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Being a homeschooler I have many opportunities to witness when something “clicks” with one of my kids and becomes something the understand rather than something they are learning. I love watching that light go on in their heads!
Shiloh has a knack for cooking. Somewhere I have a picture of her holding the first tray of cookies she ever baked on her own, at age FIVE! Many times I will just ask her to make some cookies, and within a short period of time the whole house smells great.
Baking has clicked with her. She now adapts recipes easily and without much though, measures by the feel of it in her hand, the weight, and the texture and look of what she is baking. Because of that she enjoys it. And she is good at it.
These are her recipe, totally. She adapted another recipe, changing both ingredients and actual structure of the cookie. I thought the addition of the pecan half on top was brilliant. The cookies are rich and peanut butter-y, and the bittersweet chocolate ganache gives them a sophisticated touch. They were completely gone in a matter of minutes.
This recipe is (c) Marye Audet at Baking Delights (http://bakingdelights.com) If you find it on another website..please visit the original and comment to let me know..thanks.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
1/2 c unsalted butter
1/2 c peanut butter, preferably freshly ground homemade
1/2 c sugar
3/4 c brown sugar, packed
1 Tbs honey
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c finely chopped pecans
1 tsp salt if the peanut butter is homemade
In a large bowl cream the butter, peanut butter, sugars and vanilla. Beat in the egg.
Combine the dry ingredients, and pecans, and mix into the creamed mixture.
Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a silpat covered baking sheet. Bake at 350 until golden brown. Cool.
Ganache
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
Bring cream just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Cool in refrigerator until the consistency is thick and spreadable (about like peanut butter)
Sandwich two cookies together with a tablespoon or so of the ganache. Place a dab of ganache on the top of the sandwich cookie and affix a pecan half. Makes about 2 -3 dozen, depending on size.
