Strawberry Cream Cookies
I started the Dine & Dish blog in November 2006. Back in my beginning blogging days, I was a very eager, typical new blogger. I cooked and posted on my blog almost every single day. I spent hours reading through blogs and learning the ropes, so to speak. I spent a lot of time networking with other bloggers, reading through magazines getting ideas of what I could blog about, and generally working on an attempt to build my blog up to be one with a decent reputation in the blogging world. Of course, back then, there weren’t as many food blogs as there are today. The network was quite a bit smaller and seemed a little easier to navigate.
Some of the bloggers I feel the most connected to today are ones who I met when I first started blogging. One person, in particular, is my friend Kate over at Kate in the Kitchen. Kate and I first connected on a crazy whim. Being a new blogger, I had over eagerly committed on my blog (and in a published letter to the editor of Food & Wine) to try the Food & Wine 100 Must Try Tastes. Soon after I posted this ambitious goal, I got an email from Kate saying that she was going to try the same thing. We had an immediate connection with common goal and eventually grew to become friends beyond blogging. (I must note that I quit the Food & Wine challenge part way through… some of the items were extremely expensive and impossible to get my hands on living in the Midwest. I was naieve, to say the least!)
Kate is one of those people who has managed to stay true to herself with her blog. She is a talented writer, an excellent and creative cook, and has a genuinely warm heart that comes through in all that she does. She hasn’t fallen prey to what I call the “blogging game” and has managed to still be successful. I admire her a lot for her ability to balance and to keep her blog organic to who she is.
Kate has generously offered up TEN cookbooks from the Taste of Home Annual Cookbook collection for me to give away on my blog. TEN cookbooks! That means over the next couple of weeks you will have the chance to add some of the best Taste of Home cookbooks to your collection.
For this first giveway we are giving away the Taste of Home Annual cookbooks from 2000 and 2001. There are going to be two winners for this particular drawing. All you need to do to be entered in the giveaway is leave a comment on this post. You must include a valid email address… just makes sense so we can get a hold of you if your name is drawn from the Random Number Generator. It would be great if you would head over to Kate’s as well and give her a shout out… tell her thanks for offering up these great books! While you are there, stop and browse a little but be prepared to have your bookmarks locked and loaded to go… she has a lot of great recipes you’ll want to save to try!
Comments must be left by midnight on Friday, November 21st. Winner will be notified on the next day.
Oh - and stay tuned. You never know when a new giveaway for some of the other cookbooks might pop up. To keep abreast of it all, make sure to subscribe to Dine & Dish by email or follow me on Twitter. Some of the giveaways are going to be quick, and some may last a little longer… you will want to be the first to know!
This recipe is from the Taste of Home Best & Loved Cookies and Bars cookbook that is on newstands now. Delicious!
Strawberry Cream Cookies from Taste of Home
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Seedless strawberry jam
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Add flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a 1/2-in.-deep indentation in the center of each ball; fill with about 1/4 teaspoon jam. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 5 dozen.
Sara says:
I love Taste of Home! Thanks for the chance to win!
November 17th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Stephanooch says:
Ooooo! Can I have a cookbook please?
November 17th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Kassy says:
These cookies look great…they kind of look like thumbprint cookies and my husband loves those!
November 17th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Eva says:
Thank you for your generosity!
November 17th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Sandy S says:
Taste of Home recipes tend to be reliable and simple to make. I love them! Still using the same ToH peanut butter silk pie recipe I found almost a decade ago.
This is a terrific giveaway, especially during the cookie season!
Sandy Ss last blog post..A Baker Goes to Boot Camp: Part 1
November 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says:
I have heard that the recipes from Taste of Home are great and so time friendly - What a great give away!!!
November 17th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Beth D. says:
I love Taste of Home recipes…every recipe is a winner! Love your website-it’s so inspiring! Happy Holidays!
November 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
candy tai says:
wow! this is an awesome giveaway!! i would LOVE to add this cookbook to my collection….thank you for sharing this giveaway!
candy tais last blog post..Santa Sightings in Kansas City!
November 17th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
sharon says:
Thanks for the great giveaway! the cookies look amazing!
sharons last blog post..Too Lazy To Scoop so I Made Barookies
November 17th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
PaniniKathy says:
I’ve never tried a Taste of Home recipe so I’d love to win one of their cookbooks - thanks so much to you and Kate for the giveaway!
November 17th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Nancy says:
Taste of Home is one of my favorites! Real cooking by real people. Thanks to you and Kate for the giveaway!
November 17th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Payal says:
Hi,
This is my first time visiting the blog. As I read through the post, it was so exciting to learn of a giveaway on cookbook. It sounds like a great idea. I would love to be the winner. But if not, I’ll def be visiting this site again.
Thanks,
Payal
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November 18th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Sarah says:
This would be awesome. I’ve recently realized how crummy my cookbook collection is.
