Sweet tooth

Ok, anyone who knows me understands that I am a complete dessert junkie...so I have MILLIONS of recipes (though some violate the 5 ingredient rule...)

I don't make a lot of "basic" cookies, and I usually use cake and brownie mixes. So, here are some of my favorite unique desserts...

Mint Meringue Cookies
2 egg whites (post a comment if you're not sure how to separate eggs)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp peppermint flavoring (i've also used mint, orange, and almond!)
1/8 tsp food coloring (totally optional, but i like green so people expect mint!)
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. chocolate chips

Beat egg whites w/ cream of tartar until it forms soft peaks (i.e. when you poke it it lifts up and the tip folds over into a peak that's till fairly soft). Gradually add sugar, beat until the meringue holds shape. Fold in color, flavor, and chocolate chips.

Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Bake at 250 for 15 min, let cookies cook in oven (i.e. turn it off but don't take the cookies out). These are best warm and melt in your mouth....makes 24 small.

Easy Pie Crust--making homemade pies is actually really easy!
1 c. shortening
2 c. flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 c. cold water

Blend shortening, flour, and salt with fingers. Should be moist but crumbly. Add water and mix. Roll out, place in pie tin, prick with fork, and bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Fill with chocolate pudding, banana pudding and sliced bananas....whatever sounds good! Makes 2 bottom pie crusts.

For a great fruit pie, put the bottom crust in the pie tin, prick with fork, and add a can of pie filling (i prefer apple or peach). Roll out the second crust and use cookie cutters to make a decorative top (small stars or hearts typically work best). Make it extra creative by attaching the cut out portions to another part of the crust with a drop of water. Cover the pie, pinch edges together to seal, and bake at 400 for 15 minutes.

Yes, it's probably best to make apple pie with real apples, but the cost and time of growing, slicing, and cooking them doesn't always seem worth it...and most store bought fillings are actually pretty good.