Baking for a cure

Hey guys! It is probably no secret that I love to bake. I mean I love to bake; I could do it all day everyday and not get tired of it. I am also as my mom says 5’1” and 5” of heart.  I am constantly finding new ways to help out those in need. This year I have combined my passions into one and raised a ton of money. 

Every October I participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  In the past I have just spread the news by word of mouth, sent some cookies to work with my dad, and saved my own pennies to reach my fundraising goals. This year I set my goal very high, so I knew I would have to work hard to raise the money.

I created a Facebook event, which has helped get the word out tremendously.  I set a few goals for my fundraising.  For example: if someone donated $30.00 I will wear pink everyday in October and if I reach my goal of $500 I will dye my hair pink for the race. I also told everyone that I would bake in exchange for donations. This has method has become an absolute hit! I have been so busy baking this past week that I had to volunteer my family, fiancé and good friend to help me keep up with all the orders!

Another thing I did this year was put out a basket of cookies and a donation jar at a local restaurant. I left it up to the customers to decide a fair price for the cookies. The first batch brought in $70 in just three days!

Here are some pictures of my fiancé and I baking and the packaging for the cookies. 

Trying to make double batches of everything but not over powering the mixer is a challenge. 

 

 

Trying to melt semi-sweet chocolate for triple chocolate cookies.

Scooping snickerdoodle dough. Yes, that is chocolate on my arm. 

My sous chef helping me out. ;)

I added a shameless blog plug to the packaging. 

Almost ready to raise some money.

All set! 

I'll update you all just after the race. Next week I'll have a serious for you and maybe a give away.

Snickerdoodles

It has been forever since I last posted. Sorry about that. I've been really busy with work,  and trying to get other things done.  In October I did raise money for Susan G. Komen by baking for donations. I was able to raise $174.00! I also perfected a new cupcake frosting! 

Alright here is a post so I can cross something off of last months list. SNICKERDOOLES! 

If you have never had a snickerdoodle I highly suggest making this recipe immediately, its probably one of the best ones around! I found this recipe in an old cookbook, the kind where everyone sends in recipes and then the school or organization has them printed and they sell them as a fund raiser. 

Its super easy, basically you could just throw everything in the bowl and mix but here is the play by play.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup margarine (I use butter) 

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tbs. sugar (set aside)

Mix thoroughly the margarine, shortening, sugar and eggs.

Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. 

shape dough by rounded teaspoon or use a cookie scoop. 

Combine the cinnamon and 2 tbs of sugar and roll the dough in mixture. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes and immediately remove from baking sheet. (This step is very important it prevents the cookies from becoming crispy.) Let cool and enjoy!  

Hopefully over the next few days I can finish up that make-up bag, decorate a bangle or two and make some pumpkin bread. The pancakes might have to wait until another day. Oh and that pan seared steak with a red wine sauce is for dinner tonight! Check back soon for that post! 

-Courtney