Chonky Boys: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches that Scream Summer!

Image
Featuring my thick and nuggy Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookies, these ice cream sandwiches are the stuff that summer dreams are made of.  If you've ever had the Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich at Disneyland , you are going to LOVE these!  These big and bold chocolate chip cookies are based on a recipe from my culinary school studies at Auguste Escoffier, but with a few modifications to give them that Jennuine touch.  They make the perfectas book for a fat slice of real vanilla bean ice cream.  And those mini chips?  You just gotta have that extra cronch! Thank goodness this recipe only makes 8 sandwiches, otherwise I would be eating them for breakfast lunch and dinner.  This way, my big family can help save me from my inner child diet-saboteur.   Print With Image Without Image Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Yield: 8 Author: Jenn Erickson Loaded with chocolate chips and buttery, brown-sugary vanilla flavor, these mall-sized cookies form a perfect partnership with a

A New Twist on a Classic New Year's Tradition~
Southwestern Black Eyed Peas

Southwestern Black Eyed Peas shown here with Mexican Chorizo and Avocado over Chile & Cheese Grits.

A New Year's tradition that dates back to the American Civil War, eating black eyed peas on New Years day is thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.  


The peas (actually a variety of bean) are said to represent coins, and are symbolic of growth and prosperity because of the way they swell as they cook. Traditionally prepared with greens such as collard, mustard, or kale, the green symbolizes paper currency.

Southwestern Black Eyed peas make the perfect New Year's Day breakfast when served with fresh avocado and a fried egg on top!

Eating black eyed peas, or Hoppin' John (when served over rice) is part of my family's New Year's Day tradition.  This year, I wanted to experiment with a new spin on the classic and came up with this delicious recipe for Southwestern Black Eyed Peas! If you're a fan of Mexican, Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex food, you'll love this perfectly spiced, hearty dish. 

Black eyed peas typically pick up their smoky flavor from bacon or a ham hock, but this vegetarian dish gets its smoke and a little heat from a chipotle pepper. In this dish the green currency is represented by cilantro.   



Southwestern Black Eyed Peas
 adapted from The Homesick Texan's Austin Style Black Beans

1 pound dried black eyed peas
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced (about 1/2 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped (add a second if you like it a little spicier)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (divided)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
1 fresh lime, halved
salt and pepper to taste

For garnish:
Sour Cream
Fresh Avocado, diced

Step 1:  Rinse beans in a colander.  Remove any shriveled or discolored beans.

Step 2:  Place beans in a large pot and cover with 1" of water.  Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.  Turn off the heat and let beans sit and cool for 30 minutes.

Step 3:  Drain and rinse the beans in a colander.  Set aside.

Step 4:  Return the empty pot to the stove.  Heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and carrots.  Stir occasionally and cook until the onions are translucent (about 8 minutes).  Reduce heat if onions are browning too quickly.  Add garlic to the pot and cook for 30 more seconds.

Step 5:  Return the drained beans to the pot, along with the chipotle chile(s) and half of the chopped cilantro.  Cover with 2 inches of water, bring to boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Step 6:  After 1 hour, add the remaining cilantro, cumin, tomato paste, and juice of half of the lime.  Taste and add salt and pepper.  

Step 7:  Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes more or until the beans are tender.  When done, smash a few beans against the side of the pot with a spoon to thicken the broth.  Stir in the juice from the other half of the lime and serve.  Garnish with sour cream and fresh avocado.

Chile & Cheese Grits

2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups white cornmeal
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I like a cheddar/jack blend)
2 oz. canned chopped green chiles (roughly 1/2 a small can)

Step 1:  Combine the water and salt in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  

Step 2:  Mix the meal and the milk in a small bowl.

Step 3:  Whisk the corn meal mixture slowly into the boiling water, whisking constantly.  Reduce heat to low.

Step 4:  Whisk in the chiles and cheese, and continue to cook and whisk for 5 minutes or until the mixture is thickened and creamy.

Serve immediately.


Popular posts from this blog

Nostalgia Food: Old Fashioned Apple Hand Pies

Win the Perfect Holiday Dress from Shabby Apple

How to Host a Game of CLUE Party for Kids
+ Printable/Customizeable Invitations