Shorter days, cooler temps…

could be the perfect day to spend a few moments in the kitchen.

This recipe comes from a friend & neighbor & was time tested this summer at our neighborhood Ladies Luncheon. The last crumb disappeared in 2 1/2 minutes. I love this recipe because it’s a throwback to a time when cooks used measurements like “smidge”, “dash”, “pinch”, & “smoosh-of”. It allows for the freedom of personal taste. So tie on your apron & get ready for some fun.

Step 1 – Mise en Place

That’s French for “putting your ducks in a row”. Another friend & neighbor who also happens to be a fabulous cook, claims that this is one way to ensure the success of any recipe. So Step 1 is to get all the ingredients out, measured, & ready to go before you do anything else:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c oil
• 1/2 c sugar
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 large handful old fashion oatmeal
• 2 c flour
• 1 t salt
• 1 t baking soda
• 1 large handful chocolate chips
• 1 large handful chopped nuts
• 1 large handful shredded coconut

You can be creative with the last 3 ingredients. I combined white & semi-sweet chocolate chips & used my right hand to measure because it’s bigger than my left. I used toasted pecans because I’m addicted to them (again – my right hand). I used my left hand to measure the coconut because I’m not so fond of that.

Step 2 – Mix the first 6 ingredients together.

Use a big bowl & a wooden spoon to do all the mixing. It’s fun & you burn more calories in preparation for the tasting.

Step 3 – Add the next 3 ingredients & mix well.

Step 4 – Add the remaining goodies & mix well again.

Place the dough in an ungreased 9 x 13 dish. The dough will be gooey & resist this procedure but just treat it like Play Dough & squish it around.

It’s my personal belief that you must sample the dough before baking. As a cookie dough eater from way back, I can speak from experience. Bake at 350 for 25 – 30 minutes, until golden brown. Consider serving this warm with ice cream or caramel sauce drizzled over the top.

Step 5 – ENJOY!!!

Me…I’m off to burn some calories!!!