simply dulce: Awww, cookie!

These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are my favorite when its cold or just plain miserable outside. Sometimes I like to add dried fruit like sour cherries, cranberries, candied pineapple, or even candied ginger-- if you haven't tried adding fruit to your chocolate, you just ain't livin'. I'm not a great picture taker so these may not be the best ever but I hope you get the idea.

Oh, me and Mama Dukes bought these great Kitchen Aide cookie sheets from (of all places) Costco. They are awesome. And were so affordable. I think we paid $18 - $20 for four pans; two big and two little. They are really heavy duty and non-stick. Check 'em out!

Here is the recipe for the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, go forth and stuff yo' selves:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 c (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 c granulated sugar

3/4 c packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

3 c quick oats

2 c (12-oz. pkg.) choco chips

1 c chopped nuts

1 c yummy candied or dried fruit, chopped

Preheat oven 375 degrees

1. In a small bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar.
3. Add vanilla, and eggs (one at a time, being sure to mix thoroughly between each).
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients slowly; being sure not to over mix.
5. Add the oats and fold gently.
6. Add chips, nuts and fruit.
7. Taste test, at own risk (raw eggs can be unsafe, be sure eggs are fresh and free of cracks before using).
8. Using two tablespoons or a scoop, drop about a tablespoon of dough onto a cookies sheet (either lined or unlined depending on how much you trust your sheet.)