The housewife is IN...

It was fairly quiet at the lambing barn today and so I spent a little time being a housewife -- my favorite occupation.  I worked on my kitchen curtains (tab tops) a little bit yesterday and finished them off this afternoon between bum lamb feedings.  I think the curtains added a little cheery warmth to the kitchen.  I figure if I grow tired of them, I can always make them into little girly dresses!

On the counter top you'll notice some baking mess.  I whacked up our favorite oatmeal cookies -- a Barefoot Contessa  specialty.  For your munching pleasure, here they are --->

Delicious Oatmeal Cookies~makes 30-35 cookies

1 1/2 c. pecans (or walnuts)
1 c. butter, softened (I do 3/4 c. butter and 1/4 c. Crisco)
1 c. dark brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon (I omit this)
1 t. kosher salt
3 c. old fashioned oatmeal
1  c. raisins (I prefer craisins)

Preheat oven to 350* F.
Place nuts in a frying pan and put on the stove on medium heat and lightly roast them until fragrant.  Chop course and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla and eggs until fluffy.  Sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon (opt) and salt.  Add the oats, (c)raisins and nuts last and mix until combined.  Drop 2" mounds of dough onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.  Transfer cookies to a baking rack and cool completely.

I love these cookies because they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Yum-O!