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I’m reaching that stage in my life when everyone I know (okay….really just everyone The.Boy. knows) is either getting married or having babies.

This summer, to be precise. All within three months of each other.  Two, in fact, in one weekend.  One of which I may or may not have offered to bake the wedding cake for (though thank the lord the bride decided to go with someone more professional/less emotionally involved…I would have done it but that would have been one insane weekend).

And while I’m definitely excited for all the real life bridal showers that are to come, I’m so happy to kick off this year of “I do’s” with a virtual shower for one of my favorite bloggers – Christina of Dessert For Two!

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I first met Christina in November of 2011 at the Foodbuzz Festival and she is one of the most down-to-earth, sweetest bloggers I have ever met.

(Plus, she’s getting married in cowboy boots. How rockstar is that?)

I am so incredibly happy for Christina and wish her and the future Mr. DessertForTwo all the love in the world.  She so very much deserves it.

To celebrate, I made her these brown butter snickerdoodles, which are revelatory.  As if snickerdoodles weren’t pretty darn amazing to begin with, you add to them the nutty addictive flavor of browned butter, and they turn into something truly divine.

Want to see what everyone else brought to the party?  Check out these delicious treats!
Strawberry Macarons from Krissy
White Wedding Cake Cupcakes from Julie
Mini  “I Do”-nuts from Tara
Moon Pie Cake from Madison
Whiskey Walnut Blondies from Jenna
Brown Butter Snickerdoodles from Joanne
Lemon Cupcakes with Sweet Tea Frosting from Kristan
Chocolate Covered Cheerios from Shelly
Mini Coconut Cream Pies from Megan
Sweet and Salty Party Cookies from Lauren

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And because I always feel like I should come to a party with both a sweet and a savory option, I’m also bringing along this pumpkin with tomato sauce, cocoa, and pepitas.

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I’m pretty much a sucker for any savory dish that incorporates chocolate and cinnamon (i.e. mole`) and while I was under the impression that my taste buds were just weird that way, even The.Boy. liked this so I think it’s definitely party-worthy.

And seriously…who doesn’t want to eat chocolate for dinner?  And have it count as health food?

Win/Win.

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So again, I just want to give a major CONGRATULATIONS to Christina!!  I heart you. Big time.

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This is also, *tear*, the TWELFTH week of the 12 Weeks of Winter Squash that Heather and I have been hosting!!  These twelve weeks absolutely flew by for me and I’m kinda already counting down the days until next year’s twelve weeks. But not to fear, there will still be winter squash featured around these parts until I become overrun with rhubarb and asparagus in the spring. If you’ve cooked anything with winter squash this week, then feel free to link up!!

Pumpkin with Tomato Sauce, Cocoa and Pepitas
Serves 4-6, adapted from How To Cook Everything Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 lb pumpkin or 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into large chunks
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large onion, chpped
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 serrano chili, minced
  • 1/2 cup red wine, veggie broth, or water
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450.  Toss the pumpkin/squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until squash is fork-tender.
  2. Put 1 tbsp olive oil in a deep Dutch oven or other pot with a tight-fitting lid and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and chile. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid boil off for a few minutes and thicken, then stir in the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat a bit so it bubbles along. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
  4. Return the pumpkin to the pot and let the mixture come back to a boil. Cover and turn the heat to low. Cook, stirring once or twice, until the sauce has thickened even more and the pumpkin is tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes.
  5. While the pumpkin is cooking, toast 1 cup pumpkin seeds, tossing until golden.
  6. Stir the pumpkin seeds into the squash/tomato sauce along with the cocoa powder and ground cinnamon. Add in the sugar and chipotle chili powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro.  I served this over a bed of quinoa!

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Makes about 2 dozen, adapted from Baked Elements

Ingredients

  • 8 oz unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp plus 2 tsp cinnamon, divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 cup plus 3 tbsp sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat swirling the pan occasionally, until the foam subsides and the butter turns nut brown, 8-10 minutes. Pour the browned butter into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium-low speed to release the heat and bring it to room temperature, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, 1 tsp of hte cinnamon and the salt.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the eggs and milk and whisk lightly.
  4. Once the butter is cooled, turn off the mixer. Add 1 cup of the sugar to the mix and the brown sugar, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again for a few seconds. Turn the mixer to low and stream in the egg mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until thoroughly combined, 30-45 seconds.
  5. Add the flour mixture in three parts, beating after each addition for 10-15 seconds or until just barely incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and gather the dough into a mound in the middle. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. In a wide-mouthed bowl, stir together the remaining 3 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp cinnamon.
  8. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop the dough into 2-tbsp balls and roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the cookies about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until teh cookies are cracked and the fissures are set.
  9. Set the pans on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the racks to cool completely.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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85 Responses to Brown Butter Snickerdoodles and Pumpkin with Tomato Sauce, Cocoa, and Pepitas…For A Virtual Bridal Shower!

