what I love : twine

Here’s what I’m loving right now:

Baker’s twine.

All colors.

All thicknesses.

All kinds of lovely.

Throw it on a package.

On a tag.

On a card.

On a journal.

Instant pretty, right?

.

Go get some.

I’d like a giant spool.

Hint, hint.

.

love, allison

oatmeal cookie-holic

You may be experiencing PCBD… post-Christmas baking disorder, also known as “I volunteered to make too many dishes, sides, desserts, treats and meals for parties, classes, friends, gifts and open houses.” But I have the cure. Instant Oatmeal Cookies. You can whip the mix up in no time and put it in a jar to be baked now or later, but be warned, you may become an oatmeal cookie-holic, especially if you throw in a handful or four (my preference) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. No? Try crushed toffee. Yum.

Instant Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups flour
2. 2 teaspoons salt
3. 2 teaspoons baking soda
4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
5. 2 cups granulated sugar
6. 2 cups brown sugar
7. 2 cups butter or shortening (butter’s my go-to)
8. 6 cups instant oatmeal
9. semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee, or additive of your choice

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, white sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Add butter and mix in with a pastry blender or your fingers until mixture is evenly crumbly.
3. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips or toffee.
4. Divide mixture between four quart-sized canning jars and attach the lids.
5. Attach a copy of the recipe below and a tag that says, “Store Instant Oatmeal Cookie Mix in refrigerator up to 3 months or freeze up to 6 months.”

To make your cookies, you’ll need:

2 cups Instant Oatmeal Cookie Mix

1 cup raisins or chopped nuts

1 egg

2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat your oven to 350*. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together Instand Oatmeal Cookie Mix, egg and vanilla. Stir in raisins or nuts. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Best part about this recipe? You can give 3/4 of it away. Save one measly jar for yourself and gift three to friends or neighbors. Just think of it as a way to save unnecessary calories.

Or, you can eat one now, refrigerate two: one for next week, and another for the following, and pop one in the freezer for a month from now. Oatmeal cookies baked weekly? Yes, please.

love, allison