CrazyDaisy

Monday musings. I think on Mondays I’m going to just tell you all a little bit about me. One of the major reasons I scrapbook is to tell my story and the story of those I love. I studied journalism in college and spent many years as a writer. I feel most comfortable tapping away at a keyboard and expressing my feelings than any other way. Since I want to preserve my stories, I can share some here … and hopefully I can turn them into scrapbook pages or mini books.

So here’s what I’m thinking about this Monday …

Cookies.

I wouldn’t say I’m the best cook ever. Most of the amazing meals created in my house are done so by my husband. He loves to cook and really revels in the process. Me on the other hand … not so much. We have a bit of a deal. If he cooks, then I’ll clean up. It works well for us.

I do however bake (something my hubby doesn’t have ANY interest in). A few Christmases ago, my parents bought us a KitchenAid Mixer in the most fabulous shade of cobalt blue. It sits on my kitchen counter and is the appliance I’m most proud of and love the very most. I had coveted other people’s mixers for years, but could never bring myself to spend the money on a KitchenAid … it just seemed so extravagant.

My father in law is diabetic. He’s incredibly diligent with watching his diet and has done wonders with his health since cutting out sugar and all things white (white flour, white pasta, etc.) As a family, it’s easier to eat what my father in law can eat instead of preparing seperate meals for family events. We’ve actually taken to eating a pretty diabetic friendly diet, since it’s really so much better for us. I also happen to have some issues with sugar and how my body processes it, so my doctor recommends little to no sugar for me!  

But, even though my FIL is strict about his sugar intact … he still craves treats. Don’t we all? A few years ago I decided to try and make some cookies that would be both tasty and diabetic approved. I found an oatmeal chocolate chip recipe online and tweaked it for our needs. And seriously … I  now have the world’s best cookie recipe. Everyone who has these cookies raves about them (I’m not making this up, just as my husband). But the most rewarding part is the fact that my FIL LOVES these cookies. He begs for them. He trades favors for them (he fixed my vacuum a few weeks back. And what did he want in return? Cookies!) It has become a family joke how much he loves these cookies. My daughter calls them Big Mike (that’s what she calls her Grandpa) cookies.

I’d make these cookies every week if I had the time. They are beyond yummy. I guess my hips are happy I don’t have a lot of time to bake these days! As a special treat, I’ll share my fabulous (and until now secret) Oatmeal Chocolate Chip  recipe with you. Enjoy!                                                                                                      

The Best Cookies Ever (or Big Mike Cookies as they are known at our house)

1 cup of margarine or butter
3/4 cup of packed Splenda Brown Sugar
3/4 cup of Splenda
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla (a little more if you like more, I usually do a cap full)
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups of rolled oats
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees.
2. Cream margarine and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine baking soda salt and flour. Add to creamed mixture.
4. Add oatmeal and chocolate chips. Stir well.
5. If the dough seems too “wet” add some more oats.
6. Let the dough stand for about 15 minutes.
7. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes