JEN HAUGEN

By Jen Haugen, RDn, LD

Cast Iron Skillet Cookie

As we think about the upcoming holidays that celebrate mothers and fathers, what comes to mind for you?

I think of all the recipes I have from family members — grandmothers, moms, aunts, cousins — and how each recipe represents that specific person and their life and their love. One summer during a family reunion, I invited each of my extended family members to share 3-5 recipes that they loved, and then I compiled everything in a cookbook with family photos.

It’s a cookbook that I love to look at for ideas, recipes that have been brought to family gatherings over time, and even the pictures of family members. This really reminds me of how much cooking is really about leaving a legacy.

One piece of cookware that can be passed down over time is cast iron. Here’s why: • Cast iron is extremely durable and long lasting throughout generations. • What I love about it is it’s superior heat distribution and how it cooks food so evenly whether you are searing, sauteing, frying, braising, baking, broiling and grilling. • Plus, you can use it on all heat surfaces including gas and induction cooktops, oven, grill and even campfires. • It’s easy to care for and low maintenance especially when it comes pre-seasoned. To give you some easy gift ideas for moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas, think about these questions to help you! • Do they love pinning amazing casserole recipes on Pinterest? Go for the Stoneware Baking Pan. • Do they experiment with sneaking zucchini or avocados into brownies? Try a Veggie Spiralizer. • Do they make pancakes every weekend? Try the Batter Mixer and Dispenser. • Do they love to bake? Go for the Mini Loaf Pan. • Do they love cold brew coffee? Try the Cold Brew Pitcher. • Do they love to cook and grill with easy clean up? Go for the cast iron.

All of these ideas will be treasured pieces in the kitchen. Bundle a few recipes with your gift too. Or even invite family members to contribute their favorite recipes too!

Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, is a mom on a mission to making everyday cooking easier so you can live your dreams. She’s a local small business owner, author and registered dietitian nutritionist. She owns her own business as a Pampered Chef consultant where she loves teaching how to make cooking fast and easy and healthy. If you would love to gather your friends for a fun evening of cooking together with tools that get the job done quicker, and learn simple cooking tips to make everyday cooking easier, then call Jen to set up your date: 507-438-7109.

Want daily tips? Find Jen on Instagram: www.instagram. com/JenHaugenRD and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ JenHaugenRD And grab her Real Meals, Real Moms Recipe Package by subscribing to her blog: www.jenhaugen.com

• 1 (4 oz. or 100 g) bar semi-sweet chocolate • ½ cup (125 mL) butter (1 stick), softened • ½ cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar • ¼ cup (60 mL) granulated sugar • ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt • 1 egg • 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract • 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour • ½ tsp (2 mL) baking soda • Optional: Ice cream or homemade whipped cream or sliced strawberries for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coarsely chop the chocolate bar and set aside ¼ cup (60 mL) of the chocolate.

2. Beat the butter, sugars, and salt together in a large bowl with an electric mixer.

3. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat to combine.

4. Add the flour and baking soda and beat until a smooth dough is formed. Mix all but the reserved chocolate from step 1 into the dough. 5. Spread the dough onto the bottom of the 10” (25-cm) Cast Iron Skillet. Top with the reserved chocolate and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are dark brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cookie cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

,U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 17 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 160 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Total Sugars 25 g, (includes 18 g added sugars), Protein 4 g