Baking Post #1

Side note:   I just downloaded LiveWriter 2011.  The program has been asking me to for months, but I didn’t want to take the time.  I’ll let you know how it goes after a few posts.

The cooler temps we are finally experiencing have awakened the baker in me.  Since I’ve been so lax about posting, I thought I would post the recipes I have been baking on the weekends.  I made these cookies last weekend.  I just decided to blog about them, so there’s no picture of the finished product.

These cookies have a great texture.  Oatmeal cookies with a little twist. I gave a sample to a lady and told her it was like holding autumn in your hand! I hope you try them

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 (1 stick) plus 6 Tblspns butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. orange extract
1 tsp. molasses
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
Heat oven to 350.  Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon & salt.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy.  Beat in eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition.  Add vanilla, molasses and orange extract; beat well.  Add flour mixture, mix well.  Add oats and dried cranberries, mix well.

Drop by rounded tablespoons (I used a small scoop) onto foil lined baking sheets (I sprayed my with PAM)

Bake 10-13 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets before moving to cooling racks.

These cookies are really good made exactly by the recipe.  However, I think they would have been even better with a little more orange flavor, Maybe some orange zest?  I will definitely try the zest the next time I bake these.

I’m sure you could eliminate the molasses, but it gives them a deep flavor you don’t want to miss.

Thanks for reading   (This emoticon is a feature of the updated LiveWriter.  I like it!)