Sunday, December 12, 2010

Appreciation Shortbread & A Giveaway

I am one lucky blessed woman. I honestly believe that I have the best husband in the world. Shouldn't we all feel that way about our significant others though? When I went out of town, this past weekend, Mr. H cleaned house, did laundry, put up the Christmas tree and did a little decorating just to help me out. Then yesterday he was scrubbing toilets! That means the world to me since I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately- there's just so much to do and very little time to do it all. I appreciate him and his thoughtfulness, but I don't always have the appropriate words to express how I feel. "I love you" and "thank you" don't always seem adequate.

To sweeten my "thank you's" I made him these cappuccino shortbread. He's a big coffee, chocolate and butter lover, and these filled the bill. This recipe comes from Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook. Lots of bloggers have been reviewing their cookbook and famous chocolate chip cookies, and I am no different. When someone offers me cookies and a cookbook for free, I don't hesitate to say yes :-) Thank you Tate's! These shortbread (pg.33) were crunchy, buttery, flaky and loaded with intense coffee flavor. The chocolate bits were just an added bonus. And they're pretty enough to share, so be sure to make an extra batch of this decadent treat.

I received 3 different flavors of cookies- Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia, and Oatmeal Raisin. These cookies are thin and crunchy, not soft and chewy. They made with salted butter, so there's a bit of salty and sweet in every bite. My MIL likes her cookies crunchy like this so I shared with her. We thought they had good flavor but wished for more chocolate chips. The oatmeal raisin (which I normally love) was my least favorite, because they weren't crisp or chewy, they were somewhere in between which was slightly off putting to me. The cookbook has lots of great sounding recipes and I look forward to making a few more things from it. My only complaint is that there aren't many pictures, but that's not a deal breaker for me. That just means I have to read the recipe and use my imagination.

Cappuccino Shortbread slightly adapted from Tate's Bake Shop

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  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temp
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate mini morsels

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix all the ingredients except for the chocolate in a mixing bowl. Mix until everything is combined. Add the chocolate and mix again to incorporate.

Put the mixture into an ungreased 9-inch square pan (I used a round pan). Pat down the mixture evenly.

Bake them for about 30 minutes or until they are brown on the edges.

Remove the pan from the oven. While still hot from the oven, cut the shortbread into desired sizes (I used a bench scraper). Let cool completely in pan.

Yield: 32 small or 16 larger pieces. (I got 12 generous triangles).

The generous folks at Tate's Bake Shop want to give one of you the same gift pack that I received. The giveaway is open to US residents only.

One winner will receive:

  • A copy of Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook by Kathleen King
  • 3 boxes of Tate's Bake Shop cookies

To enter this giveaway:

  • Please leave a comment here telling me how you show your appreciation for the people you care about.
  • For a second entry, become a fan of Tate's Bake Shop on Facebook. Leave an additional (separate) comment for this.

This deal keeps getting sweeter. If you'd like to purchase any of Tate's baked goods, enter "cookies" at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase, through December 31, 2010.

You have until Friday, December 17th, then I'll pick a winner. Good luck!

Have a great weekend!

112 comments:

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

These do sound delicious!!!!! My Tates cookies were delicious and since I am a a fan of white chocolate the macadamia were my favourite.

Laura said...

MEEEE!! pick me! :D I like to bake for people or reciprocate their gestures.

From the Kitchen said...

I think you chose a perfectly "sweet" thank you for your husband. What a great guy! Butter, chocolate and coffee are very satisfying to me as well.

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

I try to show my appreciation to my husband by doing little things to help him out, I try and run an extra load of laundry so he doesn't have to, I try to clean up around the house. I also like cooking him his favorite meals, or fixing a snack that I just know he would love!

corinne said...

Baked goods tend to be my method as well!

Sue said...

I'm so glad you made this...now I know I want to. Looks great. I think you did a wonderful job with the review. I like more pictures in my cookbooks too, but if the recipes are all as good as the Hermits I made and this one you made...I'll deal.

Don't enter me...you know I have this one already.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I've got that book on order, btw did u read the forward by Ina Garten?!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Very kind and loving husband you have :)

Thank you for a chance to win cookies :) The white chocolate macadamia sound yummy.

Sounds repetitive, but I really do like to cook or bake for those I love. Well, I like to cook and bake for just about anyone.

Debbie said...

The shortbread looks great Monica. I made a similar one a while back. Don't count this comment in your giveaway - I am also having a Tate's giveaway starting tomorrow! Too funny!!!!

Astrid said...

