Monday, February 14, 2011

Crunchy Nut Cookies and GIVEAWAY - YOU Pick the Prize


Several weeks ago, I saw a recipe for Crunchy Nut Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies on Katrina's site, Baking and Boys. Well, with a name like that, how could I resist making them? Unfortunately, my grocery store didn't have the Crunchy Nut Cereal (if you want to know what this is, check out the link to Baking and Boys - Katrina has a pic of it). So, my plans fell by the wayside.

Then, this past week, I saw it and it was on SALE!!! Well, if that wasn't a sign I don't know what is. I gleefully bought a box and went off to my kitchen to satisfy my cookie craving.

The dough came together very easily. But, it did get very dense after adding the flour and the oatmeal. So, when it came time to add in the cereal and chocolate chips, I just went at it with my hands to get everything mixed in. When I baked the cookies, I followed Katrina's directions and let them bake for about 8-10 minutes, flattened them with a spatula, then let them continue baking for several minutes more.


The cookies come out with these lovely cracked tops. They were dense, chewy, and had a nice peanut butter flavor to them. The only change I would make is to omit the oatmeal and add more of the Crunchy Nut cereal in its place (I just love the flavor and crunch). But they were definitely delicious. I can't stop nibbling on them. I even sent a dozen of them to my sister. I'm sure she's going to love them too.

Crunchy Nut Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies (from Baking and Boys)

1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 Tbsp. milk
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
1 c. Crunchy Nut Cereal

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and peanut butter. Once combined, beat in the sugar until well blended, about 2 min. Scrape sides of bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and beat until smooth and well blended.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix until almost combined. Fold in the oats and mix-ins just until combined. Chill the dough at least 60 min. (I forgot this step but it worked out just fine.)

Preheat oven to 350F. Scoop walnut sized balls of dough on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 min. (press down each cookie with the back of a spatula and then bake 2 more minutes). Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 min., then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now for the GIVEAWAY you've all been waiting for!!!

I can't believe I have over 400 followers. That is just incredible to me. So, to celebrate, I've decided to have a giveaway.

Recently, I won a $25 gift certificate for CSN. But, I'm going to use it to gift one of my lucky readers instead. At first, I tried to pick an item, but that was just too hard. So, I'm going to let YOU pick the prize instead. (the gift certificate is in my name so you tell me what item you want and I'll have it shipped to your house if you win)

The Rules: This giveaway is open to US residents only (due to shipping constraints). You MUST be a follower of my blog in order to enter. You MUST complete the mandatory entry first or all your other entries will be deleted.

The winner will be notified in an e-mail and will be announced here. Since my gift certificate expires on March 1, 2011, the winner will have only 48 hours to get back to me after he/she is notified, or a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me in ONE comment (1) whether you are an old or new follower of my blog AND (2) what YOU would pick from CSN if you were the lucky winner. Remember that the TOTAL value (item + shipping) cannot be more than $25. If your e-mail address is not included in your Google profile, please make sure to include it in your comment so that I have a way to contact you.

Optional Entries:
1. Be an old or new follower on Facebook (in the sidebar) and tell me in a comment that you are. (1 entry)

2. Link up a sweet treat to last week's Sweets for a Saturday #4 or this coming week's Sweets for a Saturday #5 and tell me what you linked up. (1 entry per week)

3. Tell me what your favorite thing about my blog is. (1 entry)

4. Blog about the Sweets for a Saturday linky party and invite your readers to come by during the weekend and link up. Please include the link to your blog post in your comment. (3 entries - ex: I blogged #1, I blogged #2, I blogged #3)

This giveaway will be open from Feb. 14 until Sunday, Feb. 23 at 12:00 PM PST. Good luck!!!

