cookie weather

Last week, I was in tank tops and flip flops and battling armies of ants that continuously found paths of entry into my kitchen in their attempt to escape the heat. This week suddenly brought gray, drizzly skies and with them an itch to bake some cookies. Crispy, chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Tonight I got home to a chilly apartment and finally got around to baking those cookies to warm the air a bit. I then promptly ate a couple in the name of taste-testing as they came out of the oven--I had to make sure that they weren't over-cooked! Now if only I could get down to working out some cards and other items for the upcoming holiday season.. my craft fair deadline is approaching mighty quickly!

Did the autumn chill hit you as suddenly as it hit us here in LA? Apparently the gray skies are short lived though, as it's supposed to hit 80 again this weekend. Figures. I guess I'll just be sitting around eating my cookies until it warms up again.

holiday spirit

In spite of feeling overworked and overwhelmed with things to get done before the holiday--or perhaps because of it?--baking is so therapeutic to me. And it's definitely better than going out to try and shop in the midst of all the holiday madness!

I wish you all a lovely winter season and a very Merry Christmas!

christmas cookies...

...are my favorite way to avoid the holiday shopping crowds! Frenzied shoppers can be downright scary at this time of year, so shutting myself up in the kitchen for a few fragrant, butter-y hours to bake up several batches of cookies is infitely more enjoyable than wandering glassy-eyed from store to store.

Plus, it makes my home smell so nice!
Any other favorite ways to avoid joining in the mass consumerism just about now?

Sunshine and Oatmeal Cookies

Thank you to all who came by at Craftivism on Sunday! It was wonderful being out there and connecting with the people interested in my work and products. I was amazed at how many people braved the heat and came out to nibble on all the crafty goodness that filled the courtyard that afternoon.
I had even brought home-baked crispy-chewy oatmeal cookies out with me, and many inquired for the recipe. It was originally printed in the LA Times, and it's quite simple really--just a few ingredients, and no flour! Do be sure, though, to follow the instructions very carefully, as they are a bit fragile to make. Enjoy!

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Extra Crisp and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Makes about 18 cookies

1/3 c. butter
1 1/2 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/8 tsp. salt
1 egg

Melt butter and set aside to cool.
Place oatmeal in medium bowl. Stir in sugars and salt, and blend to break up any lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, vanilla and egg. Stir into oatmeal mixture, and chill dough for 20 minutes.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and set on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with moist fingers.
Bake at 350 degrees until edges are nicely browned and the tops of cookies are medium golden, 9 to 11 minutes. Cool well on baking sheets, about 10 minutes., before attempting to remove with metal spatula or icing knife. Cookies can also be brought to room temperature and flattened more to make them larger, more crisp and lacy-like. cover loosely and keep refrigerated.