CRISTY IN THE CITY: crafts

crafts

Friday, September 26, 2025

Make: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats homemade cookies! Take your home baked cookie a notch higher with this delicious Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. I've baked many types of cookies but this recipe remains to be my all-time favorite.

Check out the recipe below:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 large egg
2 tsps vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1-1/2 tsp instant coffee granules

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar.

3. Add egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients--flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture until well combined. Add coffee granules.

6. Stir in chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.

7. Form into a ball and wrap in a plastic wrap to chill dough (2-3 hours).

8. Make 1-1/2-inch balls (bigger if you desire) and arrange in baking tray. Do not crowd cookie because the dough will expand once baked.

9. Bake until golden brown. Let cool in a baking rack.

10. Enjoy with coffee!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

ArtWorkout: Learning to draw the fun way

I've always wanted to learn drawing but don't have time to commit to an art class. I also find online art classes too complicated for my skill level. Then I found out about ArtWorkout mobile application, a fun online trainer that mixes learning and gaming. I tried a 3-month subscription and surprisingly, this is the first time I found an online subscription to be worth every penny.

I started with wobbly drawings but with daily drawing prompts, my hand got steadier! I find real joy in cute drawings and I think simple but whimsical illustration techniques are something I can easily learn and master. I look forward to making illustrated entries on my journal soon!

Thank you ArtWorkout! You've added fun and creativity to my life.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

My fave holiday cookie recipe

I have many favorite cookie recipes but the crunchy chocolate chip cookie from Solenn Heussaf-Bolzico stands out as one of my must-bake items every Christmas. She shared her Cookies by Solenn recipe in her now defunct blog but thank goodness I was able to save her recipe. You can check out Solenn's recipe in my recipe and craft blog if you're interested.

You can also try these other cookie recipes from my blog such Honey Ginger Snaps, Sparkling Chewy Molasses Cookies, and Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. Merry Christmas and sweet holiday tidings!

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Pet Express at SM City Iloilo

When I'm in Manila, I usually drop by Pet Express for hard to find cat food brands or accessories. I've been hoping the store would open a branch in Iloilo City to cater to the needs of a growing furparent market. For people with pets that are fussy eaters or need special dietary regimen or pampering, Pet Express offers all kinds of local and mostly imported pet food and supplements as well as pet carriers and cute furniture.

Compared to your neighborhood veterinary supplies store, Pet Express offers an extensive array of vitamins, food toppers and pet food brands that you will only find online. Cheers to that kind of convenience!

Visit Pet Express at the 2nd level of SM City Department Store (near the cooking and bakeware section) to explore products your precious fur babies might enjoy.