Momma Told Me: November 2015

Blog Archive

The Secret To Flawless Cookies- Holiday Pie Cookies Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BakeMagicMoments #CollectiveBias
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Momma Told Me: Sometimes you have to get a little creative.

Growing up I didn't have much of a kitchen- rather, Momma didn't have much of a kitchen. We lived in a little 2 bedroom condo; the bedrooms stacked on top of the kitchen and living room- a cutout in a sea of identical units. I didn't really appreciate what this meant, as a testament to Momma's patience and skills, until we moved into our family's first real home over a decade later. There was no warm sun shining in from the kitchen window, or wide sill to rest a homemade pie on. We had harsh fluorescent lighting and a kitchen Momma could open the fridge, while stirring the pasta sauce, while filling the sink with water in. There were no frills, and every decision mattered when cooking.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Today, I live in my own 'starter' condo- as so many people my age do here in Southern California, where real estate is prime and space runs limited. If you want to live near the beach you'd better be a millionaire, or willing to share walls, in our part of the state. So, for our family, we go through many of the same space compromises my own parents did. We rely on compact appliances, construct a free standing 'pantry' of shelves in the dining nook, and find creative ways to cut down on waste and messes when in the kitchen. I'll even be honest, my dining table doubles as a workbench when I bake, because I simply don't have the counter-space to feed the large leagues and groups I do, otherwise.
One way I survive working in a micro-kitchen is with various tools and surfaces that allow me to move from one area to the next quickly, efficiently, and cleanly. In addition to over-sized baking cooling racks, I keep Reynold's Cookie Baking Sheets on hand all year. I simply don't have time to wrestle with a large roll of parchment paper while balancing a cookie sheet on one knee and licking cookie dough off my arm (and believe me, I've tried!) Having pre-measured, pre-cut, Reynold's cookie sheets I can simply unfold and go are a lifesaver, especially in my most requested cookie recipe- pie cookies. You could say they're kind of my specialty, so, today, I'm going to share the very simple process with you.
You're going to want to begin by clearing off a nice open surface to work on, and by opening a box of Reynold Cookie Sheets. Line two baking sheets with a sheet each, then line a cooling rack with a sheet, and place two side by side on your flat, level, work surface. Next, unroll 2 pre-packaged, ready-to-bake pie crusts, placing one each on the work surface cookie sheets. Using a rolling pin go ahead and roll out your crusts to an even shape about 1/3 larger than they initially were. Don't worry about flouring your surface, your Reynold's Cookie Sheets will keep the crust from sticking to your surface as you work.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)#BakeMagicMoments with holiday pie cookies and Reynolds pre-cut Cookie Sheets, for a flawless cookie, without the mess. (ad)
Next spread a generous layer of fruit preserves on one of the pie crusts. In most cases your recipe will feature a preserve and pie filling of the same fruit variety, but you can feel free to experiment- for example, blueberry lemon tastes delicious. For apple pie go ahead and put a layer of salted caramel down instead of preserves! Once your preserves are evenly applied smear a helping portion of pie filling over the preserved crust. If you are concerned about the cookies being too thick or hard to handle, you can go ahead and shred/dice the fruit filling to a thinner consistency. It really does depend on how 'home-style' authentic you want your pie cookie experience to be.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Next, take your other pie crust and cut even strips (about 12-15, depending on how tight you want your crust weave to be) with a pizza cutter. While thinner strips will ultimately make for a more impressive weave and pie cookie finish, keep in mind you will be weaving the crust top all by hand, and the more, thinner, strips, the more work this will be. If you're not confident in your pastry skills you may want to stick to 10 strips per crust.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
However many crust strips you decided to cook, you will next want to lay half of them across your 'filled' pie crust, being careful yo leave a gap equal to the strip size, between each pair of strips. I do this by removing every other strip from my cut pie crust and laying it down with equal spacing. Next you will begin laying the strips in the opposite direction, but with a little more time and deliberation. Carefully lift every other vertical strip to 'weave' through your horizontal strips. Up, down, up, down- until you have gone all the way across. To make the process easier be sure to lift the vertical strips by 'peeling' them down from the top and laying your vertical strip underneath when necessary. Ultimately it's a very sticky delicious process that leaves one feeling quite rewarded.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
