Anytime is Cookie Time!

My Cookie Jar

          Homemade cookies...Yummmm!
     I decided to try something different today... like modifying my oatmeal cookie recipe.  Since I recently developed food allergies,  I  constantly experiment with recipes to come up with something that I can eat...well, actually, my family shares them, too.  That's probably because I am a little too lazy to cook twice...one for me, and one for Bruce and Mom.  And since Mom is diabetic, and Bruce is always watching his new trim figure, it is a challenge to come up with something all of us can eat!

     This time I modified an oatmeal cookie recipe that I've had so long that I can't remember where I got it, but oatmeal cookies are pretty much the same, so these are pretty basic.  But raisins are NOT my favorite thing, so I decided that some Craisins I kept stored in the pantry would be good to replace the raisins.  And why not throw in some coconut since that IS one of my favorite things?  The end result?  A delicious tasty, chewy cookie!  My husband had just come in from mowing the lawn (notice the sweat-stained shirt!), and he grabbed a handful mouthing his approval, so I guess this recipe is a keeper!

Bonnie's Oatmeal Craisin Coconut Cookies

Do You Have Thyme?

Thyme

     I may not have much 'time'...but I do have Thyme, and it really makes my dishes delicious!
          Last year was my first year to plant herbs, so I harvested several plants and hung them to dry. This saved me quite a bit since herbs cost a bundle in the supermarkets.  And since we had such a mild winter, most of my herbs did not die off, so I was able to use them fresh even during the cold months.

Dried Oregano

Oregano

            To dry them, I cut off quite a few stalks, wrap a rubber band around the bottom end to keep them together, then use a clothespin to attach them to a hanger.  After drying (this takes a couple of weeks,) I use my coffee grinder and turn them into fine powder - or as fine as I want them to be.  Last step is to put the crushed powder into a spice jar.  I even use my empty prescription bottles for storage.

Rosemary

Basil Seeds

Dried Basil

   
      I harvested some of the Basil seeds to plant next spring - they are tiny!
          'Herbing' has become a favorite hobby of mine.  If you've had your own experiences, I'd love for you to share them with me!

Dried Basil Leaves

Summer Baking???

Coconut Pie

Lemon Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Cranberry Scones

       
 I love baking, especially pies (I got this love from my mother).  However, smart people try to stay away from stoves in this summer heat.  Not me...am I a glutton for punishment???  (Remember in Texas we've been having triple digit heat!)  My house is fairly cool in the mornings (this is an older home with limited insulation,) but after having the oven going for an hour or two...well, need I say more?  However, it's still rewarding to enjoy the fruits of my labor.  And these scones were the first I've ever made.  Sounded like a fun thing to do...fairly easy, so think I'll try another flavor later...maybe Vanilla Bean, or how about Blueberry with Lemon topping???  Come to think of it, I've never made a Strawberry Rhubarb pie either.  My husband gave it about a 7 based on the recipe I used (it wasn't because of the chef!)

My Special Gift from Debbie!

Debbie & her husband, Stan

          The Scones makes me think about having a little English tea party with my Mom and use the beautiful tea cups my friend Debbie gave me last winter.  Thanks Debbie!  I am still enjoying them!
I'm not sure if my Southern born mother would understand what to do at a high English tea!  But it might be fun to try!