Cookies, Cookies, Cookies

Until today I hadn't baked a cookie since my pre-Christmas holiday baking frenzy. And let me tell you, that is a very unusual happenstance in this house. I used to have this neat cookie jar that was two jars held in a wooden rack. That way we could have two different kinds of cookies available at one time . . . and both jars always had cookies in them. In our house if there aren't cookies out on the counter, you can most likely find some squirreled away in the freezer.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - recipe from my favorite aunt.

But if you'll remember, both Roy and I kinda sorta half made a New Year's resolution (how's that for being wimpy and wishy-washy?) that come first of the year we were going to concentrate on going very easy on all sweets ('cept for fresh fruit) and try to lose a little weight. Wasn't an honest-to-goodness true resolution, we just knew we wanted/needed to do it. That's been the reason for the dearth of cookies around these parts. It's not been as hard for me as for Roy. I'm more of a snacker of salty, crunchy stuff. Truth be told, I could LIVE on potato chips . . . no, I really could. Unfortunately, it's the sweets that dear husband desires. He's been very good, but every now and then he gives me that really pitiful look and says, "So we really don't have any cookies somewhere in the freezer?”

Walnut Coconut Cookies - each cookie is like a small piece of cake.

Today I started baking cookies. I couldn't stop. I blame it all on the weather. For starters I wanted the oven on to help warm up the place. Also, in these sub-zero temps a guy who spends a portion of each day doing any number of miscellaneous chores outside needs a good, homemade cookie now and then to keep up his energy . . . and make his life worth living. Besides that his metabolism is much faster than mine (which hardly moves) so, dang and drat, not fair at all, he burns off calories without seeming to try where all of them that I take in mainline to my stomach, waist and hips. (I've never been able to figure out why the weight gain never settles at the bust line. Somebody answer me that?)

Gingersnap Cookies - I think my favorite.

Fortunately, feeling better already since cutting my calories will keep me from attacking the cookie stash which will be packed away into the freezer and doled out as necessary. My pants are miraculously becoming more comfortable, and I've noticed it's easier to bend over without the flab below my belly button getting in the way quite so much. And, no, I don't have a bag of chips hidden away. THAT I couldn't resist if it were in the house . . . or garage . . . or storage building . . . or within 5 miles.

Chocolate Chip Cookies - good ol' Toll House recipe.

Now I'm exhausted. I'm gonna go get a fresh glass of milk, fill a dinner plate with cookies and pig out. (JUST kidding. Sigh.)