  1. Simply Life says:

    what a fabulous dessert to bring! congrats to the couple!

  2. Um, can I get myself a dozen of these cookies stat?? They look fabulous. We need a Foodbuzz 2011 reunion:-)

  3. Browned butter pretty much makes every dessert better! Lovely virtual shower 🙂

  4. A friend of mine absolutely adores Snickerdoodles so I have to try these! I’ve tried browned butter in so many things, but never Snickerdoodles! Pumpkin is so healthy–low-carb and high in Vitamin A and fiber, I also must give the savory dish a try.

    I hate to admit it, but I hate showers. I have many friends who are married and/or have children. But I just don’t like the ceremonies connected with either event.

  5. Joanne! Thank you SO much! This is so sweet! Happy tears ensued. Now I finally feel like a bride–I haven’t cried once since I bought my dress.

    Thank you so much! I’m so honored and lucky to call you my friend. I’m so glad we’re friends 🙂

    Love ya!
    xoxo x a million,
    Christina

  6. I am pretty much a fan of browned butter anything. These look perfect!

  7. Beth says:

    I’ve made those snickerdoodles so many times since that book came out. They’re already a family favorite!

    I have to admit, I’m all over your squash and sweet potato recipes, but I’m not quite sure about using pumpkin in a savory dish. (However, the chocolate and cinnamon definitely make it worth a second look.)

  8. Danielle says:

    Both of these recipes look fantastic!

  9. Seriously, these 12 weeks flew by! I’d love to celebrate with a bowl of that delectable Pumpkin, because, well, mole IS my favorite dish. I know I’d love the combo! And a resounding YES on the brown butter snickerdoodles, I can’t think of a better combo.

  10. Steph says:

    Oh these cookies are making me crave a huge glass of milk!

  11. Both recipes are great but the pumpkin in a mole sauce sounds very interesting.

  12. When I read your titel I thought it was one meal, and I thought this girl fell off her rocker than I saw you posted to supurb recipes!! I have squash that needs a new recipe and I am loving the Pumpkin with Tomato Sauce, Cocoa and Pepitas. I may make that today! Yum!!

    Snickerdoodles are one of my favorites and I haven’t made any this year! I have to now! They look delish!!

  13. Snickerdoodles, pound cake…you’re killing me over here! I attempted to make butternut squash cookie bars last week…but it was an utter failure. It turns out that squash isn’t such a good replacement for butter in cookies 😉 Now, are all these wedding bells giving you and The.Boy. any ideas?!

  14. Amy says:

    I can’t think of a more perfect cookie to bring to a shower. My favorite! Already stumped as to what I would bring to your shower…some type of squash concoction, I’m sure. Anxiously awaiting that day 😀

  15. bellini says:

    My daughter is your age and she seems to aways be attending a wedding, or a bridal or baby shower. It sure does get the creative juices flowing.

  16. I want booooth! And I know what you mean, everyone I know is engaged too. Not having babies…but getting married. This is going to be one freaking EXPENSIVE year!!

  17. I need one of these cookies in my life. NEEEEEEEED.

  18. Lori says:

    That pumpkin is so unique! I can’t wait to give it a try. Pinning it now. And snickerdoodles are one of the best cookies ever. Always a favorite around here.

  19. Talk about the perfect complete meal! And yes, weddings and babies are definitely in the air!

    Sues

  20. These are just beyond perfect. I have always loved snickerdoodles and the brown butter just adds to their amazing-ness!

  21. I just adore snickerdoodles – and somehow it never crossed my mind to make them with brown butter – it’s so simple and so DUH!! They look perfect for Christina and so does that pumpkin with tomato sauce. Just lovely!

  22. Snickerdoodles are my youngest daughter’s favorite cookie – your photos are mouthwatering!!
    mary x

  23. Where were you when I was getting married? if you showed up at my bridal shower with snickerdoodles and that pumpkin and tomato dish, you would be far be the most popular person in my life! yum,

  24. Ashley Bee says:

    I just was a model in a bridal expo and I felt the pressure even MOREso than usual. All my friends are marrying and babying! Eep!

