It’s time for me to come clean.
I’m not feeling very festive this year. We didn’t put our tree up. No decorations. Elmer our Elf came for his first visit over the weekend. Most of my shopping is done. Nothing is wrapped. I haven’t done any of my homemade gifts or packaged up my gift boxes for friends out-of-town. I made out 5 Christmas cards today. I’m just not feeling full of holiday cheer. My little family is going through a lot.
Friday my mother-in-law brought kiddo over and along with the child she brought a table top tree. So, I went downstairs to get our small tree skirt and made my feeble attempt at a small decoration. Oddly, it was very cute. My MIL and I started talking about how when she was younger and they were poor her mother would save the comics from the newspapers for the entire year and use those to wrap presents. I remember as a child having presents wrapped in comics and when the comics ran out cause the box was too big there would be newspaper. When I was kiddo’s age I never saw the absence of decorations or wrapping paper as the signal for a struggling year. My mother never let on that things were bad. She taught me very early on that we appreciate what we have, don’t worry about what we don’t and make the best of everything.
My time with kiddo is always limited. After my MIL left that little girl told me that she didn’t need anything for Christmas. She was just happy she was living here and didn’t have to go back to her moms. That going to the school her dad grew up in was all she ever dreamed of and that was the best present she could get. She is a pretty amazing little girl; such a good heart. I told her that he presents were taken care of. The lack of tree and decorations was more a time issue than anything. That, and I just don’t want to deal with our old, ugly, broken down tree anymore. But, I went on to explain that while she is not getting a lot, she is getting meaningful gifts and that her father and myself will do without before she does. Our finances are not so bad that she’s going to be giftless this year.
One of kiddos favorite things to do is bake. We don’t always have the best of luck when it comes to making stellar masterpieces in the baking department, but we always have the best fun. I’m not sure how it started, but we decide to make a batch of cookies with the new Toll House DelightFulls. Mr. Yum wanted to start with the Caramel filled DelightFulls.
It took all 3 of us to get these cookies made. Flour was flying all over. Laughter could be heard across the house.
But, it was the sound of my “Oh-noes” that caused the panic. True to my baking standards, something went wrong. Our nice chewy cookies quickly turned into a flat melty mess. I’m not sure what happened as I followed the instructions on the package for the traditional cookie recipe. The only switch was that I used some organic sugar and we used all the chips ;).
For those wondering – filled chocolate chips – no the middle doesn’t melt out!
If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know we eat our baked goods, no matter how ugly they are. It’s ok. I am not a baker and I don’t claim to be one. I know my limits when it comes to treats. LOL
So, here are my ‘pancake’ caramel chocolate chip cookies. Look rotten, taste good. Hey, at least I am consistent. I loved the mix of the chocolate and caramel. It make my cookies taste like they had bits of candy bars in them.
Not wanting another batch that’s going to be flat I decided to make the Peanut Butter filled DelightFulls into a cookie cake. Baked in my cast iron skillet. I loved this. Each bite had this warm chocolate peanut butter explosion in my mouth. It was nice and had a bit of fluff. Not quite chewy cookie but not quite cake.
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 sticks margarine, partially melted and mixed
- ¾ organic sugar (Tate & Lyle)
- ¾ brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 1 package Nestle Toll House DelightFulls Peanut Butter Filled Morsels
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Grease your cast iron skillet. I used a nice thick layer of margarine.
- In one large bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Use a fork to mix them together.
- In another bowl combine the margarine, sugar and brown sugar.
- Use a blender, on low, combine the ingredients.
- Slowly add the vanilla.
- Continue beating and add one egg at a time.
- Once everything is combined and whipped, add the flour mixture a little bit at a time.
- Once your ingredients have been combined you can turn off the blender.
- Using a mixing spatula fold in the DelightFulls chips.
- Pour the mixture into the cast iron skillet.
- Allow to cook for 20-25 minutes or until a knife check comes out clean.
- Allow to cool a bit before eating.
Even Tink had to get in the kitchen and find a way to help. I did say this was a family event, right? :0
The next day kiddo went to spend the night with her new little friend and I packed a special treat bag for them to share. Her father and I are so excited for her to start her life here, no matter the cost.
Do you have fond memories of cookie baking when you were younger? Ever have any disasters?
Disclosure: This is a sponsor post between Linqia, Nestle Toll House and myself. I am compensated for the products in this review which allowed me to create my recipe and I am being compensated for my time. Regardless of that, I love Nestle Toll House baking chips and feel working together brings value to my readers. Opinions and photos are 100% all mine.
These look simply amazing! I love anything peanut butter and anything baked in an iron skillet!
I hate that anyone is struggling – especially this time of year. I’ve been on the fence, and trying to get more into the holiday spirit.
I have lots of fond memories of baking with my mom. I’m considering canceling some plans tonight so I can bake with my kiddo.
Yes please. Peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite combination in the entire world. NOM.
I keep seeing these cookies in skillets! Looks so fun:)
Of course you have to let Tink in on the fun! That big cookie looks yummy!
I think disasters can be half the fun in the kitchen. Sometimes they are the Eureka moments!
We love baking cookies. I has been a long standing tradition
I have nothing but disasters when I attempt to bake! Like the time I tried to make a Challah bread from a mix—uh–I ended up with four misshaped kind of rolls!! but they tasted great. I always under or over cook cookies–I don’t even attempt cakes or pies. You really do sound like you had a great time and that is what it is all about.