I would love that cookbook. The cookies look good too, but its the cookbook I want. I show appreciation by baking, definitely, and by cute cards. The shortbread looks delicious. Maybe I will make some today. Haven't decided what to bake yet.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the opportunity! I like to show appreciation by many ways; cooking, going and doing something fun together... or just plain telling that person how I feel about them.

Lauren (PB&G) said...

I love shortbread cookies.. mmm!

I show appreciation for those I love by sharing my time with them over a fantastic, favorite meal of theirs I might have whipped up or a nice cup of coffee. The best way you can show appreciation is with attention to those people that are so important to you.

Jodi said...

My amazing husband works overnight shifts and usually gets 6-7 hours of sleep so that he can get up and be a part of the family - to show my appreciation, I let him sleep as long as he wants. I appreciate how hard he works and how he also wants to be an active part of our family.

Emily N. said...

I like to show my appreciation by helping out the people who have helped me and I thank them verbally or with a note.

Topher said...

I love making baked goods for those I love as a little extra way to show I care. Thanks!


Chris

zekks at yahoo dot com

April was in CA now MA said...

Oh my goodness these look so good!!! This is going on my list of things to bake for the holidays (my list is as long as Santas delivery list!)

My husband is such a caring and giving person and he also loves to eat, so I show my appreciation by cooking for him.

Suburban prep said...

I bake goodies and I also make things via knitting.
I will also help my sister who at this time has three young boys (all under the age of 5) and sit and tend to them.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

What I do to show my appreciation is bake little treats. If someone at work does something nice for me, they get some little goodies the next day. People are so surprised and extremely happy. And that shortbread looks good! I'm going to try that sometime soon.

Unknown said...

I also became a fan of Tate's on Facebook!

Emily N. said...

I'm a fan of Tate's Bake Shop on Facebook.

Unknown said...

just reading your blog think I might put tsp of the espresso powder in HIS FAVORITE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE FILING and melted chocolate on top with toffee bits! also I just ran across your Banana Pecan Butter Buns for those 'we're coming over for a visit' moments...you are my 'go to' blog!

Pat said...

I like to show appreciation for my wife by cleaning the entire house while she's gone for the day. She hates housework! For others, I like to tell them how much I appreciate them or what they did.

Karen said...

Tate's! I have heard so many good things about them, I would love to try their cookies :)

I show my appreciation by doing the things for my husband that I know he loves. He has an odd schedule so I like to have dinner ready for him when he gets home late at night.

Unknown said...

i usually write them a note or make them something (food or a gift)--i love to give gifts to friends!

Unknown said...

and i like tate's on facebook!

Unknown said...

It too like to show my appreciate for my loved ones by feeding them yummy treats. :)

Unknown said...

And I'm already a fan of Tate's on Facebook.

Amber said...

My sweetie loves white chocolate, but I'm not really a big fan. So when I know he's been working extra hard or doing some super thoughtful things, then I like to make him something he loves like white chocolate macadamia nut cookies or some chocolate/white chocolate bark.

Sara said...

I also like to show appreciation through baking, especially if it's a treat I know someone has a sentimental connection to, like if it was a childhood favorite.

Amber said...

I just became a fan on facebook!

Taylor said...

oooh those look so buttery and delicious! YUM! I have been seeing this cookbook everywhere...I think I need to get it!

Sherry G said...

This recipe looks phenomenal! And I definitely show my appreciation to people by baking for them!

Sherry G said...

I am a fan on facebook!

Anonymous said...

I always say thank you, but I like to bake a special treat or cook a nice dinner too :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
http://scr.im/ladybugemail

Kelgirl105@yahoo.com said...

Monica, you summed up exactly how I feel-- my boyfriend does so much for me that I never know how to really tell him thank you and let him know how much he means to me! I have baked for him on occasion, but he doesn't always appreciate the temptation sitting around when he wants to lose weight! Sometimes a back rub shows appreciation, but I am not very good at it!!

Heather at Kitchen Concoctions said...

Since I love to cook and bake that is usually my go to way to say thanks to someone I care about1

amber@This Mommy Cooks said...

I usually just tell them or write them a note.

Patricia said...

I try to do something that I know they will like. Maybe fix a favorite meal or do a chore for them that they don't like to do.

phjones21@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love to bake and send little treats in the mail for those I love.
mel mkjacquot@gmail.com

jajb.lilly said...

To show my gratitude I bake a loaf of bread and give it with a jar of homemade jam.

Jennie said...

Not surprising post for a cooking blog, but I bake to show affection!

Ms. Mini said...

i am always appreciated of an old fashioned, in the mail type thank you card. I like getting them, so I always make sure I send them to others.

kimt said...

making a nice meal...or a homemade craft to enjoy...or something sweet!

Cherloo said...

