Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies

When I think of an oatmeal cookie, one that is crispy on the outside but soft and chewy in the middle and studded with plump raisins comes to mind. Oatmeal cookies are a timeless classic, and to me, somewhat comforting. It kinda reminds me of home.

These cookies with their chewy texture, warm blend of nutty oats and spices make them a favourite among many. The dash of cinnamon and pinch of nutmeg create a delicious depth of flavour and intense aroma as the cookies bake away in the oven. I love the smell of the spiced bakes that fills my kitchen! Old-fashioned rolled oats were used in this recipe for a heartier and thicker homemade goodness.

These cookies are good for any time of the year, though the pleasant aroma hits me with a holiday-season-cookie feel.

It's almost Christmas once again! Only 42 days to be exact. Counting down to be with family again! Nothing beats that, not even oatmeal cookies. But they do make me feel a littleeee better. ^^

My lovely November blooms! <3

What?

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional!)

How?

1. Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to make them plump. (Blot with kitchen towels to dry them before use!)
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.
4. Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined.
5. Gently stir in the oats and plumped raisins. The dough will be thick and sticky! Chill it for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
6. Shape the dough into rounded balls (about 1 1/2 tbsp each) and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mats. Flatten the dough slightly.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degC until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

"I want to marry you" cookies

Recently, my social media newsfeed page has been constantly flooded with updates of proposals, engagement, and marriages. While scrolling down the page, you'd see pretty bouquets, flashy rings, white gowns and sometimes even lengthy declaration of love and "thanksgiving" speeches (especially on those auspicious weekends!). All these "signs" on social media is actually pretty much indicative of the phase in life where people of my age are supposed to be, if everyone else is taken to be the benchmark.

In the midst of all the fancy-frilly-lovey-dovey, a photo labelled "Marry me cookies" caught my eye.

Did someone bake cookies for a proposal?

Well they say that the best way to someone's heart is through the stomach.

This should be a damn good cookie then.

I found out later that these cookies aren't particularly made for a proposal, but it has been said that they were so good to a point that upon gifting them, love would usually ensue. I, for one, find it most remarkable that these cookies were made all in one pan. In place of creaming the butter and sugar as in most cookie recipes, it was intriguing that this particular one simply melts the butter and sugars in the pan and literally have everything else mixed in after. You get the rich toffee flavour from the dissolved sugar in hot melted butter, crispy outsides with soft centers, and that mysteriously unique cinnamon flavour - all these without the need to wash up extra mixing bowls or a mixer after! I would marry that.

Try these, whether in need for inspiring or eliciting a marriage proposal or not. ;)

What?

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated (white) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamom
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How?

1.  Melt the butter in a saucepan until melted. Remove from the heat.
2.  Stir in the brown sugar and white sugar until incorporated and smooth. Chill in the fridge for 10 min.
3. Remove from the fridge and stir in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla.
4. Add the flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and mix together.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Roll the batter into 1-1/2 inch sized balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Place the baking sheet into the fridge and chill for 30 minutes.
8. Bake the chilled cookies in a preheated oven at 160 degC (325 degF) for 12 to 14 minutes.
9. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Adapated from: Cooking channel

Oats with bran and easy-peelers

It's starting to get chillier around here, a sign that summer's coming to an end. I was only beginning to enjoy the warmth and sunshine - I think we've had barely three weeks of that. 

Before it gets too cold, I'm gonna make more of these cold oatmeals for breakfast. They're really easy to make and satisfy as a delightful first meal of the day. Just mix oats and milk in a 1:1 ratio and leave it refrigerated over night. Instead of a full portion of milk, you can mix in some yoghurt. I sweeten it the next morning with honey and fruits. It's versatile really, you can add anything you want. 

Initially adding oranges to my oatmeal seemed a little odd. But the luscious oranges added zest to my breakfast and it was nothing less than yummy! I was trying to *save the best for last* by intentionally leaving out a few spoonfuls of the oranges.

It may be getting colder now, but that's alright I guess. I'm really looking forward to crisp copper autumn leaves. :)

Strawberry oats

Love happens in the most unexpected ways, when you least expect it.

Because now that we are so far apart, I miss you more than I ever did. I took your cleanliness for granted, sometimes I even taunt how strict you are with prohibiting me from occasional consumption in trains and buses (I often pop a gummy in my mouth, feeling smug about it even). I never noticed how fresh you smell, how bright and radiant you always are. With you I'm secure, cos' I know that as much as you can help it, you'd keep the streets safe for me to walk at night. Now that you aren't with me to help me out, I realised how much I'm missing your efficiency - all it takes is *at most* 3 working days, or I can always reach you immediately by phone. When I'm hungry, your are always there to feed me, 24/7. I love you for your generosity; you bring me for the good ol' local fare (my favourite black black cai tao kueh, chee cheong fun, lor mee fen, kueh chap no innards, mee gao, chilli crab, bbq stingray, satay etc.) as well as to the non-pretentious classy restaurants and hipster cafes. I miss your geekiness, your techy-savvy ways, and how you bring a plethora of international entertainment to me whenever I want them. Last but not least, I miss your silly language - silly but oh so endearing. And very distinct. ;)

And it's your birthday today. Though we aren't physically together, I'll be celebrating your 49th birthday over here. Distance means so little, when someone means so much.

A little red and white to signify the flag we fly :)

I am still gonna complain about how unbearably warm and humid you are, but it doesn't mean I love you any less. Can't wait till I see you again. xoxo