchen. Do you have a go-to pie or cookie recipe? Whatever I make, I'll probably make a lot, because we have lots of thanking to do. :) I'm trying to think of something that everyone would be able to eat, so maybe no peanuts or coconut (in case of allergies)...maybe something fruity?
Thanks!
My first thought was Lemon Bars, but as you want to make a lot I would go with Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Cookies, without nuts in case anyone is sensitive to them.
You could also have a cookout or cocktail party and invite all those who have been so helpful. It celebrates them individually but also celebrates the wonderful spirit in your neighborhood, and brings them all together with each other. I'm so glad you have such a great community! And be sure you reach out to help others as well.
I too have a great neighborhood!!
Instead of making individual goodies - I started forming Block Parties - my husband and I supply the meat (hamburgers, hot dogs) and the grill and everyone chips in - we all sit around talking and laughing - it's GREAT!!!
Our was yesterday - it started at 2PM and my husband and three neighbors stayed outside until 3AM talking and laughing!!!
That is so sweet! I would make choc-chip cookies, angelfood cake with strawberries and whipped cream, or some kind of bread-pumkin, zucchini etc. GL!
M
I make mini cherry cheesecakes. I made 48 for my dad's work and they LOVED them! I made a ton for thanksgiving, LOVED them! It's always been a hugeee hit. Of course it is, it's bakerella's recipe :) (She does the infamous cake pops)
http://www.bakerella.com/super-easy-mini-cherry-cheesecakes/
I believe 2 batches makes 48 mini cherry cheesecakes.
I make homemade bread. I let my bread machine do the mixing then I finish in the oven. It is a universial hit.
I'd find (or make) a starter batch of Amish Friendship Bread! You get quite a few loaves if you make up ALL but the one starter/saver batch each time. That's what I always did because I could never find anyone to give the extra starters to. And with this bread, you can use chocolate, lemon, vanilla, ANY flavor pudding in the mix to change it up! Google it.
Otherwise, my go-to recipe is Special K bars. But it has the peanut butter in it that you are trying to avoid........ I make it in a 12*17 pan so I get a ton of bars out of one batch. And EVERYONE loves and asks for them! (1 cup sugar, 1 cup corn syrup. Cook over stove till first bubble. Take off and add 1 1/2 cups pb. Stir. Add 6 cups Special K. Stir. Press into large pan. Melt 1 bag chocolate chips and spread over top.)
That is wonderful and thoughtful of you! I'm always baking sweets and passing them out to my neighbor's too! How about making lemon bar's? Or even a fancy fruit salad with cut up watermelon, carve the other half of the watermelon out into a bowl and fill it up with fruit....I also make chocolate covered pretzel rod's for the neighbor's kid's and they love them! Go onto KraftFoods.com and check out the reciep's they have on there..Hope you figure it all out! Have a wonderful summer!
Rice Krispy treats!! If someone made those for me I'd be so happy :)
I would probably have a BBQ and invite everyone. It can just be hot dogs
and hamburgers and salads. I am sure they would love to be treated to
that. It is also a good chance for everyone to get together. Have fun!
Brownie Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups cubed prepared brownies
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment or silpat liner.
2. Place butter and sugars into the bowl of a stand or electric mixer, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until well combined.
3. Place flour, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips and brownie chunks until just combined.
4. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet about 1-inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
Makes 3 dozen cookies
I made these this past weekend and they were delicious!!!! I would deliver them the same day you make them though - much better when fresh. Also, look up on the internet the supposed "Neiman Marcus" cookie recipe - it makes a TON of cookies w/1 batch and they are wonderful. Something cute to consider, buy some of the cheapo DVD/CD white sleeves, make oversized cookies and put them in there. Print out white labels w/ "Thank you" or whatever message/pic you want and cut them to size!
Coconut is a fruit (misnamed) and not related to nuts so few worries about allergies there. However, some people don't like the flavor so I'd probably choose something more people like.... chocolate chip cookies or brownies. I love to make (and eat) pie. They are more work than cookies but I like to make apple pie with a crumb top crust and cream pies which are easier to make alot of because you only have to bake the bottom crust, fill with custard and refrigerate.