I believe its the little things that matter. So I will do things for them that they would or want to do for themselves. Just showing them I pay attention to them and want to do things for them to tell them how much I care and appreciate them.
cher_theblondeprincess@hotmail.com

Cherloo said...

Liked them on facebook!
cher_theblondeprincess@hotmail.com

Mystica said...

Don't enter me as I am overseas but I am having a giveaway on my blog (its open to US and Canada) so come over and enter!

All That's Left Are The Crumbs said...

I usually show my appreciation through my baking. A nice dryer-warmed towel for my girls after they have been swimming is another way to show I am thinking about them.

All That's Left Are The Crumbs said...

I am a Facebook fan of Tate's Bake Shop.

snackpig said...

I'm attempting to bake mini cherry pies for christmas. I'm hoping it works out as well for me as yours did.

wooliegirl said...

I am like you, I love to bake for those I love and want to thank. It makes me happy and hopefully them as well. The one exception is my husband. Shockingly he is not a sweets fan and doesn't like baked goods :(

Gale Reeves said...

Mom baked for those she cared about. Now, I do too. We are parts of those before us. Thanks for the give away offer. I experiment with lots of different recipes; my friends and family happily are taste testers.
You have a great blog.

Unknown said...

I think I'm more like your hubby. I try to do little things for people to let them know I love and appreciate them. Because you know that's what he was telling you too right??

And seriously girl. If I don't win this giveaway, you are going to have to make these for me. ;-)

Unknown said...

I am now a "liker" of Tate's Bake Shop on Facebook.

Patty said...

A handwritten thank you or "I appreciate you" note is my way. And a plate of chocolate chip cookies might just accompany it.

Myra Horton said...

I love to bake for others! Another way I show my thankfulness is providing homemade jams and jellies with others. Strawberry jam is always a hit.

Anonymous said...

I show people I appreciate them by saying Thank You to all the people in my community who do us a service. Like the mail carrier, garbage collector, teachers, and pastors. I take these important people for granted sometimes.

Leslie Harris said...

Looks (and sounds) like the perfect cookie! :)

Foodiewife said...

So, I have my Tate's cookies and Lammes Candies on hold. I'm nibbling a little, but pretty much using restraint. However, I agree on the CC's. They are delicious. I didn't care for the oatmeal raisin much.
I'm trying to decide what to make for myself. As for Mr. H-- yes, he's a sweetheart. As I type, my husband is cleaning the kitchen since I made one of his favorite dinners tonight. We are blessed, but so are they. I miss you.

Treehouse Chef said...

Yes I agree you have a wonderful husband and yes we should all think that about our husbands. Mine helped me all day yesterday prepare for a dinner party. He was a big help. The party was a success and I could not have pulled it off without him. Yummy looking cookies!

Holly said...

I, like you show my appreciation through food-it's my love language;)
I would love to win this-Love,Love cookbooks AND cookies!!;)

Nancy said...

I show my appreciation by giving them a hug...who doesn't love a hug and a thank you. I would be so grateful for the cookies and cookbook! Thanks!

I also became a friend on Facebook!

Annie said...

I make them the best most extravagant breakfast in bed! This includes fresh squeezed juice, poached eggs, bacon, crispy rosemary red skin potatoes, chocolate chip pancakes/ cinnamon french toast with fresh whipped vanilla cream! I love breakfast!

Usagi said...

yummy....it looks delicious:)

once upon a baker said...

love it!!! I have awarded your blog with the stylish award!! :) checkout my blog for detail and you can copy and save the stylish award that you can add and be proud of on your blog. I mentioned you on my post. you make some amazing things....drool!
www.onceuponabakersblog.blogspot.com

cookies and cups said...

That looks so yummy!
Those Tate's people sure get around :)

Unknown said...

I do much like you do-- my husband is wonderful and I don't give him enough credit! He loves homemade bread and I haven't made any in a long time but I really need to!

Unknown said...

I like tate's on facebook

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Love this batch of photos!
~ingrid

Anonymous said...

I always show my appreciation for those I love by cooking for them. We celebrate everything, no matter how small, with family meals.

Lisa in Fort Worth
lisa0655@hotmail.com

Sara and Steve said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
I bake little goodies and try to do kind gestures to show my appreciation. A hand written note with cookies is always a hit!

cla517 said...

Yum! I show my appreciation with heartfelt thank you notes. Handwritten and real.

Barbara said...

Different ways for different situations. Sometimes just a thanks, sometimes a note, sometimes a small gift or a homemade treat! These cookies look delish!

adamanderin said...

Usually with a hand-written note...sometimes more depending on the situation.

adamanderin said...

I am a fan of Tate's on facebook.

Natalie said...

