Chocolate Cookie Dough Scones

These delectable treats are one of the favorites of the TriStar Cafe, one of the best sellers so far this year! They have a crust on the outside and on the inside is a chocolate cookie dough like texture with a hint of cinnamon and honey. Completely safe to eat, easy and cheap to make, and can be used for any special event! 

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar 

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup honey 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla (I add about another teaspoon)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup white whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour (I use bread flour)

1/2 cup miniature semisweet pieces (or choclate chips)

3 ounces (1/3 cup) bittersweet chocolate

1/2 teaspoon shortening

*** For the drizzle I add more shortening (a tablespoon) to get the right consistency ***

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Beat in brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs, honey, and vanilla. beat in as much of the all-purpose flour and the whole wheat flour as you can. Stir in any remaining flour. Stir in chocolate pieces. 

2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool. 

3. In a saucepan, heat and stir bittersweet chocolate and shortening over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Drizzle chocolate over cookies. Let stand 30 minutes or until set.

Happy Baking!

-Katie Moscarello

Double Tomato Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS:

6 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil 3 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 French baguette 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat the oven on broiler setting.
2.	In a large bowl, combine the roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
3.	Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly brown.
4.	Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Top the slices with mozzarella cheese.
5.	Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.                      If you are going to a holiday party and are trying to find something to make, try this delicious Double Tomato Bruschetta. It is perfect for any party, but it is especially good for this time of year. The red of the tomatoes and the green of the basil will match any Christmas decorations. The white mozzarella cheese looks like snow on top of this warm and delicious appetizer. It is the perfect size to eat and share with friends this holiday season. The tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and basil are a perfect combination to please all your guests.

-Rashelle Gold