Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Maw Maw Cookies

My grandmother, "Maw Maw", has been on my mind lately. She hasn't been feeling too well so I made some cookies in her honor. These cookies are really just chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, but in my (and my cousins') book, they're called "Maw Maw Cookies".
I loved helping Maw Maw make these cookies because she would let me sample along the way.
Here's what you need:
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. water
1 tsp vanilla
3 c. oats
1 c. flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 bag chocolate chips (not pictured)

First cream the shortening and sugars together.
Maw Maw would always let me eat a little brown sugar. Does anyone else do this?
Next beat in the egg, water and vanilla. I always loved opening the vanilla bottle and smelling it.
Now mix in the flour, salt, and baking soda.
As a child I would get to eat a little spoonful at this point, but after some cooking classes and knowledge of raw eggs, I don't sample here anymore. :)
Now mix in the oats. I love the smell at this point.
Next, you stir in the whole bag of chocolate chips. Maw Maw was always sure to "drop" a few chocolate chips on a napkin for me to enjoy.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
My little trick (which most people probably do it this way) is to take two spoons and scoop batter into one and then scrape that spoon off with another one.
See? Nice, clean, and round.
Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes.
When the cookies start to brown around the edges, then take them out. The centers may not look done but if you allow them to cool for 2 minutes on the pan then the sugars will still be hot and cook the cookie throughout. This is something that I'm sure you know but I always have to tell my students.
Now let them cool on a wire rack for a bit.
I always loved going out to play while the cookies were baking and then coming back in and smelling the yummy air. As a kid we could get two cookies and some milk. I wish someone would've controlled how many I ate after I made these yesterday. :)
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Feel Better, Little Buddy

You all should know by now how much I love cute little puppies (or any animal-minus opossums or armadillos). Today I found this book at ModCloth and couldn't help but "awww".
Feel Better, Little Buddy
The book features many animals wearing little casts. They also show some after photos of the recovery. It's weird because I don't like seeing animals suffer at all, but I do think they're ever-so-adorable with wee casts and helpless looks.
Look at this momma sloth chilling with her cast and taking care of her baby. So sweet!
Feel Better, Little Buddy
I'm sorry if you feel like you have wasted moments of your life reading this. I'll try to come up with something better soon! :)
 

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