    Great additions for a baby shower 🙂

  25. Snickerdoodles with brown butter?! SCORE. And I’m totally with you–everyone I know is getting engaged, or married. Sighhhhh. Whatever, I’ll just eat more cookies. 😉

  26. I must be hungry this AM b/c when I saw the first photo, it looked like a sweet pot pie of some type. Not these snickerdoodles don’t sound awesome but my mind is clearly on lunch lol

  27. That pumpkin recipe is so creative and looks absolutely delicious! I can not WAIT to try it!

  28. Karis says:

    Nothing beats a cookie made with browned butter, especially when pastured butter is used! I’m thankful to have reached an age (34) where almost everyone I know is married. I can remember many summers in my 20s where we had a wedding every single weekend. We only have one in 2013 to attend!

  29. Foodycat says:

    I WANT that pumpkin! And I have snickerdoodle batter in the freezer!

  30. Jessie says:

    How sweet is this? You’re a darling to make these incredible snickerdoodles for a virtual bridal shower 🙂 I know what you mean about everything happening at once – for use, the summer of weddings was two years ago and now babies are on the horizon.

    Chocolate for dinner? Yes! And for breakfast … and lunch … 😉

  31. Jenn Kendall says:

    browned butter snickerdoodles sound AMAZING! and that pumpkin dish – soooo creative!! i’m making these later this week…they both sound so delicious!

  32. So what is better than a snickerdoodle? A browned butter snickerdoodle? I am going mad over these- they look so tempting and delicious

  33. Guru Uru says:

    I’m so digging your snickerdoodles my fiend, they look like heaven on a plate 🙂

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  34. What a sweet tribute to your blogging friend! The cookies look delicious but the butternut squash sounds fabulous!

  35. Natalie says:

    oh my goodness, brown butter snickerdoodle! How delicious that must taste!!

  36. london bakes says:

    This is an excellent party – I’ll take a bowl of the pumpkin and a handful of snickerdoodles!

  37. Those Brown Butter Snickerdoodles are seriously AMAZING, Joanne!!! I want them! You’re the 3rd blog in a matter of minutes Ive been on today, who has made something from Baked. I don’t know why I don’t own that book yet!

  38. Debbie says:

    The cookies look sooo good but the pumpkin just looks incredible…it just looks mouth watering!!!

  39. marie says:

    Even though snickerdoodles don’t have chocolate or nuts (favorites) in them, I just love them, especially crunchy ones. They remind me of a good friend who I miss, maybe that’s why they’ll always have a place in my heart.

  40. What a great idea to bring 2 items to the party! Brown Butter Snickerdoodles – Sounds like my new favorite cookie 🙂

  41. Both the stew and the doodles sound wonderful. I love chocolate in my savory dishes!

  42. Two posts in one!! You’ve outdone yourself lady! I can’t decide which I want to eat first 🙂

  43. Suzie says:

    I was in a virtual shower with some friends too, it is such a neat idea! Both recipes sound delish!

  44. Hotly Spiced says:

    Congratulations to Christina and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bride in cowboy boots. It’s probably a good thing that other bride didn’t want you to make the wedding cake. I have made wedding cakes for all my sisters and it’s so stressful – especially the transportation part! xx

  45. these look delicious!! i love brown butter – so nutty and fragrant! i’m sure your house, with the combo of these cookies and the brown butter, smelled divine!

  46. Mari says:

    pssst! hey love! Girly almost everyone I know, is getting married or having babies too. I need to get another job just to buy gifts haha

    sidenote, when can you cook for me?!?! I miss you lol (and your food)

  47. I just got Baked Elements for Christmas and can’t wait to start making recipes from it! And I feel like I keep hearing about brown butter snickerdoodles lately so these might have to be first on my list!

  48. Too. Much. Deliciousness!!

    I hear you on the everyone is married and having babies thing. I think in 2012 4 friends gave birth, and about 6 friends are currently pregnant. I am childless and jealous, and it’s horrible. Thank God for cookies.

  49. I love snickerdoodles anyways, so I can only imagine how delicious brown butter would make them!

  50. teresa says:

    oh my goodness, dinner and dessert! they both look fantastic!

  51. Those snickerdoodles look amazing!! We’ve definitely been in wedding mode (9 this past year), so all the baby showers are probably not too far behind.

  52. That Girl says:

    See for me, they were too separate events. First everyone I knew was getting married. Now it’s baby central.

  53. Katie says:

    What a lucky friend! I love the idea of cocoa in that savory dish. Sounds delicious!

  54. Tandy says:

    What a lovely idea for Christina! I don’t think I would volunteer to do a wedding cake for a friend 🙂

  55. Kari says:

    What a fun idea! And great recipes here 🙂

    I relate to everyone suddenly getting married / having children. The marriages have started to settle down but I think babies are going to be around for a while longer!

