Thursday, September 3, 2009

Fruit and Nut Oatmeal cookies.

When I receive an invitation from friends to enjoy a nice home cooked dinner or lunch at their home, I have the habit of carrying some goodies for them. It is not about giving them something in return for their invitation, but just a token of my appreciation. I usually like to pack something homemade, as opposed to store-bought, because I think it is worthwhile putting in a little time and effort for your friends, especially, when they slog away, making a good meal for you. But, I have to admit that I do have times when I have had, absolutely, no time on my hands and retreated to giving store bought stuff. (Guilty )

There was this one time when a friend invited me for dinner and I decided on baking these cookies for her. She is new to baking and so I had packed these cookies for along with the recipe as well. Such an easy recipe that I knew she will not have any trouble, what so ever, baking these anytime. I was sure she would love the cookies and the recipe. Sure as I was, she remarked that these cookies will never go out of style in her home and has showered me with praises.

How I came about this recipe .....when I was in India for a holiday, my sister, Preetha- who is a passionate foodie, made some of these delicious oatmeal cookies for us. She is a fantastic cook and there, you have the answer to where this recipe comes from . So, it is "SHE" actually deserves all those praises.

I love baking and especially when the results are so good, who wouldn't?

Ingredients:( makes about 45 cookies)

Butter - 1/2 pound(2 sticks/225 gms)
Light brown sugar (firmly packed) - 1 cup
Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
Eggs - 2
Pure vanilla extract - 1 tspn
All purpose flour( maida) - 1-1/2 cups
Baking soda - 1 tspn
Salt - 1/2 tspn(optional)
Uncooked oats - 3 cups (quick or old fashioned oats)
Raisins and chopped walnuts - 1-1/2 cups

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F( 177 C)
  • Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and sift twice.Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl beat butter and sugar till creamy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla and beat.
  • Add the sift flour mixture and mix well.
  • Stir in oats, raisins and nut. Mix well with a wooden spoon.(mixture will be thick and sticky)
  • Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls( or easier with a small ice cream scoop) onto an ungreased cookie sheet .
  • Don't press the dough down or try to shape them, as they will shape themselves while they bake.
  • [ NOTE : make sure to drop the dough 2 inches apart from one another as they will spread out while baking. If each scoop of dough is dropped too close to one another, you will get one super sized oatmeal bar and not separate cookies.]
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes.
  • Cool for a couple of minutes on the cookie sheet and then transfer the cookies gentlt to a wire rack to cool off completely.
  • Store in airtight containers.

Luv 'n' luc'
Smitha

22 comments:

  1. true!! its an easy recipe ..ur sister is a marvel!!!!
    I like your way of packing things when u go to ur friends dinner...i do the same ;)

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  2. Delicious looking cookies Smitha...even I too always make something to carry when we go out to friends :)

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  3. Thats a nice thing to do Smithu..n the cookies look supergood..long time since I touched my oven..

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  4. Nice cookie recipe Preetha! :P And thanks a bunch Smita for sharing it with us ;)

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  5. cookies!!! yes!!! im bookmarking all ur cookie recipes to try this halloweeen ;)

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  6. Cookie looks like its floating and I'd love to reach for one.Yummy!

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  7. First time here, you have a lovely collection of recipes, cookies looks delectable.

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  8. Wow.. one of my favourite varities of cookie smitha! Delicious and perfect!

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  9. Oatmeal cookies always look good.(Especially because you know how nutritious they are)
    Smitha,there is an event being held at my blog. Do participate if you have time :)

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  10. Great cookies Smitha and its so sweet of you to carry something for your friends. I try to do that too, but I usually end up taking ice cream:)

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  11. cookie looks yummy.. and sounds easy too.. I am too like your friend, an absolute fresher when it comes to baking..will give it a shot some time

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  12. Hi Smitha,
    Belated Onam wishes to you and your family!!
    The cookies look gorgeous :) and ya by your write up you'll tempt many to bake it right away!
    It's a sweet gesture to carry something for the hosts :) and these cookies along with the recipe seems a good one dear!
    Enjoy
    TC

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  13. love oatmeal cookies..yours looks delicious too

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  14. Cookies look so good and heatlhy too.
    Now just need a cuppa.

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  15. Such a gorgeous cookies, lovely click..

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  16. Healthy snack dear. I m sure any one will love this as a gift.

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  17. Aren't home baked cookies better than store bought? good job!! collect your award from my blog

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  18. they look gorgeous and scrumpious......
    I agree with you, even I like to gift home made goodies to friends and relatives...it has that extra touch of love and care

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  19. It was nice reading, you gift guys with delicious recipes who invite you.

    So Smitha, what is the best method to get in touch with you. I would also like to invite you. This is not at all for the cookies, please do not misunderstand... :D

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  20. Hey Smitha dear!!
    Please accept the awards waiting for you in my blog!!!

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  21. Yummy and healthy cookies Smitha...My son doesn't like fruits & nuts in cookies,so i always make plain cookies...How was Onam?

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