Cookie Monster Loves Cookies

My kids love to play the game, “If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?” My answer is always the same: olive oil, a good french baguette, and a life-time supply of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

I believe it was living in London that influenced my now daily ritual of a cup of tea and a cookie every afternoon. I daresay “tea time” has become a spiritual discipline for me. It is in the ministrations of choosing the tea, boiling the water, stirring in one, sometimes two swirls of honey, and sitting down to a warmed oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, that I allow myself a breath. I stop the spinning-top of my life for a brief moment and invite in a moment of stillness. By carving out that sacred moment each day to savor a cup of tea and enjoy a cookie, I nourish my the spirit. I wish I could say I was chanting OM’s for three hours in lotus pose, or following Saint Benedict’s Rule and praying the Hours, but my life right now is spilling over with job, writing, and a bursting family! Maybe one day! And yet I am becoming more and more aware of the needs of my spirit. And I need stillness. I also need to savor the “little joys” of life and an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie draws the sides of my mouth into a smile every time!

I am like Indian Jones on the hunt for the holy grail when it comes to finding the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie! This summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming I was introduced to a new twist on an ol’ faithful:  Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. I must admit that I was skeptical at first but the baker insisted they were just as delicious and even healthier!

Recipe for Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups of mashed ripe banana (about 1-1/2 ripe bananas. The banana allows you to reduce the usual butter and sugar.The riper the moister the cookies will be!)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened (a little over a half of a stick)

1/4 cup regular sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

1 large egg

1 1/4 cups of flour (you could substitute here with gluten free alternative)

2 cups of old fashioned oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

3/4 to 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate, your choice, I tend to go for more chocolate!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl; beat by hand or with a mixer until smooth. Add in egg and beat well. In another bowl, combine and whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Combine the two mixtures and stir with a fork or by hand. Add chocolate chips! Spoon onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch them. Less is more when it comes to cooking time, if the cookies become brown they loose their gusto!

I recommend pairing the cookie with a cup of Mighty Leaf’s Chamomile Citrus Tea! And remember, the secret is sitting down with your cup of tea and cookie and being still, if only for five quiet minutes. Not only will the sides of your mouth curl up in a smile for the “little joy” of a cup of tea and cookie, but more importantly, your soul will be nourished and better prepared to meet life.

Live in Hope,

Farrell