The next part can get especially messy, so it's a good thing you have the non-stick power of Reynold's Cookie Sheets on your side. Taking a round (3-4") cookie cutter press circle cuts into the layered cookie pie creation and carefully place the cookies on your lined baking sheets. On virtually any other surface this would mean a sticky mess of saturated pie crust and sugar syrup. You, however, will have the satisfaction of lifting these messy cookies up with ease. Even better, you don't need to space them more than a half inch apart, since the pie crust really won't 'spread' much in baking. Do, however, keep in mind that the various fillings WILL bubble over and spread on the cookie sheet while baking!
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Go ahead and brush your beautiful pie cookies with a light egg wash and send them into the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the outer edges begin to brown. Reynold's Cookie Sheets are oven safe up to 420F*, so this recipe will cook evenly, and too perfectly without further fuss. If you're feeling particularly fancy you can brush a little butter on the top of the pie crust with a sprinkle of sugar just 2 minutes before they're done. I also find a little course salt goes well with apple pie cookies featuring a sweet caramel layer. (Reynolds Genuine Parchment Paper and Cookie Baking Sheets (pre-cut parchment sheets) are tested to safely withstand oven temperatures up to 420°F.)
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Ordinarily this recipe would wreak havoc on my cookie sheets- the caramel applie pie cookies, in particular, tend to caramelize and burn all over my beautiful pans. Not only do the cookie sheets help encourage even baking, but they contain the mess of sticky pie fillings, and make the cookies instantly transferable to waiting wire cookie racks. Every good pastry chef knows those seconds are crucial to ensuring delicate pastries don't burn or overcook after removal from the oven! Just slide the cookie sheet off the tray and you're in business!
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Because you've saved so much time on cleanup, you'll have a little leftover to package up your cookies- after all, you're not going to eat ALL these delicious pie cookies yourself, are you? I mean, sure, you COULD, but half the fun in baking is baking to share- so there's no need to be stingy. And it's not exactly like the process was THAT complicated you couldn't make more, right? So take your best cookie vessel and line it with a quartered (or folded) Reynold's Cookie Sheet- you're going to want to put layers between these cookies so all of that delicious pie filling goodness doesn't stick to one another.
Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
One Smart Cookie Teacher's Gift Tags
#BakeMagicMoments with the FREE 'One Smart Cookie' teacher's gift printable for homemade cookies- Let your child's thumbprints make the 'O's! (ad)
And since we're on the topic of being thankful this season- why not share some of these delicious, impressive, works of cookie art with the adults who enrich your children's lives so very much every day at school? That's right, we made these particular pie cookies for the kids' staff and teachers with a little printable gift tag project I whipped up. Download the FREE 'One Smart Cookie' printable tag here, then have your children make fingerprint cookie 'O's to add that extra personal touch!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-4tjJzvAMc9S2UxaFZUZWZyanM/view?usp=sharing
#BakeMagicMoments with the FREE 'One Smart Cookie' teacher's gift printable for homemade cookies- Let your child's thumbprints make the 'O's! (ad)
Being a parent means you often have to tackle a multitude of challenges and obstacles while managing your time and efforts to provide your very best. Whether you have the kitchen of a Michelin Star Chef, or are working in a small space being serenaded by the sound of tiny hands banging on pots underfoot, Reynold's Cookie Sheets are smart, pre-measured, baking tools that make baking easier, more fun, and less of a pain to clean up. After all, I'd rather be eating pie cookies than wondering how I'm going to scrape dried cherry pie filling off my counters and pans! Do you have a favorite cookie recipe that impresses?  You can find Reynold's cookie sheets at grocery stores nationwide (I found mine at Vons,) and discover more fun seasonal cookie recipes on their Facebook page.

