Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Oatmeal Cranberry Spice Cookies

This is my latest recipe experiment! I am supposed to be taking it somewhat easy this afternoon and evening which meant my initial plan to swim laps this evening was not the greatest idea.  I decided baking cookies was an excellent alternative to exercise. :)

Oatmeal Cranberry Spice Cookies

1/2 c coconut oil
1 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/4 c milk
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 t salt
1 t soda
1 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
1/4 t ginger
1/4 t cloves
1/4 t allspice
3 c quick oats
1 c dried cranberries

Cream together oil and sugar, add eggs, vanilla and milk and mix.  Stir together flour, salt, soda and spices.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix.  Stir in oats, then cranberries.  Drop by spoonful onto cookie sheet and bake ~9 minutes at 350.

Of course, because apparently I find it difficult to simply follow a recipe, this recipe was made up just this evening.  It started from an idea and an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.  The coconut oil was the first time I've ever used it.  Honestly, I did not notice any difference whatsoever from previously using butter (original recipe) or canola oil (one of my other experiments).  I will probably continue to use either butter or canola oil in the future.  I normally do not add milk, but the dough was too dry...so I added milk after the flour was mostly mixed in, but before adding oats.  The blend of spices and cranberry turned out very well!  An extra bonus: my kitchen-and the rest of my apartment-smells amazing!

*Disclaimer: I am NOT advocating baking cookies instead of exercising! :)

Tantalizing photos:



And...please still ignore dates on photos.  I STILL have battery problems and STILL cannot remember to change the date.


Monday, October 1, 2012

October already...

Autumn is a beautiful time of year.  I enjoy watching the trees change color, leaves fall and blow in the wind.  Each day brings a little bit different mix of colors and ever more leaves on the ground and falling.  The path I normally walk along is absolutely gorgeous and I am thoroughly enjoying my walks-when I get them in. :)