Kicking Off 2012, Habs Tweetup Style!

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that we've already rung in a new year - have you kept your resolutions so far? If so, congratulations! Perhaps "try something new this year" made your list of goals? Well if you're a Habs fan why not try a Habs Tweetup? There's no better way to kick off the new year than getting together with a great group of Habs fans and friends to cheer on the Montreal Canadiens!

If you've never attended a Habs Tweetup (or even if you have and are looking forward to your next one), we've got plenty of opportunities for you right around the corner.  Be sure to click the RSVP link at the bottom of the page to reserve your seat!

First up, we kick off 2012 at McLean's Pub in Montreal on Saturday, January 14th to watch the Habs take on the Senators. Good food, good friends, an All Habs Trivia Challenge, and prizes make a winning combination for a fun night you won't want to miss!

Planning on being in the Pittsburgh area on Friday, January 20th for the Habs vs. Penguins game?  A Vasco bus tour from Montreal will be heading down for the event and we're planning a Habs Tweetup for fans to meet and mingle before the game!  Stay tuned for additional information regarding the venue, or contact us for more details.

Next we join our friends from TSN 990's "The Franchise" on Saturday, January 21st for a Habs Tweetup and "Guaranteed Win Night" Hockey Party at Brasserie Sports 40 in Anjou, Quebec. All Habs readers will be given special VIP passes for food and drink as well as chances to win great prizes like tickets, a jersey, gift certificates and more! Tickets for the drawing can be purchased at the event, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting "Team In Training" (a nonprofit fundraising program of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

Looking ahead to February, our Habs friends in Toronto will also have a change to get together for a Habs Tweetup!  The place to be on Saturday, February 11th is Hoops Sports Bar & Grill on Bremner.  The Canadiens take on the Maple Leafs this night and Habs fans will unite to cheer their team on to victory!  An All Habs Trivia Challenge and prizes will also be on tap for the event, so be sure to reserve your seat early.

To reserve your seat for any of the events listed above, click on the "RSVP for a Habs Tweetup" tab at the top of the page.  When you arrive at any Habs Tweetup event, ask to be seated with the All Habs group to join the fun.  Be sure to show your Canadiens pride and come dressed in your best Habs gear!

These are just a few of the fun-filled fan events we've got planned for this year, so keep checking HabsTweetup.com and follow @habstweetup on Twitter to stay updated on events as they are announced.

Go Habs Go!

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Merry Christmas!

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- For almost two weeks, our All Habs family has shared some spectacular cookie recipes with you as we explored The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies.

From the sweet to the chocolate-y and everything in between, we hope you enjoyed indulging your sweet tooth along with us. If you missed any of the recipes, you'll find the links for all twelve days listed below. Be sure to let us know if you tried any recipes in the comment section!

From our family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons

Day 2 - Almond Kisses

Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies

Day 4 - Melomakarona

Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie

Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze

Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

Day 8 - Soft Gingersnaps

Day 9 - Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Day 10 - Cranberry Orange Cookies

Day 11 - Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Day 12 - Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

photo credits: Amy Johnson, Dayes, Rose's Recipes, FoodNetwork.com, AllRecipes.com, KidsCooking.About.com, VeryBestBaking.com

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, every creature was stirring, shoving cookies in their mouths! That's right folks the big day is almost here and that means that today's cookie baking is extra special: we've got to feed Old St. Nick tonight!

Today's cookie is thick and hearty, great for dunking and sure to keep you going while you (er, I mean Santa) wraps and delivers gifts.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies
Recipe courtesy of "Hershey's Classic Recipes" from Publications International, Ltd.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats, uncooked
1 2/3 cups butterscotch chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until creamy and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, blend thoroughly.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; gradually beat into butter mixture.

4. Stir in oats and butterscotch chips, mixing until distributed evenly throughout dough.

5. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet (line with parchment paper for easy cleanup).

6. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Be sure to put out extra for Mr. Claus, these are sure to disappear!

Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons
Day 2 - Almond Kisses
Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies
Day 4 - Melomakarona
Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze
Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
Day 8 - Soft Gingersnaps
Day 9 - Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Day 10 - Cranberry Orange Cookies
Day 11 - Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

photo credits: VeryBestBaking.com, SouthernPlate.com, Annies-Eats.com

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Chocolate and peanut butter: one of the quintessential chocolate-lover's combinations. There are lots of ways to enjoy this dynamic duo, but a certain chocolate candy company seems to have the perfect portion size all wrapped up in a peanut butter cup.

