I made Cookies! They turned out normal!

Ahem....this is a pretty big deal for me. Since learning how to cook, I've definitely been one of those "no-bake" type of cooks. I attribute this to my lack of patience and attention to detail, something about exact measurements, remembering to set the butter out and all that mixing just didn't interest me.

So there have been a few factors that have recently encouraged me to give baking a shot.

1) My Kitchen Aid mixer

2) My aunt got me "cookie kit" for one of my showers, complete with this amazing cookie cookbook, Taste of Home Ultimate Cookie Collection. Joe has taken to reading it and dog-earing the pages.

3) My friend Amy is an AMAZING baker and always makes extras for Joe. Unfortunately, she moved back home to Minneapolis recently, so Joe has been deprived of baked goods for a few months.

After a few attempts, these cookies are the first thing I've baked that I was really excited about. Joe actually asked me, "Are you sure you made these?"

Heath Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2/3 cup shortening
1 - 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 - 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz chopped candy bars (recipe called for Snickers, I used Heath)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats

-Mix shortening and brown sugar until creamed. Beat in egg and vanilla.

- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinammon and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture.

- Stir in chopped candy bars and oats

- Drop by spoonful, 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Source: Taste of Home Ultimate Cookie Collection.