This recipe is linked to:
It's a Valentine's Party
Meatless Mondays
Midnight Maniac's Meatless Mondays
Just Another Meatless Monday
Mouthwatering Monday
Homemaker Monday
Tasty Tuesdays
Hearth and Soul Hop
Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesdays
Tuesdays at the Table
Tuesday Twister
33 Shades of Green Tasty Tuesdays
Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays
Tuesday Night Supper Club
Rook No. 17
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Recipes I Can't Wait to Try
Full Plate Thursday
Let's Do Brunch


112 comments:

  1. Love cookies that are crunchy and chewy, I'm bookmarking it.
    Good luck to the winner and Happy Valentine's Day :))

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  2. THANK YOU so much for this giveaway! You're so generous, as you always are! You have such a lovely blog here, of course, you'll have more and more followers as time goes by. :)

    There are just so many great stuffs from the CSN store! You're so right, it's really hard just to pick one! But I guess I've found what I NEEDED! The non-stick coating from my spring form pan is coming off (guess I baked up too many Japanese cheesecakes lately...lol). So, I found this great bargain here. http://www.csnstores.com/Frieling-Z3402-FLG1657.html
    I hope I win so I can resume to making those yummy Japanese cheesecakes for my family soon!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  3. Again, I'm your loyal follower! ;)

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  4. Yes, I linked up with Sweets for a Saturday #4 already. :) With my Chocolate Dipped-Strawberry Meringue Roses recipe.

    Of course, I'll be back for #5's link up party!

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  5. These are just so many things I love about your blog...oh my, where do I start!? If I have to name just one, my favorite, it'll be your great personality and stories you share with us about your daily live. I just love to get to know you better. :)

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  6. Hi Lisa! I've been following since the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. I think I'd get a bigger offset spatula, but wouldn't mind spending some more time looking around:@)

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  7. I was entry #1 last week with my "Message Cookies"! Thanks for the fun give-away!

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  8. I love crunchy nut cereal! I bet this combination is great!

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  9. What a great cookie. The cereal is such a neat addition.

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  10. How sweet of you to share your gift certificate! I am a follower of your blog and have been for a few months! I am starting a Fiestaware collection and would love to be able to add to it and that's what I would do with it!

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  11. I linked up Cookie Dough Dip to Sweets for a Saturday #4!

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  12. I love that you've started Sweets for a Saturday! THat's my favorite thing! It's been a lot of fun seeing what people bring!

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  13. I'm an old follower! I just spent a good 30 minutes perusing and have a list about 20 items long, but I do believe I'd want this trivet! It would look very cute in my kitchen, and save my countertop ha! http://www.csnstores.com/Wade-Ceramics-80140-CR-MA-WCM1077.html

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  14. I'd use it toward this blanket:
    http://www.csnstores.com/Daniadown-65825TH-DWD1489.html
    even if I have to toss in a few dollars.

    I follow on gfc (old follower)

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  15. I love the recipes. Yum!

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  16. Well, I am a new "official" follower but I have been following for a couple weeks now! I love the scarlett blossom apron at CSN! TOtally cute cute cute! I can't get enough aprons! But, those are a little over 25 dollars, so I really like the french dot coaster set!

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  17. I am a new follower on Facebook. Thanks!

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  18. I linked up my Valentine meringue cookies, chocolate chip cookies, Valentine grahams and peanut butter cookies!

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  19. My favorite thing about your blog is the Saturday links. I love seeing what you and everyone else has created all week! Inspiring!

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  20. Hey Lisa. I sure did link up for Saturday. I am a definite loyal follower of your wonderful blog. Too many awesome things to chose from. I would let my partner Alessa decide. cheartstrings@knology.net

    Those cookies look wonderful.

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  21. I've been a follower for a few months now. If I won the g.c., I'd get the small version of this decorator tip set (http://www.csnstores.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-47120-01-47120-02-WCS4202.html)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  22. I'm a old follower and I'd probably pick a new colander.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

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  23. I love all of the yummy recipes on your blog.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

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  24. I've been a follower for a few weeks now. I think this is cute and I know my husband would get a kick out of it: http://www.csnstores.com/2020-ATP1020.html. You can find reach me at army_chick826 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  25. I'm a new follower on Facebook!

    army_chick826 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  26. I linked up for week #4 with Peanut Butter Cup Bars!

    army_chick826 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  27. My favorite thing about your blog is the delicious recipes!

    army_chick826 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  28. I would buy a new bundt cake pan!

    molliezapata@yahoo.com

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  29. And I love the linky party and the biscotti picture on your banner!

    molliezapata@yahoo.com

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  30. Lisa, these cookies sure look delicious, love the ingredients in it...nut, chocolate and peanut butter...yummie!