What Daughter Says: Get creative with your recipes, not your cleanup solutions, take the stress out of holiday baking with convenient pre-cut cookie sheets.


Holiday Pie cookies make an impressive and delicious homestyle cookie recipe that is sure to become a new family tradition. Use Reynolds pre-cut cookie sheets to make storing and cleanup a breeze! #BakeMagicMoments (ad)
Holiday Pie Cookies
***Click here for printable Holiday Pie Cookies recipe.

Choose #BayerExpertCare So Your Pets Can Get Back To Chasing Laser Beams

This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCareTM and the BlogPaws Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer ExpertCare is not responsible for the content of this article. Nothing contained below should be taken as expert veterinarian advice.
Find #BayerExpertCare products in store at PetSmart and discover a range of easy to use, quality care, products for your pet's wellness and grooming. (ad)
Momma Told Me: String is not a toy.

I love my cat, I do. But she is not the best authority when it comes to her own well being and care.

When pets are puppies and kittens special attention is given to them through the course of vaccinations and potty training. We meticulously screen and treat for fleas, encourage good behavior with rewards and obedience training, and even experience scenarios similar to 'second child' human parenting. For example, when Truffles was a kitten I would have never dared leave her home alone with access to rooms where small items were left out.  And goodness knows I'd have had a minor heart attack if I saw her walk by with a piece of ribbon in her mouth. But, today, some years later, I've learned not to sweat the small things. After all, cats will be cats.
Find #BayerExpertCare products in store at PetSmart and discover a range of easy to use, quality care, products for your pet's wellness and grooming. (ad)
And, much like human parenting, pets require constant health and physical care throughout their lives. Regular vet visits don't just stop because the puppy stage is over and all of the scheduled vaccines are current. Too often do I hear tales of my friends and family bringing a beloved fur-child into the vet for what turns out to be an issue that could have been caught, and even treated sooner. As adorable as their voices are, pet's cannot always clearly communicate to us their physical needs. After all, Truffles is the one walking around with the ribbon hanging from her mouth; I wouldn't take her word as to what's 'normal' or not.
Just like you likely moisturize your skin after shaving, or exposure to extreme and harsh weather, or how you take a probiotic to encourage healthy digestion, pets require nurturing and care that goes beyond walks and full food bowls. That's why we shop at PetSmart, where we can browse a variety of health and wellness products for all of our furry children. Not only are the associated on hand welcoming and eager to answer any questions, Nora gets to help pick out gifts for her big sister. I don't think that sweater will go over too well with Truffles though!
Find #BayerExpertCare products in store at PetSmart and discover a range of easy to use, quality care, products for your pet's wellness and grooming. (ad)
For your pet's skin care and grooming wellness needs consider Bayer® ExpertCare™ , exclusively available at PetSmart, for at home care that is trusted by discerning parents such as us. The
Bayer® ExpertCare™ product range spans feline and canine product ranges with gentle and safe formulations for fuss free use. With the Winter coming up, shedding will surely be turning to dry skin- so we've already begun treating Truffles with the Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot-On Skin Moisturizer. If you've noticed a duller coat, itching, or flaking, this has worked wonders to solve some of these issues for us!
BayerExpertCare Spot-On Skin Moisturizer helps eliinate dry skin and dull coats. Find #BayerExpertCare products in store at PetSmart and discover a range of easy to use, quality care, products for your pet's wellness and grooming. (ad)
The Bayer® ExpertCareSpot-On Skin Moisturizer includes 4 applications of a fatty acid rich formulation that goes on just like modern flea or tick prevention treatments. Simply part the fur at the nape of your cat's neck and apple the pipette. Repeat weekly for 2 months, then bi weekly for as long as needed. You should expect to see a change in your cat's coat as soon as a week, as their skin absorbs and hydrates naturally. I'll admit, Truffles usually has a little bit of a 'gelled' look on her nape for several days, but this eventually settles, and the impact on her coat and skin has been noticeable. We've seen a lot less scratching and flaking! Look for Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot-On Skin Moisturizer for dogs too!
Which of these are cat toys? Trick Question. All of them.
Taking care of you pet's skin and coat between baths is just as important as brushing your own hair and choosing the right beauty products. If you see dandruff on your shoulders you'll switch shampoos, right? Don't let your pets walk around with dry, irritated, skin! As we head into the Winter it will only get harder for coats to maintain their natural luster and shine. Or course, a healthy diet will also help! For now, though, we're not leaving it up to the the cat who considers a paper clip, a bottle cap, and a discarded grocery store receipt all things that belong in hr mouth!
Maybe you've seen the impact of the weather and seasons on your pet's coat already, maybe you haven't. Regardless, it's always important to keep your pets comfort and health at the top of your mind, even when there seems to be no reason. Preventative health and wellness, as well as maintenance, can hep keep your pet looking and feeling their best. Discover the wide range of Bayer® ExpertCare products for pet health and wellness at PetSmart today. Now, tell me, what's one of the strangest things your pet has declared a toy?

What Daughter Says: Let's face it, your pet is NOT an expert when it comes to their own health and well being. Look out for them with simple health and wellness at home care.

Trust intelliARMOR #intelliGLASS To Protect Your Shiny New Tech This Holiday Season

***I received the following product through Tomoson, in exchange for my honest opinions. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
Momma Told Me: This is why we don't buy nice things!

When I was about 10 I saved up for my very first GameBoy. I took out the trash, swept the patio, did the dishes, and vacuumed the house for 6 whole months, at $3 a week. In the end my grandmother contributed the rest for my birthday gift that year. The GameBoy Pocket had just been released, but I was strictly forbidden to spend money on any device so new, let alone one marketed towards children and intended to be portable. None-the-less, I remember walking out of that Game Exchange with my head held high, beaming of pride, and showing anyone within earshot my fancy new to me, used, GameBoy system.

