Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Root Beer Float Cookies (Iced)

I came home from work a couple days before the Christmas holidays, and my Sweetheart had these deliciously rich cookies sitting on the bar waiting for me.  She knows I love floats and Root Beer.  These cookies represent a Root Beer Float rather well.  She loves sharing recipes, so . . . here you go! Enjoy. 

Root Beer Float Cookies

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ tsp root beer extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
Vanilla Malted Butter Cream Frosting (recipe follows)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with a mixer at medium-high speed until fluffy.  Add eggs, on at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in root beer extract and vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.  Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined.  Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, scoop dough and roll into balls.  Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets.  Using the bottom of a glass, gently press ball to ½-inch thickness.   Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Let cool on pans for 5 minutes.  Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.
  • Pipe about 2 tablespoons Vanilla Malted Buttercream Frosting onto each cookie.  Dust with cocoa.  Store in airtight containers in refrigerator for up to 1 week. (Makes 2 dozen cookies)




Vanilla Malted Buttercream Frosting


1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
1 (8-0unce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups confectionery sugar
1 cup malted milk powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with a mixer at medium speed until creamy.  Add sugar, milk powder, and vanilla, beating to combine.  Spoon mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a medium round tip.  Use immediately, or store, uncovered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Allow mixture to come to room temperature before using.
  • NOTE: Makes enough for a double batch of cookies!







Friday, January 17, 2014

6 Keys to Musical Prosperity - Teleseminar with Bobby Owsinski

I recently caught Bobby Owsinski's teleseminar, 6 Keys to Musical Prosperity, and highly recommend it to any independent musician interested in learning more about establishing a music career in the new music business era. 
After some introductory comments, Bobby busted a few myths about the music industry before sharing six keys he considers essential to having a successful music career . . .
  • Think like an entrepreneur
  • Learn how to promote yourself
  • Have the right attitude
  • Develop your personal brand
  • Differentiate yourself
  • Step up your musical game
The teleseminar was interlaced with personal stories and experiences, and included special guest appearances by Paul Ill and mix engineer extraordinaire Dave Pensado.  If you missed it, you can catch Bobby's PreSonuSphere 2013 "6 Keys to Musical Prosperity" presentation below.



Mr Owsinski is a renowned producer, engineer, author, and coach.  His books are used in music business college courses, and belong on every musician's bookshelf.  Visit bobbyowsinski.com or Musical Prosperity Breakthrough to learn more.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Reachin' Through the Thorns - Performance Track Released

Last September (2013), I received an email asking about a soundtrack for "Reachin' Through the Thorns," a song I had written in the early '80s and recorded with The Gibsons.  Since no soundtracks were made at the time of the original recording, I decided to create a soundtrack loosely based on the recording made at Rayner Street Studio in Memphis, TN.


Thank you, Carolyn.  I am glad you "love the song," and I appreciate you asking about the soundtrack. Creating the track was a lot of fun, and brought back memories of my years traveling with The Gibsons.


You can check out both the demo and the performance track below . . .