Cookie Extravaganza!!!

A couple of weeks ago one of my co-workers asked me to make some cookies for his son who is at the Naval Academy. So I took on the challenge. My friend suggested a couple of types, I decided to make all of them.

I sent his son two dozen football shaped sugar cookies topped with Royal Icing (I finally got the flooding to work). 2 Dozen each Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin. Then I added a batch of mini brownies. Phew...it was a big task, but I did enjoy myself.

I say my first "baking job" was a big hit!! I got word that some of the guys at the Academy thouroughly enjoyed the cookies!! I am so glad.

Next job: cake and cookies for my Sis in Laws shower!!! Then! I get to decorate cupcakes for my friends wedding in March! My dream of becoming a baker is starting to happen!!! Now, if I could just do it full time!

Pork Chops with Apple-Cherry Stuffing

When I found this recipe on Betty Crocker (http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/slow-cooker-pork-chops-with-apple-cherry-stuffing?modalclose=1) I couldn't wait to try it! It sounded DELICIOUS! And I could use my crock pot for it!!!

We were a bit disappointed. The cherry flavor was very overpowering and made the rest of the meal a bit tart. I think if I make this again (which I will, because the concept would be delicious with some modifications) I would reduce the chicken broth to maybe half a cup or 3/4, the stuffing was a bit soggy. I would remove the cherries all together, maybe even the apples. I realize then that it's just stuffing and pork then, but I imagine that would be yummy. I would also reduce the cook time. By the time I got home from work, it was cooking for about six hours. The stuffing was mushy but the pork was extremely tender, that it just fell apart into the stuffing. That was yummy. I had very thin pork chops so that could explain the not needing to cook for so long.

All in all, this meal wasn't that bad. I would just make changes for sure.

*photo from Betty Crocker, which looks nothing like my dish did!