I usually indulge in one or two of these bite-sized holiday treats every year, just to taste. But I know there are plenty of you out there who will probably polish off the entire tray in a matter of minutes!

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. milk
Miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.

3. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

4. Slowly beat in the egg, vanilla, and milk. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix well.

5. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place each one into an un-greased mini muffin pan.

6. Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes. Remove pan from oven and immediately press one unwrapped peanut butter cup into each dough ball.

7. Cool completely before removing from pan. Enjoy!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our next holiday cookie recipe: Santa's Surprise!

Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons
Day 2 - Almond Kisses
Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies
Day 4 - Melomakarona
Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze
Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
Day 8 - Soft Gingersnaps
Day 9 - Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Day 10 - Cranberry Orange Cookies

photo credits: KidsCooking.About.Com, TasteOfHome.com, Amy Johnson

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Cranberry Orange Cookies

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- One of my favorite holiday brunch items is a warm slice (or two) of cranberry orange bread with a bit of butter on it.  Today's cookie recipe takes that traditional breakfast treat and turns it into a sweet yet tangy cookie, complete with an orange glaze. You might want to make an extra batch - these could disappear quickly!

Cranberry Orange Cookies
Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
COOKIES:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
1 egg
1 tsp. grated orange zest
2 tbsp. orange juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups chopped cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

GLAZE:
1/2 tsp. grated orange zest
3 tbsp. orange juice
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg until well blended, then add 1 tsp. of orange zest and 2 tbsp. orange juice.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into the orange butter mixture.

4. Stir in cranberries and walnuts.

5. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets, using parchment paper for easy cleanup.

6. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until cookie edges are golden brown. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.

7. While the cookies are cooling, mix together the 1/2 tsp. orange zest, 3 tbsp. orange juice and confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle gently over the top of the cookies and allow glaze to set.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our next cookie recipe: Peanut Butter Cups!

Did you miss one of our previous cookie recipes? Find them here:
Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons
Day 2 - Almond Kisses
Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies
Day 4 - Melomakarona
Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze
Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
Day 8 - Soft Gingersnaps
Day 9 - Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

photo credits:  AllRecipes.com (Kimberly Harvey), Wikipedia, Squidoo.com, KingArthurFlour.com

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- That's right folks: as the title suggests, today's recipe doesn't just involve chocolate.  It takes double chocolate!  Oh, and peanut butter too.  Sound decadent?  It is!

These cookies comes to us from All Habs team member Erica (@HabItHerWay) who calls this her "go-to" cookie recipe.  One taste and it's easy to understand why - they're a chocolate lover's delight!

Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Based on a recipe from "Cookies!", by Tormont Publications

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat together the sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla until creamy and fluffy.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

4. Gradually add flour mixture into the butter mixture while beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.

5. Stir in chocolate and peanut butter chips.

6. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto a cookie sheet (use parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal).

7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set.  Let cool for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our next delicious cookie recipe: Cranberry & Orange Cookies!

Did you miss one of our previous cookie recipes? Find them here:
Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons
Day 2 - Almond Kisses
Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies
Day 4 - Melomakarona
Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze
Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
Day 8 - Soft Gingersnaps

photo credits: Amy Johnson

Read more...

The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: Soft Gingersnaps

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Admit it.  You're one of those people that bites the heads off of those innocent gingerbread men, aren't you?  It's okay, we won't tell.  Or perhaps you enjoy indulging your inner architect by spending an afternoon building the world's most elaborate gingerbread house?

Whatever your gingerbread preference, today's recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.  Gingersnap cookies tend to be crispy and a little dry, but this version is soft, moist, and chewy - perfect with a glass of milk!

Soft Gingersnaps
Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Additional sugar for coating dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add egg and continue beating until well mixed, then beat in molasses.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.  Add a small amount at a time to the butter mixture and continue beating until a soft dough forms.

 

3. Cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 1 hour in order to make the dough easier to handle.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Roll cookie dough between hands into walnut-sized balls.

5. Roll each dough ball in a bowl filled with additional sugar to coat.

6. Place dough balls on ungreased baking sheet (use parchment paper for easy cleanup).

7. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until puffy and golden brown.  Cool for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire baking rack to cool completely.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our next tasty recipe:  Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies!


Did you miss one of our previous cookie recipes? Find them here:
Day 1 - Raspberry Ribbons
Day 2 - Almond Kisses
Day 3 - Banana Bread Cookies
Day 4 - Melomakarona
Day 5 - The Original Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day 6 - Chocolate Chip Bites with Salted Caramel Glaze
Day 7 - Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

photo credits: Amy Johnson

Read more...