Monday, October 27, 2008

#8 & Brownies!

#8. So, Pecan Balls are #8. Depending on who you ask in my family - others would rank these higher. But since I am doing the ranking here, they come in at #8 (did I say 8 too many times)??:) With a cup of coffee or tea and these - your breakfast will be oh-so yummy!

"Pecan Balls"
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat butter in large mixing bowl with elctric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 sec. Add granulated sugar & salt, beat until combined. Beat in vanilla. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Stir in pecans. Shape slightly rounded tsp. of dough into balls size of large grapes. Place 1-in. apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-9 minutes or until bottoms just begin to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Roll in powdered sugar.
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These brownies are really good, just look at the pictures....need I say more???

"Favorite Frosted Brownies"
Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
3 cups confectioners' sugar
Decorating sprinkles, optional
DIRECTIONS:
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. For frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat the butter, milk and vanilla; add cocoa. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Yield: 12-15 servings.
My brother waiting with you guys for #7 too.

24 comments:

Stephanie said...

These are all looking really good so far. I bet those pecan balls just melt in your mouth! And those brownies look divine. I'm a big fan of brownies, with or without frosting!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You out did yourself today! They both look so tasty.

Rachelle S said...

aren't those like Mexican Wedding cookies? I love those and rank them in the top 3, lol.

La Bella Cooks said...

YUM! I could easily eat a couple of those with my morning tea. Pecans are so rich so I bet these are decadent.

Theresa said...

Those pecan balls are always on my Holiday list of baking!!! The brownies look great too.

Jessica said...

These are added, too, to the holiday bake list....too bad you don't live near by or else we could have a holiday bake-athon!

Jodi said...

Posting those brownie pictures was just cruel! :) Seriously, they look delicious. I know my husband would just love them (as would I). He is a chocolate freak!!! The pecan balls look yummy too. I've had those before. I'm trying to remember if my mom made them when I was little. I do remember liking them though! Thanks!

Lucy..♥ said...

These cookies are part of my holiday baking as well, I know them by Russian Tea Cookies, they're sooo good!! And terrific looking brownies!!

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

I love the pecan balls. They are a great cookie.

Pam said...

You are killing me Priscilla. Both of these recipes are making my mouth water. I've never had pecan balls before but they look so good.

Cristine said...

I love pecan balls (I call them snowballs)! They are always on my Christmas cookie tray!!! And those brownies look FANTASTIC!

Jenny said...

Whoa! I don't think I could choose one, I'd just have to take both! Yum!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I know you're ranking these, but can I look at them all and say, "ok"? I'd like to have them all delivered to my house! Yummy Priscilla!

Maria said...

Both treats look great. I am loving all of your goodies!

Katrina said...

I keep saying oooh, yum, to all your goodies here and I do love them all. But those powdered sugar/nut cookies are close to the top for me as far as holiday cookies go. I love these! Brownies are good for everyday, but I have to make the nut cookies at least once during the holidays! Still lovin' your top 10! What a lucky family you have!

Allie said...

My mom makes a cookie like that. Ahhh I wish the holidays were here already so I can have some!

Rebekah said...

those pecan balls are my all time favorite holiday cookie. They should definitely be #1 :)

Jamie said...

Priscilla-

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog! I use a Canon Rebel XSi. You can certainly add me to your blogroll, I would be flattered! Thanks again!

-Jamie

Tina Butler said...

Umm they both look so good. I love pecans so the pecan balls look awesome. Hmmm or brownies yummo great pictures.

Rosie said...

Gosh those pecan balls and brownies look amazing!!

Rosie x

Aggie said...

Oh boy...these both look great! I would love one (or two) of each right now!

I love when you have your family pics in your posts! Cute!

Bridget said...

Drooling!!! Thsoe look so good!!!

Cara said...

Reading your blog will not be good for my health! :) Everything looks so great so far. I especially like the looks of the mint chocolate cookies and the harvest pumpkin dip. Thanks for sharing!

Calypso said...

Thanks for reminding me of the pecan ball recipe - it is quick and easy, and I made them for our church fair!