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November 18th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Rachel says:
Thank you both for the chance to win this. Keep up the excellent work!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Tanya says:
Oh those cookies look delicious and so easy to make…my favorite kind of recipe!
Tanyas last blog post..Barefoot and Making Herb-Roasted Onions
November 18th, 2008 at 2:37 am
clumbsycookie says:
Before I started blogging I used to read in other blogs about “blog friends” and allways thought it was a bit too much, you know what I mean? I thought that was no way people could connect in such a way trhu blogs. Of course now I start to undestand it, and think it’s great that a lot of connections and a few good friendships come along the way with posting some recipes in a blog. Anyway you can’t go wrong with strawberry and cream!
clumbsycookies last blog post..Could this be the best in the world?
November 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Hopie says:
Those cookies sure do look and sound good. I’ve been exploring over at Kate’s wonderful site. Thanks for sharing!!
Hopies last blog post..Pots de Crème à l’Orange
November 18th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Stacy says:
I love these cookies, my favorite! I am into baking right now, I may have to try some new recipes!
November 18th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Judith says:
Ta da! A comment
November 18th, 2008 at 5:55 am
patsyk says:
What fun! (I apologize if my comment duplicates… something weird just happened!). I’ll go and visit her blog next, I’m very intrigued!
November 18th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Laurel says:
Yummmmm.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Danielle B says:
My fingers are crossed!
November 18th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Jenifer says:
Wow! I love old cookbooks.
(My most cherished cookbook is my mom’s Better Home and Garden’s Cookbook from 1969.)
November 18th, 2008 at 7:04 am
RecipeGirl says:
I love Taste of home stuff… Thanks for a fun giveaway! Come to my blog this week for ANOTHER giveaway!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Mandy C says:
Those cookies do look really good - maybe I’ll make some this weekend.
Thanks for a great giveaway - I love Taste of Home books.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Teesa says:
I’ve wanted to but a Taste of Home cookbook for months. Great giveaway. Thanks!
November 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
sangeeth says:
yey! giveaways make me excited regardless of me winning them.Thanks for the giveaway and lovely cookies there…I read your post on blogher conf and if you decide to come I will be very eager to meet you
November 18th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Bmiller says:
I haven’t had a chance to check in in a LONG time and had fun catching back up. Thanks to you and Kate for this offer! I’m off to check out her site now too….
November 18th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Carmen says:
Yum, the cookies look delicious!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
sara angel says:
ooo those cookies look so good!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Tiffany says:
I think I’ll make these for my coffee house…
November 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Martha says:
Thanks for the givaway!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Karen says:
Never can have too many cookbooks!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Chris says:
Thanks for the amazing giveaway opportunity!
November 18th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Leslie says:
I make quite a few recipes from Taste of Home. Usually very delicious. Thanks.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:26 am
holler says:
I headed over to Hot off the Garlic Place to have a look and that post made an interesting read. I think a lot of it is true, but I think we have to remember as well as the stresses we find ourselves under in trying to keep up, there is also the same for the visitors to your blog and I think sometimes people are dropping by and leaving a comment to show support and to let you know they are still following your blog. It is not always easy to think of something interesting to say, even though you may appreciate the recipe you have just enjoyed. Saying that, I am probably as guilty as everyone else of skim reading when I have only a few minutes to spare. Maybe it is better not to leave a comment in such a case. I will have to ponder that one! Anyway, I just wanted to say I do enjoy visiting and hearing what you have to say.
We sometimes call these thumb print biscuits. I think you can guess how we make the dent
November 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Nikki says:
Thanks for the give away. I am new to your blog and have really been enjoying it. Especially the china setting post & stories about your family. These cookies look great!
November 18th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Les in NE says:
Toss my name in the hat. I love Taste of Home cookbooks!
This recipe looks fabulous. I think I’ll try it with seedless raspberry jam, though, since that’s my favorite.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Vicki says:
Awesome giveaway! Great looking cookies too.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Lynne says:
Hi Kristen,
Gosh, it’s been a long time since I have read your blog. It’s as great as ever. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Heather @ The Striving Wife says:
Hey Kristen,
Thanks for hosting another giveaway! So fun! I’m loving getting new recipes and trying some new things…. and these cookbooks sound great! Hope I win!
Heather
November 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hanna Willroth says:
I love Taste of Home Recipes, these look good!
November 18th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Katie says:
I wish I had the courage to try something like the 100 must try tastes. I think it would be so interesting and enlightening, but alas I agree that the expense and stress would be a difficult challenge.
Katies last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Amyjo says:
I’d love a cookbook!
Amyjos last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Susan from Food Blogga says:
I’m not commenting for the give-away, Kristen. I just wanted to say what a lovely tribute this is to Kate. I consider her a “salt-of-the-earth” person. That’s what my aunt would always say when she wanted to describe a genuinely unpretentious and caring person.
