This cookie recipe features ingredients you probably have in your pantry and refrigerator (it only needs one egg). It's easy to make when you're in the mood to bake, for a last-minute gift or as a nice gesture for someone special. Maddy White and Mary Virginia Kizer Ball made these easy cookies for Maddy's mom, Rebecca, because she loves peanut butter. They were so easy that Mary Virginia made them again for the holidays and added a chocolate kiss. They modified the original recipe that appeared on cooks.com. Click here for more cookie recipes on Patch. Peanut Butter Cookies Makes about …

When baking cookies, it's so tempting to just eat the dough. This recipe for edible play dough is from Kristy Pfeiffer by way of Gabrielle Byrd. Mix up a batch of edible dough to keep the little ones entertained and then let them eat it when they're bored of playing with it! Edible Play Dough 1 cup peanut butter1 cup corn syrup1-1/4 cups powdered milk1-1/4 cups powdered sugar Mix well. Roll out and cut or shape. 

We asked readers to send their favorite cookie recipes to exchange with other readers on Greater Annapolis Patch. This week, we feature a few of the best we've received but this is ongoing so keep those cookie recipes coming to susan@patch.com. We love this first recipe sent in by Joanne Alloway of Annapolis. It requires no baking, uses only five ingredients and is easy to make.  Cashew Nut TrufflesMakes 35 servings 1/2 jar (8 ounces) cashew butter1 cup confectioners' sugar2 tablespoons butter,  softened3/4 cup coarsely chopped cashews1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels, melted In a bowl…

We're hosting a virtual cookie exchange this year by sharing recipes and photos. Dig out your recipe box (or, more likely, the folder of recipes on your computer) and choose some cookie recipes to send to Patch. We're looking for recipes that range from simple to challenging and include all kinds of cookies: bars dropped or cutout iced or plain gingerbread no bake gluten free low sugar nut free or full of nuts Tell us where you found your recipe, whether it's a family recipe or one you found online so we can give proper credit. To upload photos directly to Patch, click on "Add" next to the …

This version of chicken and dumplings features a creamy broth with "tough and hearty" dumplings. The recipe comes from Jen Batten, the calendar editor for Greater Annapolis Patch. Jen said the recipe came from her mother-in-law, Carolyn Batten, and she always makes a double batch of the dumplings for her family. Chicken and Dumplings 2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size), fresh or frozen 2 chicken bouillon cubes 1 can low-fat cream of chicken soup 1 cup frozen vegetables, your favorite mix 3 egg whites 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese 2 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon …

Some of the best recipes are the ones that are versatile, require few ingredients and are easy to make. This fruit muffin recipe, sent in by Gabrielle Byrd of Annapolis, gets points for meeting all three criteria. Gabrielle says you can use whatever kind of fruit (fresh or frozen) you have on hand. Most of the other ingredients are pantry staples so it's likely you already have what you need to make these muffins today. Gabrielle also said the recipe is easy enough for her 10-year-old daughter, Abby, to make on her own. We used frozen blueberries in ours and they were delicious. Fruit of the …

What's not to love about pizza? It's hard to resist a chewy crust with tangy tomatoes and melted oozing cheese. It's easy to make and tops the list of foods that even most picky eaters enjoy. While some people prefer pizza with meat toppings, I actually prefer vegetables on mine. This week's recipe comes from my husband, Chris Jenkins, who has made (and ordered) a lot of pizza since Greater Annapolis Patch launched.  Grilled Vegetable Pizza ½ eggplant, cubed 1 red pepper, sliced into strips 1 red onion, sliced 4 plum tomatoes 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (coarse salt, black and red pepper, …

Two weeks ago, we ran a decadent recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes submitted by Greater Annapolis Patch reader Julie Kizer Ball. She also sent us a healthy dish that makes a great vegetarian option. Julie wrote that this Indian-inspired creamed spinach can be a dip or side to roast chicken or pork. For a less spicy flavor, use plain jack cheese. Creamed Spinach Serves 4 Ingredients 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon peeled, chopped fresh ginger 1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon garam masala or curry powder 1 pound fresh …

Although some people eat chili year round, there's something special about eating warm chili on a cool day. Fall is a popular time of year for chili cookoffs and tailgating so we have a recipe for you to try. Bay Ridge resident Linda Trotta fondly remembers the chili her dad, Dan Prusinowski, used to make and sent in his recipe. Linda switched out the meat for ground turkey to make a healthier version. We recommend it topped with sour cream, chopped onions or shredded cheese. Dad's Chili Makes 12 servings (of about 1 cup each) 2 pounds ground turkey2 or 3 large onions, chopped2 cans (15-1/2 …

Last winter, locals had to find ways to keep busy and fend off "cabin fever" during the blizzard in February. Some Annapolis residents, like Julie Kizer Ball, passed the time by experimenting in the kitchen with family and friends. Julie made Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with her daughter, Mary Virginia, and Maddy White. The original recipe can be found at Relishmag.com. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Makes 24 cupcakes 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup powdered sugar 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks…

Our friends at the Maryland Department of Agriculture sent us a news release about Maryland seafood with a recipe that we just had to share. It's National Seafood Month and Governor Martin O'Malley has declared that October is also Maryland Seafood Month. "Eating Maryland seafood is a delicious part of a healthy diet," said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance in the release. "Maryland blue crabs are at their largest in the fall, after having grown all summer." Steaming crabs is the preferred preparation method of many people but this recipe uses leftover (or store-bought) crabmeat and can be …

Chef John Murphy, a former resident of Annapolis, recently performed a live cooking demonstration at Westfield Annapolis mall in an effort to win online votes for the national Sears Chef Challenge. (To see Murphy in Annapolis, watch the video here or read the story on Greater Annapolis Patch.) Murphy, who is the assistant director of Miriam's Kitchen in DC, also appeared this summer at the Sears in Bowie to make seared hanger steak with salsa verde. He shares his recipe with us today. If you enjoy Chef Murphy's recipe, you may vote for him online by going to the website for the Sears Chef …

Thirteen-year-old Allison Veit of Annapolis enjoys cooking. Her family and friends love to eat her creations, whether she's making a full meal or just a tasty treat. At the Anne Arundel County Fair last weekend, Allison won several first place ribbons in the teen category for: Vanilla cupcakes filled with chocolate ganache and topped with peanut butter-buttercream  icing and finished with peanuts and mini chocolate chips Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Bacon Cheddar Cornbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins Allison's brother, Brendan, won a second place ribbon for triple chocolate cupcakes. Her …