I haven’t put our tree up either and probably won’t. Once the kids grow up it just isn’t any fun. Besides if I put it up, I have to take it down u
This looks like such a fun idea. Believe it or not, my sister would just love this.
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing. I have to make this for my husband, he is a hugh peanut butter fan.
YUM! I really want to eat this right now! 🙂
This looks and sounds SO good! I love skillet cookies. Since there’s only one, it’s a single serving, right? 😉
Sorry things aren’t going great. I grew up spoilt and I think I did the same with my kids. Sometimes you have to go through rough times to learn to appreciate the things you do have. btw that huge cookie looks yummy!
I’ve made a skillet cookie before but nothing like this! It looks AMAZING! I need to try it out again!
I love that you are so candid with your baking failures. ha! The cookie cake looks so good though. I love cookie cake but have yet to make one!
What great flavors! It looks like you all had a great time making them as well.
Oh yum these sound delicious – thank you so much for sharing, I need to get a baking! x
I love skillet cookies. I will try this one.
What a yummy looking treat! I love your husband’s apron!
This looks so good. Oh my goodness! I love this time of year for baking.
This looks incredible! The only problem for me would be not consuming the entire skillet full!
Wow this is the ultimate cookie. That looks so good, I shouldn’t ever read your blog when hungry! Yum
I would love to make this giant cookie for my daughter’s birthday! Imagine coming home from school to see a GIANT cookie?! That would be the best birthday ever.
I always use Nestle Toll House morsels when I bake. I am sorry you are having such financial struggles.
Thank you for that Beth. It’s not just our finances. It’s just our little world issues too. I love Nestle when baking.
You had me at peanut butter and chocolate, that sounds so good!
I love this recipe a lot, chocolate and peanut butter is so yummy!
Cookies in a skillet! I love that. I love Tink too. I hope you are able to get your holiday mojo flowing soon so that you can feel a little bit better about it all. But I do now how you feel. Been there before.
Tink is my baby girl; she’s 2. I also have a 9 year old boxer, Casey. I have had her since she was 6 months. I rescued her from a near death issue. Sometimes she appears around here.
I love how creative this idea is – SKILLETS rock! I have one waiting for me at Christmas!
I’ve never had cookies made in a skillet, what a great idea. Yes, I’ve had my fair share of disasters, that’s why I don’t like baking so much, but I do enjoy eating fresh, homemade cookies.
I love his apron. That skillet cookie looks so yummy. I would great warm with a scoop of ice cream.
LOL! Thanks I will be sure to let him know. He loves his Captain America.
We do a lot of baking but for whatever reason, we never seem to do a lot of cookies. Gobs of cakes and cupcakes and other sweets, but not a lot of cookies. We will be checking these out. Baking from scratch is fun when you have time, but great tasting and able to skip some steps? Sign me up!
We aren’t super big on cookies either. We do love making brownies though. Those are our favorites.
I like the idea of a skillet cookie. That’s sure to be soft and fluffy, just the way I like my cookies!
This loos so delicious. I will have to try making some. I can remember baking cookies and homemade doughnuts when i was little.
This skillet cookie looks yummy. I can’t wait to make this I love peanut butter cookies. The apron is just fantastic.
That was his Christmas present last year. He’s been a Captain America fan since he was about 4.
I have fond memories of baking with my own kiddos. My son was even asking me last week when we were going to start baking for the holidays. He remembers from two years ago. I think they would love to make this skillet cookie.
It sounfs like Kiddo has a beautiful personality.
My mom always says the best cake is the ugliest cake.
That looks so good, I’m afraid I would eat the whole thing.
WOW what an amazing little cookie recipe. I haven’t seen those chocolate chips like that before, either. I’ll have to look for them when I buy my baking goods this weekend.
That is one big cookie! The last time I ate a giant cookie, I was in high school! I need to try this recipe!
I love skillet cookies! This looks delicious!
SOunds like it is tasty! I love peanut butter and chocolate combos
Ooo this looks so amazing! Your Hubbys apron is awesome by the way haha
Your cookie looks absolutely yummy. Who cares if is messy if it tastes good that is all that matters. Plus I love the picture of your dog.
I love the energy around all of your blogs! I love how even though you had a cookie mishap you still will eat it no matter what and blog about it. I tell people we need to blog out mishaps too thats what makes us human! But I am grateful for this post because I love skillet cookies too – I am inspired to make some! Im actually checking out the Nestle’s Toll House site now! Thanks!!!
I never grew up cooking with my Mom or anyone. I actually started to learn to bake and cook with my first born, now she excels in baking and is often found in the kitchen baking. It is her escape when she is overwhelmed with life.
I want to make this!!! Pinning so I can do it!
We are so glad you shared with us at the Home Matters Linky party! Please be sure to come back to our next party on Jan. 9th. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
This looks like such a fun family project! Sounds like you all had a ball!
Now THAT’S my kinda cookie! Thanks so much for sharing with us at the #homematters linky party! We’re back on January 9 🙂 We’d love for you to join us then!
Congrats! Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is a Featured Post at the Home Matters Linky Party ! The Door is Open, so come one by and add a Linky to the Party. 🙂
~Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
#HomeMattersParty
Thanks so much for the feature Lorelai!
You are welcome! 🙂