CONSULTING CARRIE

Cookie Dough!

2008-08-15T09:21:00.001-07:00

Today I am sharing my favorite tip in the whole world. Have you ever bought one of those tubs of frozen fundraiser cookie dough? Ok, maybe just me, but they're not very good and kinda expensive. They taste overly processed and there are never enough chocolate chips. Let's make our own, shall we?

Steps:
1. Make your favorite cookie dough. Mine is Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies.
2. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon and doll out the cookies on something that has a flat surface and will fit in your freezer. I use two plastic cutting boards.

3. Place in freezer until cookie dough freezes.
4. Scrape off cookie dough balls with a spatula.
5. Place in a gallon size freezer bag or a cleaned out 1-gallon ice cream tub.
6. Write the instructions (i.e. 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes) on the container.

My two cents:
1. There is no need to defrost the dough before it goes into the oven, but it may take 1-2 minutes longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them. Prefer to cook them defrosted? Then set the whole cookie sheet on the stove while the oven preheats and the frozen cookie dough softens pretty fast.
2. Want to really impress people? If you have three kinds of cookies in the freezer you can put them on one cookie sheet, assuming they have similar baking instructions. Instant variety.
3. Christmas is coming - cookie platters anyone? You can make the dough in advance and cook them later.
4. This can help with portion control. You can cook two cookies if you want!
5. I made a triple batch a few days ago that will last us for months if I can stop popping them like candy. Hi, my name is Carrie and I have a portion control problem.
6. Surprise company or going to visit a friend? Have a dozen hot cookies to share in ten minutes or less! How's that for instant awesome?

Coo Coo for...Crockpots?

2008-08-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

I am into my Crockpot. For some reason this is embarrasing and exciting to me...lol. But, we have zero time and need to eat healthier - as in not Wendy's. I blame their dollar menu, but I digress. So in the spirit of time-saving deliciousness, here are some slow cooker recipes I likey and are SO easy!

Chicken with Black Beans and Cream Cheese You put the chicken breasts in frozen and they turn out so juicy! This dish is awesome served over homemade Quick Spanish Rice!

Easy Turkey Chili

Perfect Pot Roast

Oh and I don't want to wash stuff so I use these. Totally worth it!

I love Recipe Zaar! This website is awesome because you can search for recipes and then see how they are rated. If 533 people think something is 5-stars then I believe them, don't you? Nothing is worse than trying a new recipe and hating it. Also, if you have something in the fridge or pantry you want to use up you can search for recipes by ingredient!

$10 off $10 at Blockbuster.com

2008-08-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

Get $10 off a purchase of $10 or more at Blockbuster.com using promo code augappreciation. Cheapest way to go? Previously viewed DVDs which are less expensive than brand new and ship for free, no promo code needed! So, you could score a movie for less than $4. Christmas is coming! I know, shut up.

Thanks to Megan's Bargains for the tip.

Consulting Carrie

2008-08-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about creating a blog like this for awhile - a place to post ideas and tips on a multitude of things. Maybe we can all save a little time, money and frustration, can I hear an amen?