Recipes - suggestions - whatever you want to call them.

Most of the people who know me know that I love to cook - and eat... So!?? Well because I am finally embracing what I am; a foodie, I feel that it is necessary to write about what I create in the kitchen.

There have been a few indicators in the past two weeks that have pointed me in the direction of a food blog.

A few weeks ago, I reconnected with an old friend, Travis. We just lost touch, which is just what happens. It turns out that his wife is an awesome Cook and he brags about the awesome food she makes for her family. Goat cheese pizza with figs. It makes me salivate just thinking about it.

My aunt and uncle from Chicago were out visiting and we had them over for dinner. I made Sirloin steaks with Chimchura, dirty rice and a simple tomato salad with Basil. For dessert, Chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream. Jane e-mailed me a recipe for my grandmothers Oatmeal Raisin Cookies when they returned home. I made them today and these cookies completed my need to write about food.

Yet another reason to write about food is travelling. When we travel, we need to eat. We have a vast array of choices and there is always a better reason to eat at a local, one-of, establishment. Eat what the locals eat and you will know the locals, for many more reasons than just the food.

So back to the Oatmeal Raisin. I know, I know, Oatmeal Raisin, how unglamorous... Well they are awesome and I will share the recipe. Once you try them you will know why I need to write about them. Here goes:

Margaret M. Kopels Most Awesome Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
1c Margarine
1c Brown Sugar
1c White Sugar
2 eggs (use JUMBO Eggs)
1tsp Vanilla
1/2 c Raisins or chopped dried fruit

3c Oats (Old Fashioned)
1/2 c flour
1tsp salt (not optional!!)
1tsp Baking Soda

- Cream Margarine
- Add eggs, Sugars and Vanilla
- Add Raisins
- Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl
- Add to wet ingredients

Lay out two or three pieces of parchment paper, waxed paper OR Saran Wrap

Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto your pieces of paper and form into a flat log.

Refrigerate for at least 4 -5 hours, overnight is preferred.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut one inch chunks off of the chilled dough log and cut them again into squares (each 1" slice will yield 2 - 3 pieces). When you are cutting the pieces, make sure that the dough you are not working with stays in the fridge. Place the pieces on cookie sheet and bake for 8 - 10 minutes. You'll want to get them out of the oven when they are flat and crispy around the edges and the center of them looks just done.

Lastly and most and importantly, eat and enjoy!

Tonight for dinner I am making Pizza (yes I make the crust and it is totally EASY!!). I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

Until then, love your kitchen, it'll always treat you right!