Christmas Cookies - Round 1 (of the Monster Variety)

Seriously...


How delicious do these look?


Monster cookies are one of my favorite cookies. How can you go wrong with M&Ms, peanut butter, and oatmeal? Oh... heaven!

About a week ago, Amara and I sifted through some cookie books, and she picked out a bunch of cookies she wanted to make. I tried to narrow them down to the ones that aren't ridiculously time consuming (except for sugar cookies, which we'll make with Grandma). And of course, I had to make sure my personal faves (of which Monster Cookies are one) were included in the mix.

Saturday afternoon, my little man awoke early from his nap, so we set to baking the cookies. He loves to help in the kitchen, and has confiscated my apron as his own.


We decided that we needed more M&Ms than the recipe called for -- so we tossed in an extra bag for good measure. Like I said... can't go wrong with M&Ms, especially when peanut butter is also involved.


I couldn't find my old Monster Cookie recipe, so I borrowed Paula Deen's. I figured she probably knows a thing or two about baking cookies. She didn't let me down!

Here's her recipe:

Monster Cookies (Paula Deen)

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies (I used 3/4 cup -- or 3 bags)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

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Mud Puddles and Dandelions


When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.
My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.
My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen.
My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.
My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.
My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.
My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

I wish you mud puddles and dandelions!
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Thank you Lord for the perspective you give me through my children. Help me to see the world more often through their eyes. And help me to keep their eyes open to the possibility and wonder that they are currently experiencing. Help me to nurture their childhood and maintain their perspective. Amen.
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