Susan from Food Bloggas last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Lynda says:
I think these cookies will be a wonderfull addition to my Christmas baking! Every year I like to try a new cookie recipe, or two,to give to friends and family. I also love Taste of Home cookbooks!
Lyndas last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
katie says:
i love your blog!
katies last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Nicole says:
Can I win? It usually isn’t my forte to win anything… Oh well….
I ponder the “blogging game” often… it is a hard thing. I want readers yet… how much time do I have to come visit other and devote to this hobby?
Nicoles last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Erin from Long Island says:
oh how lovely! i’ve had a hard time finding a jelly cookie that works, i will give this one a shot. who knows, maybe i’ll get a new book full of recipes to try = )
Erin from Long Islands last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Erin from Long Island says:
oh how lovely! i’ve had a hard time finding a jelly cookie that works, i will give this one a shot. who knows, maybe i’ll get a new book full of recipes to try = )
November 18th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Annie says:
What a great giveaway! Thanks to you both for such generosity!
November 18th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
grace says:
my frequency of posts has completely dwindled as time passes. to think that i used to post every day just makes me laugh…and sigh.
thanks for the generous giveaway!
November 19th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Cat says:
I remember your Food & Wine thing… it actually made me want to buy the magazine. I’m glad you’re back!
~Cat
November 19th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Hallie says:
Great give away! I’m excited, and thanks!
Hallies last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 19th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Jennifer says:
Those cookies look delicious!
Jennifers last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 19th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hilary says:
How cool!!! I’m new to food blogging and to your blog and I LOVE Taste of Home. They just had a cooking school here in town a few weeks ago and it was a ton of fun.
Hilary
Hilarys last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 19th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Deborah says:
Now - that’s - a good giveaway!! And I can’t wait to check out her blog!
November 19th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Greg says:
I love the story of your blog. Also, I love cookbooks. Good job to you!
Gregs last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 19th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Liz says:
Hi, Liz from MealMakeoverMoms.com here. I enjoyed reading your post and look forward to visiting your blog often and following you on Twitter. I signed up for Twitter last Friday and am already hooked!
Thanks for offering the great giveaway. Can never have enough cookbooks. I’m one of those annoying home cooks who can’t resist taking recipes and giving them a healthy makeover — I’m a dietitian/cookbook author/blogger and like to switch to healthy oils and toss in whole grains and fruits/veggies when possible.
My email is lizweiss@aol.com
Lizs last blog post..Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You!
November 20th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Dine and Dish » Quickie Giveaway says:
[...] Inspiration ← Blogging Friends - A Giveaway for You! [...]
November 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Jessica says:
I love your stories about how you started out and what you’ve grown into as a blogger. I was also committed to posting every single day when I first started out and as should have been expected, I burned out. I was not making plans on the weekends so I could get posts done and racing home after work to catch the last bit of sunlight for my pictures. I’m now slowing down to 2 - 3 posts a week. It makes my life more sane and also gives me time to do more involved recipes. I’m happier already. Thanks for your guidance in that area - You’re the best!
November 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Carla says:
I love Taste of Home - I have so many back issues and cookbooks but another one would be great!
I have Kate’s blog in my google reader as it is, I love her site! Thanks to you both for the giveaway.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Kellie says:
I’m a college junior who regularly stalks cooking blogs…especially this one! My roommate loves you guys, because you keep him fed, haha! Thanks for the chance to win!
November 21st, 2008 at 3:19 am
Karin says:
Great prize! Love the magazine……….
November 21st, 2008 at 4:38 am
claire says:
These look yummy! How generous of Kate.
claires last blog post..Leftover Candy Cookies
November 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am
Wendy says:
Mmm.. thumbprints! I’ve never had these homemade, only from Pepperidge Farm!
November 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
Psychgrad says:
I could totally see myself eating a plateful of those cream cookies while pretending to work at my desk, here. I’m weak.
Psychgrads last blog post..BloggerAid: Because We Can Help
November 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Brandi says:
I LOVE taste of home. They are my absolute favorite when it comes to cooking mag. and cookbooks. Thanks for the chance to win.
November 21st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Sarah says:
Those cookies look delicious.
What a great blogging friend that you’ve found. I am going to check out her site now.
Sarahs last blog post..Sweet Indulgence: Soft Vanilla Sugar Cookies
November 21st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Ali says:
I’m in! I love Taste of Home as well.
Alis last blog post..Sweet Potato Bundles
November 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Cynthia says:
Count me in!
Cynthias last blog post..I Rise to Bake
November 21st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Caroline says:
I love Taste of Home - so many good recipes!
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:01 am
Suzie Powers says:
I’d love to learn out to stretch and yet make tasty foods like I see in Taste of Home Recipes. Time to start making everything from scratch!
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Debbie says:
Just stumbled across your blog! I LOVE it! Can’t wait to try a lot of new things!
November 24th, 2008 at 9:33 am