{delightful} monster cookies - the legend lives on

Don't these pooch paws just look like monster feet or at least monster slippers? Really I think Rosie could be a foot double for one of the "Where the Wild Things Are" characters. Speaking of monsters - my kids and their friends love these. My fabulous husband has participated in camp out groups for all of our 3 kids. That means 8 years of packing up, bug spraying, uncomfortable sleeping, dirty camp fires, hiking, keeping kids safe, smokey clothes, and lots of fun. These cookies made their way to many of those weekend camp outs. The kids and dads loved them. In fact the last time I caught some flak for not making them. Geez - I didn't know how much they relied on them! I first had these monster cookies when I was playing basketball in high school. We begged the girl that made them have them at every game! I was so happy when I found this recipe again. This recipe is from The Junior League of Oklahoma City's cookbook's recipe committee. Although my basketball teammate will always be the inspiration in my mind. Either way the author deserves a big round of applause and maybe some of those awesome monster slippers. enjoy!

monster cookies....

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups sugar

6 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp karo syrup (if you don’t have this don’t worry)

4 tsp baking soda

3 cups peanut butter

9 cups rolled oats (not the quick kind) may want to add up to 1 cup more

1 pound bag M&Ms

1 6-oz pkg. Chocolate chips

Mix ingredients in order given. Drop by tablespoon or ice cream scoop on greased cookie sheet. (I use parchment paper on my cookies sheets). Bake at 350 degrees for 12 min. Let cool slightly before removing from pan. These freeze well – if you don’t eat them first! ( you may need to add extra oats if they spread too much or a little flour).

I am curious if these cookies will fit Amy's celiac diet. Let us know amy!

Also: check out my wonderful friend's blog - Rotten Bananas - and her post on her daughter's Where the Wild Things Are Party maybe they will make monster cookies?

{delightful} oatmeal cookies & puppy love

OK - now you know my real weakness ... not molten chocolate cake but puppies. I love them all - all types shapes and sizes. When I see one I can't stay away. I might even be known to muscle out a kid to get near a puppy. They are so cute, trusting and fun! This shot made me think of all things wholesome and good which lead me right to the good 'ole oatmeal cookie. Something just perfectly complete about it. This is my youngest son's very favorite. Can you get over how cute puppies are?

oatmeal (with a hint of maple) cookies

3 cups oats

2 cups flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 stick plus 3 tbls butter (unsalted) soft

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbls real maple syrup

I like to add:

golden raisins & pecans

other thoughts:

chocolate chips

white chocolate & cranberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. If you want to plump your raisins put them in a bowl with water.

Stir together the oats, flour. cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. In a mixing bowl beat butter, shortening. Add your sugars and beat again. Add the eggs, vanilla and maple. Mix in the oat & flour mixture. Stir in your additions: golden raisins and pecans. Place a dollop of dough on the cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 8 - 11 min. Do not over bake these. They should be soft in the center to ensure the maximum "puppy love" experience. enjoy!

ps. you can freeze these beautifully!