Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies

Today, we will mostly be appreciating the texture and aroma of these cookies. Mostly.

So I've been reading from the Brothers Grimm, and thought I'd like to share a tale of theirs with you today. Its title is 'God's Food', and I had hoped before reading it that it would be the ideal starting point for me to tell you about my really rather marvellous oatmeal and raisin cookies. Let's see what you make of it, shall we?

Once upon a time there were two sisters. The first had no children and was rich. The second was a widow who had five children and was so poor that she no longer had enough food for herself and her children. So she went to see her sister in distress and said, 'My children and I are suffering a great deal from hunger. Since you're so rich, give us some bread.' However, the sister, who was as rich as a gold mine and also had a heart made of stone, replied, 'I myself have nothing in the house,' and she turned her poor sister away with angry words.

After a while the rich sister's husband came home and wanted to cut a slice of bread for himself. However, as he made the first slice in the loaf, red blood gushed out. When his wife saw it, she became horrified and told him what had happened. He rushed to the widow's house to help her, but as he entered her living room he found her praying and holding the two youngest children in her arms. The three oldest children were lying dead on the ground. He offered her some food, but she declined. 'We no longer desire earthly food. Thanks to God three of us are already content, and He will answer the rest of our prayers as well.' She had barely uttered these words when her two little ones stopped breathing, whereupon her heart broke and she sank to the ground dead.

Sadly not what I was expecting. How was it for you?

Three things:

1. OMG - what a distressing tale (and misleading title!). Thanks, Messrs. Grimm.
2. So much for sisterly love. Though a 'please' may have helped the situation.
3. 'Became horrified' - surely the most fabulous turn of phrase ever, and certainly my new favourite.

Well, anyway, forget all that, because I have got cookies for you today, and they are truly amazing. We are going to be thanking Martha for them, and also halving her recipe, because I find oatmeal and raisin cookies especially difficult to say 'no' to, and have issues with portion control. I do not need 5 dozen of these. If you feel differently, adjust the recipe. Or your frame of mind. I don't think anybody needs 5 dozen cookies.

Apologies. I became horrified and forgot to metricate.

Finally! I have one of those 'stack of cookies and a drink' photos on my blog!

I ♥ Fishs Eddy - if anyone from the company is reading, send freebies.

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies
adapted from Martha Stewart's Cookies

You will need:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp plain flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 stick butter, at room temperature (that's 113g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light muscovado sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup raisins

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix the flour, wheat germ, oats, bicarb., baking powder and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
3. Cream the butter and sugars together. I just used a wooden spoon, and it took about three minutes; this is easy stuff. Add the egg and vanilla; combine. Stir in the dry mixture and finally the raisins.
4. Using an ice-cream scoop, make little mounds of the dough on the lined sheet. Squish them slightly to help them flatten out (use a fork, or a spoon).
5. Bake for about 12 minutes until golden brown. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes or so, then on a wire rack. Makes about 30 cookies.