Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Surprise.

It's hard to believe that after about five months from my last post, I'm finally back here. I've probably lost all my readers by now, so anything I write now could be going into some void or jumbled with all the other distractions the internet has to offer. Just a collection of random thoughts (pretending I can write) and experiments with baking, and hoping that there would be others out there who could find a little amusement in my deliberations and pretty pictures (if anyone bothers to read more than the recipe).

At some point, I lost any inspiration and motivation to continue, and started to think about what this was really for, especially since I didn't have too many readers. There were a few somewhat significant events (some really cool, some not as much) that diverted my attention, but I think I fell off the wagon on a few things, not just this blog. For example, I used to be a little bit of a runner, and ran a 10K last year--I might've written about it (I can't remember, it feels so long ago). And then the latter part of last year, one week off turned into two weeks, then a month, and then it was the holidays--and no running or working out ever occurs during that time of the year. But it appears last week was my week to get back on it. There was no particular reason, it was just a choice--kind of like when you feel unhappy, but if you make yourself smile even when you don't feel like it (though that can be very hard), you might feel a little happier after all. I baked up some cookies, started running again, even felt a little bit of renewed vigor at work, and knew it was time to channel some creative energy back into this site.

So here I am, back in the saddle at the beginning of a new year--hopefully for a while. I'm not much of a New Year's resolution type of a person, but I do have a few thoughts for the upcoming year that I hope to live by: (1) give more--Nicholas Kristof recently wrote in the New York Times that helping others really ends up helping ourselves (and I wouldn't mind a little help); (2) pray more--prayer in and of itself may not solve problems, but prayer to a God who loves us infinitely can give us the strength to endure; and (3) no regrets--I'd like to be able to say that I did everything I could in any given situation or circumstance. I'm sure I won't live up to these, but there is a goal to work towards. Oh, and what is this blog really for? I guess I decided it was enough to blog for no real reason at all.

On that note, here's a recipe for what is now my favorite oatmeal cookie EVER. Hope you try it because it's pretty awesome.

Chocolate [Chip] Oatmeal Coconut Cookies
Adapted from epicurious.com
Makes about 36 2-1/2" cookies

Preheat the oven to 375F degrees.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Cream together with an electric mixer:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1-1/4 cup brown sugar

2. Mix in the following, one at a time, on medium-low speed:
- 2 large eggs
- 1-1/2 t. vanilla
- 1/2 t. baking soda
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

3. Stir in by hand:
- 2-1/4 cups oats
- 1-1/2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans

4. Roll balls of cookie dough around 1-1/2" in diameter and arrange on the baking sheet about 2" apart. Press down on each lightly to about 1/2" thickness. Bake for about 11 minutes, until lightly brown. Cool cookies on the sheet for about a minute, then transfer to racks.

5 comments:

  1. man, i was already hungry before i read you rblog and saw your pictures! now you are killing me!! i'll have to try your recipe some time soon. better yet. just come over for dinner abd bring me some... :) vanessa s

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  2. So glad you're back, Tiff! :) Loved reading your thoughts on things. And warm cookies from the oven are always good on rainy days, esp rainy days that come seven days in a row!

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  3. Looks like we're thinking similar thoughts these days regarding blogging :D. It's good to have you back, though! I think these cookies (and the resolutions) sound great. Pray more--definitely on my list... :)

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  4. re:#2
    If your request is wrong, God says, "No."
    If the time is wrong, God says, "Slow."
    If you are wrong, God says, "Grow."
    If the time is right and you are right, God says, "Go."
    -Greg Laurie

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  5. Vanessa and Priscilla: thanks so much for reading and commenting :) So glad to hear from you.

    Sophie: it has been a while! Hope you're doing well.

    Hoa: thanks for the poem and for stopping by.

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Thank you for stopping by! I may not always be able to respond right away, but I appreciate your comments!