Exactly 13 days later, and, I recall the number of days because Momma would later repeat it every time I so much as glanced at a portable gaming system for the next decade, I allowed my pride and joy to tumble from the back seat of out family's mini van face down onto the pavement below. An incident that today would seem quite harmless, but to a behemoth of a handheld like a classic GameBoy meant a cracked LCD screen and the end of a beautiful relationship.  In all $55 had been spend on that handheld gaming device, and Mommas was not about to let me forget during the remainder of my adolescence.
The original GameBoy was release with a market price the equivalent of a modern day $170- Today most new smartphone generations average over $500. I needed remind you that smartphones are used far more heavily than any portable gaming device- heck, they double as gaming devices, and GPS systems, and veritable tablets. We, as a society, are more and more attached to our smartphones every day. So, when we buy them we slap a case on it and a thin piece of plastic we call a screen protector. Unfortunately, I, personally have seen 4 Galaxy S4 or higher phone models meet their end with a shattered screen, while wearing one of these supposed screen protectors.

What are you really protecting your phone from with a plastic sheet? A replacement screen for any smartphone 2-3 generations recent runs more than $100, with installation. That's a hefty chunk to pay for a device you were likely already saving up to replace! Using a glass reinforced screen protector such as intelliARMOR intelliGLASS screen protector on your mobile device is just plain common sense.
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
Many people I've talked to about 'glass' screen protectors have several reservations. For starters, it's hard to talk someone into spending $20-$40 for a screen protector when they can buy a 3 pack of 'regular' protectors on Amazon for $5. intelliARMOR intelliGLASS protectors are available for devices as recent as the Samsung Galaxy S6 for just $12.95, and include a Lifetime Warranty. It's important to keep in mind that an intelliGLASS screen protector is intended to absorb scratches and harsh impacts to protect your phone's natural screen, and is not promised to be indestructible. That is to say the screen protector will 'take the fall' for your phone when it really matters- should the fall prove untimely, simply submit a warranty claim for a replacement screen protector.
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
The next concern I hear a lot is the ease of application. People often hear that glass based protectors can shatter or break if not installed properly, or worry that the installation process is simply too involved to do themselves. In this post I've given you a visual breakdown of the easy steps to application. Clean your hands and your work surface thoroughly to start. The intelliARMOR intelliGLASS screen protector includes a kit with everything you need for application. Use the included alcohol pad to remove any residue from previous protectors, dust, or oils. Place the 'Dirt Clean Film' on the clean screen surface and remove any finite, invisible, dust and specks.
Next, remove the backing from the intelliGLASS screen protector and position it above the screen- slowly lower it into position. Watch in amazement as the intelliGLASS binds itself to your phone, all air bubbles and pockets rushing out towards the edges as it adheres and seals. Use the included screen wipe to smooth out the intelliGLASS for good measure and admire your slick new, armored screen. Application couldn't be easier and, in my opinion, is simpler than traditional screen covers that tend to bubble and require repositioning.
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
If you're concerned about the intelliGLASS being too thick, I've found no disruption with multiple styles of modern smartphone cases for my Samsung Galaxy S4. In fact, let's talk a little about how it does feel- because that is the FIRST thing people notice when they pick up my phone. The screen is noticeably more responsive, thanks to the oleophobic coating which repels oils and keeps your touch gliding even and smooth. I daresay it feels as good as, or better than, my devices natural 'naked' screen. And, if you're concerned about safety, the intelliGLASS screen protectors feature a lightweight glass 'core' wrapped in a shock absorbing outer coating which prevents dangerous loose shards and pieces should the protector crack upon impact.
The #intelliGLASS screen protector by intelliARMOR is easy to instal in minutes and instantly makes smartphones more responsive (over traditional screen protectors) while protecting with a schock absorble glass core. #sponsored
I've been using my new intelliGLASS screen protector for a week now- and my father has already gone through a 'cheap' imposter he got on Amazon. Don't be fooled by other protectors with 'glass' in the name, they are not all created equal. My only regret with #intelliGLASS has been that I didn't invest in one sooner- my smartphone's usage experience has been enhanced greatly by the touch and feel of this wonderful phone armor device, and I'll likely be gifting several this holiday season! Have you ever lost a phone or mobile device due to an unfortunate mishap? Save 20% on your intelliGLASS purchase now with promo code intelli20.

What Daughter Says: Protect your investment while enhancing it's experience- choose intelliARMOR for mobile devices.





One Momma Told Me reader will win an intelliARMOR product of their choice.