  56. So making those cookies! They just may be the next blue ribbon snickerdoodles at the KS state fair. 🙂

  57. Johanna GGG says:

    sounds like a great party with all that food – I love how you bring both sweet and savoury – that is my sort of party – can’t believe the 12 weeks of winter squash is over – reminds me that I need to roast some more pumpkin when we get a break from hot days

  58. Saguna says:

    Those jazzy flavours along with the pepitas sound so amazing together; I love sweet and savoury pumpkin dishes and spicy chocolate-y stuff that I can actually justify as a healthy dinner! So good. I’ve never made snickerdoodles. Like, ever, weirdly…. I need to fix that. 🙂

  59. Pam says:

    Love snickerdoodles!

  60. I can’t decide which one of these recipes is my favorite! Which is why I’ll just have to make both and find out. 🙂 YUM!

  61. Mary says:

    I hope she’ll be able to fit into her dress after all those treats :-). Everything sounds wonderful, Joanne. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  62. grace says:

    snickerdoodles must be AMAZING made with browned butter–terrific idea!

  63. The snickerdoodles look great, but the pumpkin looks even more enticing! What a great flavor combination!

  64. Katerina says:

    These two are so adorable for the virtual shower! Congratulations to the bride to be!

  65. I will def. be giving these cookies a try…one day, I too have hopes of getting married. LOL! Idk if it’s just me but for the last few visits, I’ve had a warning popup come out and tell me that this pg is unsafe (but again, it could just be me). This entire set up looks delish, Jo (but then again, I wouldn’t expect less from ya, girl)!

  66. ha. everyone i know is having babies, except me and you 😉 i’m not sure which of these i like more… no. i’m probably tempted more by the browned butter + pumpkin combo. like woah.

  67. Pam says:

    They all sounds great, especially the snickerdoodles! Congrats to Christina.

  68. I am sad to see the end of winter squash Mondays although I have enough inspiration to keep me propelled with the ones I still have in my pantry. 🙂

  69. Gloria says:

    Joanne both look fantastic!!

  70. Reeni Pisano says:

    I am in love with the brown butter snickerdoodles! I can’t believe 12 weeks is over already! What a way to wrap it up! That looks incredibly flavor packed.

  71. Juliana says:

    Wow Joanne, both look fantastic, but I really want to try the brown butter snickerdoodles, as I just discovered the flavor of brown butter recently.
    Have a great week!

  72. Blond Duck says:

    I should have gotten married in cowboy boots! I still need to try my browned butter pecan pie.

  73. Yasmeen says:

    We are so alike in our desire to bring both sweet and savory dishes – I just love that sense of balance, I guess… Anyhow, both recipes look beautiful. The cookies look like they have the pillowiest texture, and I’m keen on the idea of cocoa and pepitas together in the salad. Lovely.

  74. Mary Younkin says:

    The snickerdoodles and the pumpkin dish both sound delicious. I’m sure your friend’s wedding is going to be awesome. I love the trends in weddings right now. The cowboy boots look like so much fun in pictures. Almost makes me wish I could plan mine all over again, wait, no it doesn’t. I’m good. Have a GREAT day!

  75. Audra says:

    Oh yum x2! I’ve been wanting to make those brown butter snickerdoodles for ages and now I think you’ve pushed me over the edge. They look so gooey and crackly and delicious!

    PS- So excited for Friday!

  76. Nina says:

    Brown Butter is the best in any dessert ..yumm:)

  77. Awwwww you guys are too sweet to throw this shower! And those snickerdoodles look dangerously-good! I’m sure I could have a dozen of them in the blink of an eye.

  78. What a great way to honor a friend. This is why I love the blog world. You can make connections with people you would never have met otherwise. Congrats to the couple!

  79. elly says:

    Mmm, I have had those snickerdoodles bookmarked myself and now I know I REALLY need to make them!

  80. Chris says:

    You are right, the thought of the extra touch of brown butter – scrumptious!

  81. Lora says:

    I love the idea of brown butter snickerdoodles. Yum. Also the pumpkin dish looks divine.

  82. Cara says:

    The pumpkin recipe actually reminds me somewhat of my favorite eggplant caponata recipe, which involves cocoa, cinnamon, tomato sauce, and crushed red pepper, among other things. So, naturally, I need to try something similar with pumpkin!

  83. Laura says:

    I am totally trying these snickerdoodles also. Can never have too many variations and these looks awesome.

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