When the going gets tough, the tough get baking... more lovin' from the oven.

Job hunting at my age is a daunting task.  After a morning of searching want ads and applying online to several jobs that I'm not even sure I'd want, to say that I am feeling blue would be an understatement. No time to feel sorry for myself though, so out came my favourite apron, the mixing bowls, the flour and sugar and soon the aromatic smell of chocolate chip cookies filled my kitchen and my soul.  When bitter thoughts about my current employment situation arise, nothing soothes me like a great batch of delicious cookies and a hot cup of tea. Sweet Revenge indeed! Now if only someone would pay me to bake....

Alas, here is the recipe for my go to chocolate chip cookie:

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees
~Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.
~Beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
~Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
~Gradually beat in flour mixture.
~Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

~Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

~Bake for 9~11 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack for crispy cookies.

Enjoy!

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

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The perfect recipe for a great morning. Simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your kitchen smell heavenly! Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,174,155180-234204,00.html Content Copyright © 2012 Cooks.com - All rights reserved. 1 1/2 c. quick oats 1 1/4 c. flour 1/2 c. brown sugar 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/8 tsp. salt 1 c. applesauce 1 c. mashed ripe bananas 1/2 c. milk 1 tsp. vanilla 3 tbsp. sunflower oil 1 egg Topping: 1/4 c. oats 1 tbsp. brown sugar 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 1 tbsp. butter, melted ~Heat oven to 400 degrees. ~ Line 12 muffin cups. ~ Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and soda. ~Add applesauce, bananas, milk, vanilla, oil, and egg. Mix well until just combined. ~ Fill muffin cups almost full. ~Mix topping in small bowl. Sprinkle over muffins. ~Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Snickerdoodle

 I officially declare this to be the best snickerdoodle recipe ever! They are so wonderfully delicious and are the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. Here is the recipe, give them a try...

The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Recipe

*Makes 16 to 18 cookies.

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For rolling:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars with
an electric mixer on high speed. Add the egg and vanilla and
beat until smooth.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and
cream of tartar.

3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well.

4. Make a pot of tea or a fancy coffee and enjoy it while you let the
 dough rest for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator.

5. In a small bowl, combine the sugar with the cinnamon for the
topping. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

6. When your dough has rested (and so have you!) take about 2 1/2
tablespoons of the dough and roll it into a ball. Roll this dough in the
cinnamon/sugar mixture and press it onto a cookie sheet lined with

parchment paper. Repeat for the remaining cookies.

7. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes and no more. The cookies
may seem undercooked, but will continue to develop after they are
removed from the oven. Cool on wire racks. When the cookies have
cooled they should be soft and chewy in the middle and gone in a
matter of minutes!

Enjoy!

The perfect after school snack!