2011 was a very sparse year here on Jenn Cooks. I posted a grand total of 8 recipes, and most of those in the last couple of months. It’s been a weird year for me, as I think a lot of people would say about 2011. I continued to bookmark many recipes that I’d like to try, but mostly relied on old favorites as the time went by. I do enjoy cooking, baking, and sharing those goods with others so I hope to do better in this regard in 2012.

In the meantime, I hope you are sending 2011 on its way in the manner you best see fit! Have fun and be safe, I want to see everyone around to enjoy 2012!

March

Seven Layer Bars

May

Crockpot Sloppy Joes

October

Cake Batter Bars

November

White Bean Chicken Chili
Caramel Apple Cookies
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Mini Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

December

Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these cookies aaaages ago, but I misplaced the recipe about as soon as I did. This is not really a good excuse for not posting them as I obtained the oatmeal cookie recipe from my mother, and theoretically could have asked for it again at any time in the intervening, oh, 8 months or so. No matter, I have finally asked for it again, she provided it, so here we are.

These are a very soft oatmeal cookie. You could use semi-sweet chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips… But I had bought a bag of dark chocolate chips at the grocery store and was stumped about how to use them. I, of course, took the question to facebook and the overwhelming response was “Oatmeal Cookies.” Now, I know there are a lot of oatmeal cookie recipes out there, but as soon as I decided that I was going to make them, I knew these were the only ones that would do.

I took them to work, and to roller derby practice, and they received rave reviews all around. So next time I buy a bag of dark chocolate chips when they are on sale, I know exactly what I’ll be making with them.

Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Source: Mom’s recipe box

1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup sour milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cup flour
2 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 12 oz. bag chocolate chips

Cream together the first 3 ingredients, then stir in the following three ingredients. Add the flour and oatmeal, one cup at a time, alternating each one. Stir in the cinnamon, followed by the chocolate chips. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Note: When I first made these, I was really nervous because the dough was a whole lot “stickier” than a traditional cookie dough. They turned out perfectly though!