I just try to be intentional about TELLING them!!

Patti said...

Oooh, the shortbread looks amazing. I'm a big fan of shortbread...will have to give these a try.
I'm a baked goods giver thanker LOL... Homebaked goodies, a big hug and a genuine "thank you" is how I show my appreciation. :)

Anonymous said...

To show my appreciation to others, I will bake or get them a small something that I know will mean a lot to them.

Nicole said...

I try to do little things for my husband to show him my gratitude like making his favorite dinner or keeping things in the cupboard I know he likes:).

OvenDelights said...

Yum! The cookie triangles look so yummy!
I love to bake for my friends and family, it just feels good to give them something I enjoy to do.

Mariah said...

I show appreciation for people by baking for them! How fitting =)

Mariah said...

Also, a fan of Tate's on Facebook!

Amber said...

I bake for the people I care about. My friends request my cupcakes everytime we get together!

Amber said...

Fb fan of Tates!

Lissaloo said...

I think it must be my Scots blood that makes me love shortbread so much, or maybe it's just the butter :)

Inna said...

I try to make the food spicy enough for my husband to show my appreciation that he always vacuums the entire house.

Melanie said...

To show appreciation I try to figure out what would mean a lot to that person (aka their "love language") and then do it!

mbc said...

I show appreciation for my family and friends through food! I also feel like I'm good at telling people how much they're appreciated, even for the little things.

LHerrema said...

I like to send/leave cute thank you notes. It seems in this electronic age hand written notes are disappearing. Baked goods are another one of my ways to show appreciation.

Shortcake said...

I'm the same way- I bake to show my appreciation!

Debbi said...

I'm a foodie......so food is what I do to show people that I'm grateful and that I love them. Usually I bake....or make some comfort food when the situation calls for it.

Anonymous said...

I love people with food

Anonymous said...

I am one lucky girl! My husband gets up with me every weekday at 5:30 a.m., makes my breakfast & coffee, and brings it up to me as I get ready for my teaching job, packs my lunch, then backs my car out of the garage and turns it around so all I do is jump in and head out the driveway (to work, of course!) He is the one who would deserve any sweet treats come my way.

Mikell said...

I love to make something homemade for those who have done things for me. It's so much fun thinking up some creative gift, such as jewelery, or a some other artistic creation that suites their personality.

EFT Therapy said...

This cookies sure are a winner! How I love to show my appreciation to people by giving them something that I've put my effort with. Baking them treats is my way to say thanks.

Sweetchericakes said...

Homemade is the only way to go! My family and friends are my biggest fans. And I find such pleasure in watching their reactions to my treats. I love them all so much!

Donna said...

Send a card letting them know or
Baking goodies

Jennifer said...

I bake for those I love and write notes to send them in the mail. Most people enjoy getting a nice note!

Marina said...

I love to take people to my fav grocery/bakery/cafe - La Grande Orange in the Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix. Awesome sweet treats, fabulous food all-around.

Laura P said...

I usually bake or make something homemade to show my appreciation to someone.

Susan at www.ugogrrl.com said...

Almost always cook for people to show them I care. That is just waht we do!

Never had TATE's or heard of them - I can't wait to check it out.

Susan at www.ugogrrl.com said...

I did become a fan of TATE's on Faceook - thanks for the fun contest.

Susan www.ugogrrl.com

Ms. K.I.M. said...

I always cook or bake them something...and it's almost always one of thier favorite dishes.

Ms. K.I.M. said...

I'm already a fan of Tate's BakeShop on Facebook.

Emily said...

I show my appreciation by doing something special for them, whether it be taking them to their favorite restaurant or baking them something special.

Emily said...

I liked Tate's Bake Shop on facebook!

moonsword said...

I try to show my appreciation by truly listening and caring when someone is speaking to me, and being thoughtful about it. Being completely there for someone and making them feel like they are the center of your world for that moment is really a gift that is so easy to give.

Unknown said...

I love baking whoever it is some cookies. That way they get a nice little thank you, and I can bake something and not eat it all. It works out great for everyone :)

Desi said...

I show my appreciation with tons of affection, and maybe some gifts that he loves.

Desi said...

I like Tate's on facebook too :)

Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer said...

Those look so fancy and love anything with cappuccino. I am always doing thing for people, my husband always say... "No distance is too far for a friend" which means you will go out of your way to help those you care for. I am always going out of my way to help others and do things for them. But only if I care about ya ;)

White Toast with Butter said...

I have to admit - I do alot for the people I appreciate - baking, pick up things I see I know they will enjoy - I try to be a giving person. Especially as old as I am - one step closer to heaven...

White Toast with Butter said...

I love Tates - already a liker on FB.

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