Friday, March 18, 2011

Plain and simple . . .

Why is it that during Lent all the sweet concoctions seems to loom in every direction, tempting me to partake? I've resisted them, to date, but they do bring to mind favorite treats. Here is a plain and simple recipe of mine for oatmeal cookies. There is nothing exotic in them but the combination is always nice and it goes well with a glass of milk or a grown-up cup of coffee!

Crispy Crunches

1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup oatmeal (dry)
1 cup corn flakes
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins

Cream butter until fluffy. Add sugars gradually, continuing to cream until light. Add eggs, vanilla and zest; beat well. Combine the flour, salt, soda, and all alternataely with oats. Mix well after each addition. Combine cereal, nuts, coconut, and raisins; fold into batter. Drop by tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto cookie sheet (greased with vegetable oil spray). Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Makes approximately 5 dozen cookies.

I remember many evening, after a day of work with the children, and finally getting to settle down with a cup of tea and a handful of these cookies. Each bite was a tad different given the variety of ingredients. It almost felt 'healthy' with all the oats and nuts.

When I was growing up, my mother liked iced cookies and while they were excellent, I always longed for crunchy, chewy, and basic. These cookies always fill the bill for me.

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