Two For Tuesday

Big Fat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1. I love bookstores!  I like to visit them often to look through books before I buy them and to see the new releases.  I keep a running list of all the books I want to read and add to it at every visit.  I keep my list on my phone that way I always have access to it whether I am at the library or the bookstore.  I find most of the books I read through the reviews of coworkers, bloggers, People Magazine, NY Times Bestseller list or browsing the shelves. At a recent tent sale I found the cookbook big fat cookies at a bargain price.

The first recipe I tried was for my husband, his favorite - Big Fat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!   He has dessert almost every night, sometimes it's a bowl of cereal, but usually it's a home baked treat.  He has never had a weight problem, so he can eat whatever he wants, unlike me.  But I do eat something sweet almost everyday, it makes me happy and I plan my activity and other eating so I can enjoy that indulgence.

This recipe makes 12 large chewy cookies.  It may make 13, unless you eat some of the cookie dough like I did.

Big Fat Oatmeal Cookies adapted from big fat cookies
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature (3/4 stick)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup oatmeal (not quick cooking)
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup pecans, chopped


Combine first 5 ingredients in bowl and set aside.  In a large bowl, mix butter and sugars together on medium speed for about 1 minute.  Add egg, and vanilla and mix until blended.  On low speed incorporate flour mixture.  Mix in oatmeal and then stir in raisins and pecans.

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheet.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 14-16 minutes until the edges are light brown.  To keep them chewy, it is better to underbake than overbake. 

We made some of the cookies into oatmeal creme pies.  I used vanilla buttercream for the filling. They were great for lunch the next day.

2. So now that you know I eat a lot of sweets, I came across this new product and want to try it, Jimmy Fallon's Late Night Snack ice cream.  I haven't see it in my area yet, but maybe you have.  It sounds like the perfect combination of salty and sweet. It has rich vanilla bean ice cream with a salty caramel swirl and crunchy fudge covered potato chip clusters. I am a Ben & Jerry's fan and visited their factory when I went to Vermont.   I have had chocolate covered potato chips and I like them so I want to know how it works with the ice cream.  If you try this flavor, please tell me how you like it. Until then, I will be on the lookout for it!

How often to do you eat dessert?  Do you have a favorite?