Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

I don't really like sweets.  If I make a dessert it is because I have company or I'm feeling sorry for Mike.  This belief has held true until I came across a recipe for soft chewy oatmeal cookies on the internet.  I can't give any one person credit for the recipe. The hard copy is in my recipe book, but there is no one to honor.  Just know it belongs to someone else - although I have made a few changes.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/2 sticks (6oz) unsalted butter; softened but still firm

3/4 cup light brown sugar

2/3 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups rolled oats (Do not use instant oats)

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup seedless raisins

3/4 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (Most recipes will tell you the nuts are optional - I say they are not. They are good for you and they make the cookies taste delicious!)

Put raisins and dried cranberries into a separate bowl. Pour boiling water over the fruit to cover. Let sit 5 minutes and then drain and cool. This will allow the dried fruit to soften and enlarge.

In a bowl of electric mixer or by hand, beat butter until creamy. Add sugars; beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl combine oats, flour, soda, baking powder and salt. Mix into butter mixture with spoon until just combined.

Turn over on to 375 degrees.

Drop the dough by heaped tablespoons onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets leaving a 2" gap between each cookie.

Check cookies after 10 minutes. Let cook until the edges are golden brown. Cool on sheet for at least two minutes before transferring to a rack. Be careful when removing the cookies - they will stick if you didn't use parchment.

Makes about 44 cookies

As every child knows the best way to eat cookies is straight from the oven with a cold glass of milk. Ten seconds, per cookie, in the microwave make a good substitute for a cold cookie.  Life is good - enjoy!