Miranda's Kitchen Adventures

I have some big news: I'm designing my very own webpage! I'm super excited about this new adventure. I know just a little about web design, but I'm learning more and more as I go, which is pretty exciting. I'm hoping to have my new website up and running in February. There is still a lot to be done, but as the days go by and my knowledge grows, it gets closer to completion! Now, onto these graham crackers! You may have noticed that I like to make as many things as possible from scratch. I'm starting a new series titled "Homemade Basics" to categorize all the great things you can make at home instead of buying from the store. I'm very excited to share some of my favorite homemade basics over the next few weeks. I've already shared some really easy and great homemade recipes, including Homemade Flour Tortillas , Homemade Pie Crust , and My Favorite Pizza Dough , just to name a few. These graham crackers are so much better and cheaper than store-b...

Cookie Swap season is my favorite, and it's in full swing! I've already signed up for The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap next year. When I stumbled upon this recipe in the December 2013 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, I knew I had to give it a try. My past attempt at shortbread didn't go so well, so I was a bit nervous. Thankfully, the Better Homes and Gardens website offered a video tutorial that boosted my confidence immensely. These adorable cookies are bursting with flavor and perfect for the holidays. I highly recommend trying them! Ingredients 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and drained 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 12 oz. white chocolate baking squares, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. almond extract 2 tsp. shortening Red Sanding sugar to decorate (optional) Directions Prepare the Cherries: Spread chopped cherries on a paper towel to drain. Prepare the Dough: I...

These sprinkle cookies are simply amazing! While the dough differs slightly from my usual all-powdered sugar roll-out recipe (which I'll share soon!), it's just as delicious, using granulated sugar for an equally delightful result. The sprinkles are what truly make these cookies special, adding the perfect amount of festive cheer without being overpowering. They are absolutely perfect for the holidays! Ingredients For the cookies: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, slightly softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, at room  temperature 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt For the glaze: 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup water 1/2 tsp almond extract (you could use vanilla instead but make sure it's clear) 3 oz jar nonpareils (your choice of rainbow or holiday!) For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles (your favorite colors and shapes!) Instructions: Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly wh...

December marks the beginning of the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with these delightful Red Velvet Whoopie Pies? Red velvet is a personal favorite, and it's exciting to see how versatile this flavor has become. While I've made whoopie pies before, these truly stand out as the best. They are an absolute must-have for your next cookie swap and are guaranteed to impress! Ingredients For the whoopie pies: 3 cups All-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs, at room temperature 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (2 oz.) bottle of red food coloring 1 cup buttermilk Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients: 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract (clear...