Mad About Maida

This is not a Maida Heatter recipe but I was sharing it on my garden blog and thought, why not share it here as well? I usually make these around the holidays but they would also be good for Valentine's Day, especially if you are snowed in like we are! Why are they called buckeye balls? Because they look just like the nuts of the Ohio Buckeye Tree ( Aesculus glabra ). Some people just call them "peanut butter balls" which is basically what they are. All you need to make them are these 4 ingredients: 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3-4 cups sifted confectioners sugar (If you prefer them less sweet, use 3 cups) Line a baking sheet with wax paper (you may need two depending on the size). In a stand mixer, mix all the ingredients until the mixture is creamy. (You can also do this with your hands).   Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. (You can experiment with the size you want - some people ...

Chocolate Aggies  (Source:  Maida Heatter's Cookies  (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1997 ed.), pg. 239 . After I made these cookies, I knew I had made them before. After some searching, I was thinking about Chocolate Cracks . After comparing the recipes, they are indeed very similar. I have also made this particular recipe (with the powdered sugar on top) from a different recipe (not Maida's). I wasn't going to search for it but I think this is a fairly common cookie recipe and a popular one.   These are so good and easy to make, despite the mess that the powdered sugar makes.  This recipe will make 40 to 45 cookies. 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate 2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped medium fine 1 cup confectioners sugar Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a heavy, 3-quart saucepan, over low heat, melt the ch...