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  31. These cookies look really great. I will definitely have to try them.

    I am a fairly new follower and enjoy your blog very much. If I won, I think I would buy a muffin/cupcake pan. Mine are pretty bad.

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  32. I am linked up to Sweets For A Saturday.

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  33. The cookies look great! Makes me want to make them again!
    I don't need an entry in your giveaway. I'm about to have another CSN giveaway on my blog, too!

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  34. I am a somewhat new follower. If I won, I'd pick something for my kitchen!

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  35. My fav thing of course is fnding new recipes!

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  36. I'm a fairly old follower. I would pick something to bake with. I've been wanting measuring cups that have a 2/3 and a 3/4 cup measuring cup. I saw a commercial for this cereal today for the first time. What a fun cookie idea!

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  37. I love the sound of these cookies! Chewy and hearty! Thanks for making my sloppy joes - I love hearing that! I am an old follower and would love to buy a new springform pan.

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  38. I am an old follower. I tried to use my apple peeler this last year and it didn't work. I would like a new one
    http://www.csnstores.com/Back-to-Basics-A505-BTB1044.html

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  39. My favorite thing about your blog is the yummy treats you make, plus I think you are sooooo cute. I also like Sweets For A Saturday. That should make me put on weight!!!

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  40. Wow! you are very generous with your giveaway. Too bad that I'm not a US resident for this.

    Nevertheless, the cookies look great...yum yum yum..

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  41. I also meant to add that I would so get an offset spatula, I could really use one!

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  42. I would definitely get the Kaiser decorating set. I'd love some new tips and you can never have too many pastry bags. :)

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  43. My fave thing about your blog is all of the delish recipes you make that I bookmark to make. I love your Sweets for a Saturday linky party too, I just need to participate! But I love that you have it, and it was a unique idea because not many linkies are based on sweets :)

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  44. Oops. I forgot to say that I;m new to your blog...and that I'd like the Kaiser decorating set. :)

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  45. I checked out your recipe index, and your foolproof lemon meringue pie sounds wonderful. I'd say that's my favorite post.

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  46. (I forgot to say what I would get... something for my kitchen like an immersion blender, a waffle maker, an ice cream maker, or a pizza baking stone.)

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  47. Hi, I'd buy a mini muffin pan. I just got rid of my old one and need a replacement badly!

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  48. Hi Lisa, I did participate in your Saturday #4 link up and submitted a Triple-Chocolate Mousse Cake!

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  49. I'm a new follower of yours. The best thing about your blog is the variety of post that you have. It's unique and fun to read!

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  50. I'm a new follower! Love the Saturday link up...I linked up my salted toffee chocolate squares last week. I'll link up a new recipe this coming Saturday.

    I posted on my blog not to far back how I broke my 10 year old Henkels pairing knife cutting frozen butter. The blade just snapped in half. Blog entry -http://everydaysisters.blogspot.com/2011/01/another-10-year-old-kitchen-tool-bites.html

    I would love to replace that knife with this one http://www.csnstores.com/Zwilling-JA-Henckels-30720-103-JAH1558.html

    Ellen
    http://everydaysisters.blogspot.com
    ellenzames@gmail.com

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  51. I am a new follower and enjoy your Sweets for a Saturday because I find such great recipes there.

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  52. I linked up last Saturday with my Ritz Cracker Cookies -- that are DELISH, by the way. I'd either get some new glassware, or more Fiestaware if I won the gift certificate.

