The Baking War

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

For those that know me, know that I would be happy as a clam cooking in the kitchen ALL. DAY. LONG.  Now, I am not saying I am the best cook in the world, but family still asks me to brings things when we get together and it keeps the hubs coming back for more.

That being said, my baking skills....aren't exactly in the same category.  I have never been good fond of baking because I don't usually like to follow a recipe.  I like to see and taste things, then make them my own.  90% of the time, it fares well.  Except for that time I made butternut squash ravioli, and well......we ordered a pizza!  Baking always has too many rules.  What I have figured out though is that if you follow those rules, most of the time what you are cooking turns out well.  I have been baking desserts for our weekly staff lunches and they have all been a hit, so maybe I'm not as bad as I think I am!  This has gotten me in the baking spirit!

Case in point this week.  Trent has been driving the bus for the winter overflow shelter, and Monday night was his last night.  So, he asked me to make something sweet to give to the other guys on their last night driving.  Sure, I can whip that up for you.  Thank goodness he gave me a 5 day heads up because; yes; it took me that long to find the right thing to make.  Decisions, decisions!  Do I make a cake? (no, I want to keep my cake plates), do I make a pie? (who makes pies??  Well, my mother-in-law does, but I could never replicate hers), bars of some sort (What fruit do I use this time of year that everyone would like), do I make cookies (winner, winner)!  And a winner indeed.

I needed something that tasted amazing. Like baking was what I did for a living, but without too many steps.  With me and baking (KISS: keep it simple stupid) is always the best philosophy.  One day I hope my skills land me first prize at the local fair!  Don't joke, those people can put out some good desserts!!  Granted I probably wouldn't win without a story about it being a recipe handed down from generation to generation and pops and I would always go to the groves and pick the fruit ourselves, but I digress!!

I went with Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies.  The photo above is the picture from the recipe website.

Here is how mine turned out: And yes, since they touched my hand, I had to eat them!

They were a hit and I have already been asked for the recipe.  Even my 3 year old nephew walked in his kitchen at home asking for auntie's cookies!  SCORE!! 

Here is what I did differently from the recipe: You didn't think I would follow it EXACTLY did you?!?!?!

-I used a little over a teaspoon of cinnamon.  It added great and distinctive flavor

-I skipped the step of rolling them in sugar.  I tasted the dough and thought that it was sweet enough as it was.  after eating them, I don't think I could imagine them being much sweeter.

So, baking isn't so bad after all!  I just still have to put my own "Ashley" touches on it!  I just have to!

Happy baking!