Product Review, Contest, and Maybe a Giveaway??

This past weekend, I was invited to participate in Better Homes & Gardens Live Better State Cookie Contest.  For participating, I received a 15x10 inch baking pan.  I LOVE THIS PAN!!

The pan has silicone handles so it doesn't slip out of your grip as you remove it from the oven.  Which makes it perfect for my husband who has a tendency to make one-handed grabs!  It's non-stick and has what BHG calls "Triple Performance Grid" on the bottom of the pan.  I know that I baked a sheet cookie instead of individual cookies and with this pan, the cookie browned evenly, baked true to temp, and slid easily out of the pan when I was ready to cut and decorate.  Another aspect I really appreciated is that the pan is substantial.  It is so sturdy (unlike the cheapies I already own)!

Now on to my cookie.  I baked a cookie to represent the state of  Vermont.  I chose a chewy maple cookie recipe to pay homage to Vermont's history and industry of maple products.  (Disclaimer:  I'm a known addict of maple sugar candy!).  Here's the recipe:

Chewy Maple Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup flaked coconut

Directions:

In a bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until fluffy.  Beat in egg, syrup, and vanilla until completely mixed.  Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the creamed mixture.  Stir in flaked coconut.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart or spread into baking pan for sheet cookie.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Yield is 3 dozen or 1 sheet cookie.

As I stated before, the cookie browned and baked evenly in this pan.  So on to the decorating.  Not my area of expertise, obviously!!  But I had a blast trying something new and the entire cookie is edible thanks to sugar sheets and food paint!  And if I do say so myself...it's delicious!!  Hey...SOMEBODY had to eat the scraps from cutting out Vermont!

Now for the fun part!!  Voting starts June 30th for the cookie.  If my cookie wins...not only will I win $100 and a set of bakeware...I'll receive a set to give away right here on the blog!  So get those fingers warmed up, share the link with everyone you know, re-post, tweet, beg....and vote for Vermont!!

Disclaimer:  I received this product at no cost from BHG Live Better.  All opinions stated in this review are solely my own.