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  53. I am such a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter, what great friend's they make! Have a great day!! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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  54. These look awesome!! And wow, I totally remember that cereal from when I was little... Right when I saw the photo of it, I got a craving for it. Might have to make this if I can find it at my grocery store! :)

    Sues

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  55. These cookies sound awesome! I love any dense cookie with a peanut butter kick :)

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  56. I am a new follower and all around just new to the blogging world. And I've been spending hours on my computer each night reading all over the internet and wondering, how I lived without all of you in cyberworld!

    I would start simple and get the Kaiser Decorating set. I'm sure my fiance is getting sick of me using all of your ziplocs to decorate my baked goodies!

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  57. I'm a semi-new follower. I linked up a couple weeks ago to Sweets for a Saturday and I love reading your blog! I would most likely get a new decorating set but I'd have to look around some more to decide!

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  58. I really enjoy the Sweets for a Saturday series. It's so fun seeing what you've cooked up and what others are sharing!

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  59. You have a wonderful yummy blog here. This is a fun giveaway!

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  60. New follower. I'd really like to get a new set of baking loaf pans, like the 8x4 size. Thanks!

    Chris M.

    zekks at yahoo dot com

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  61. I am a newish follower....

    i would love this for making cupcakes! Thanks
    http://www.csnstores.com/Calphalon-BW5012-CPH1109.html

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  62. Last week i posted rocky road brownies! This week i will post chocolate chip cookies and nutella souffles! Thanks!

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  63. My favorite thing about your blog is the sweets for saturday!! I love the linky party and looking at everyones sweets! and my favorite blog entry is the cinnamon rolls! I am going to try them soon!!

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  64. Hi there! Nice to see you again and thanks for sharing- it is so nice of you! I am a somewhat new follower, since you invited me to join Sweets for a Saturday 2 weeks ago. I am so glad you found me! If i won the gift certificate I think I would go for this Emerilware - EC81121 - Cast Iron 12" Skillet. It is a huge bargin (plus it includes free shipping- I'm so thrifty! lol) plus I have been dying for a cast iron skillet, so it would be a good opportunity to buy one.

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  65. I guess you could call me an old follower on facebook since i did it before this give away. But I am still pretty new to your site. You found me 2 weeks ago :)

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  66. aside from your great recipes, I love your Sweets for a Saturday! it is such a fun idea! Thanks for including me!

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  67. I blogged about Sweets for a Saturday #3 Here is my link: http://myretrokitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/sweets-for-saturday.html

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  68. I have been a follower on FB for awhile now. I'm not "old":)

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  69. i am a current follower on your blog, and I want some mini tart pans from CSN, Please, with sugar on top;)

    beckysbakingandcooking@gmail.com

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  70. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  71. I love baking with cereal--the cookies look delish! And fun giveaway!! I've been following for a few months now. I'd buy anything to do with cupcakes! =)

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  72. I just printed this cookie recipe and oh boy, do I want to make it. I have to get the cereal.

    I like your recipes the best although you have such a nice blog, there is a lot to like.

    I want to start buying pieces for a new set of dishes and that is what I would do with the CSN certificate if I won.

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  73. I mad3e a mistake and told you what I like about your blog instead of telling you that I am an old follower.


    I still like your recipes the best, especially this one.

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  74. I linked up rum truffles. Looking forward to next week's links. I could could from here, forever and a day.

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  75. Yummy! Peanut butter and chocolate, you can't get much better than that.

    I'm hosting a weekly link up for sweet-inspired recipes. I hope you stop by and link up. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/02/17/chocolate-chip-toffee-bars/

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  76. How sweet of you to do this giveaway! I'm an old follower and I'd pick this laptop bag in black:
    http://www.csnstores.com/Goodhope-Bags-4633-GHB1289.html

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  77. I linked up birthday cake fudge in Sweets for Saturday #4.

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  78. My favorite thing about your blog is the link party. I get so many great ideas from there that I know I'll never have time to get to all of them! Sometimes it's nice to just window shop while I admire and drool over others' creations.

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  79. Favorite thing so far is Sweets for Saturday!

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  80. I am a new follower!! I would get Lodge - CBCCR - Cast Iron Cooking Cookbook

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  81. Dear Lisa I love all your recipes and giveaways! and Im your following a lot of time, huggsss, gloria

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  82. why are you surprised u have 400 followers? you're awesome :)

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  83. i am always in the mood for cookies...and these look so interesting. i don't think i know that cereal..but i am going to check my grocery today! thank you for sharing with tuesday night supper club.

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  84. Hi Lisa! Oh what a joy it is to see how well your sweet saturday linky is doing! I am so proud of you! Seriously makes me want to bake up more sweetness just to share with you! This recipe is right up my ally as there is nothing better than chocolate AND peanut butter! Thanks so much for sharing on the hearth and soul hop! All the best! Alex

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  85. I am a new follower. I would get a pizza stone!

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  86. I am a new reader but so far I love the yummy SWEET recipes!

    emmajeanne16(at)aol(dot)com

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  87. Awesome! I'm am old follower. I would love to get the presto pizza maker from CSN. CSN totally rocks! Your recipe rocks too! Thanks for linking up to the Valentine's party! :-)

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  88. I just linked up my mini date and walnut cakes. It's the easiest recipe with only 4 ingredients and it's soooo delicious.

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  89. I'm already a follower, and I'd get a donut pan-I've been dying to get one ever since everyone's started posting baked donut recipes!
    26summer at excite dot com

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  90. I linked up my red velvet cupcakes this week.

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  91. Hi! I'm a new follower and I would LOVE to get a pasta maker!

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  92. I posted hostess cupcakes this week!

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  93. I posted chocolate chip roll out cookies last week!

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  94. I am a new gfc follower (Dee) :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  95. My favorite thing are all your fantastic recipes for delicious treats! :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  96. my favorite thing about the blog is all the great ideas I get... like carrot fries! I can't wait to try that!

    XOXO

    http://lovejennyxoxo.blogspot.com/

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  97. Hi Lisa! I'm a new follower. Thanks for the invite to the sweet treat link party. My Boston Cream Pie, I Die recipe is posted at www.rebelbaker.blogspot.com. Come check it out!

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  98. I would love to win this! I am looking to get a new donut pan!

    i am keeping my fingers crossed and i am so happy i found your blog- My favorite is the linky tool... what a great way to bring bloggers together!!

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  99. I've linked my recipe to you blog. What do I love about your blog?? CHOCOLATE!

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  100. Hi! I'm a new follower on Facebook.

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  101. Hi, I'm a new follower. I'd like to get a nice big mixing bowl. You posted on my blog. I'm trying to figure out the linky thing. At any rate, my email is nywordsmith at yahoo dot com.

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  102. Hokaaay ... I figured out the linky thing and linked my red velvet mini cupcakes and linked back to you. Email address in a previous entry.

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  103. My final entry -- I like your blog because it's about my favorite food group -- SWEETS!

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  104. sorry i forgot to say what I would get at CSN! I think i would get these amazing shoes!!

    http://www.csnstores.com/Journee-Collection-FUME-99-BLK-JEE1102.html

    XOXO

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  105. Those cookies sound delicious! I love the creative twist using the crunchy nut cereal! Glad you were able to track some down. Thank you so much for linking up another fabulous recipe at Rook No. 17!

    Congratulations on your 400+ followers! CSN stores is great, and I've been eying the "H. Potter - 65-1 - Conservatory Inspired Tabletop Wardian Case
    SKU #: HR1052" for a while now.

    An "old" follower,
    Jenn/Rook No. 17

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  106. Hi! I'm your newest follower. I saw your comment on my blog and here I am visiting you! Good evening to you and yours! I like that you are generous, adventurous and have charisma. Instead of something for me, I would use the gift card for something for my children. They are very young and both have muscle conditions. We cook a lot together since doing sport activities is difficult. Your blog is really wonderful and congrats on all your followers! Now Im one of them! Thanks for your comments! Take care!!

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  107. Oh, and my blog is seasonsbesteats@blogspot.com
    !

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