Ah, life...it's never boring, is it? At least ours isn't. We've been really struggling lately to maintain a sense of peace and sanity. Steady employment seems to be perpetually beyond our grasp, and yet bills need to be paid...the children are starting to get stir-crazy as dreary winter drags on...drama has been occuring in the extended family...It's hard to face of all this with bravery and cheerfulness, especially at this time of year when the best of us feel a little sunshine deprived.
At times like this, I have found the only thing a body can do is take pleasure in the little things to forget about the big things, if only for a moment. Nothing beats a loving snuggle on the couch with a little person does it? Or sharing a laugh with your husband at a well-timed joke. Or curling up with a hot cup of tea and a good book. I've really been trying to take joy wherever I can.
I've also been making a lot of chocolate chip cookies lately. Yes, they're a high-sugar snack, but they're so delicious, they bring a smile to everyone's face, and they're one of the only baked goods my husband will eat and enjoy. Besides, I am not convinced that it is not healthy to eat things occasionally that are good for your soul. If the soul is happy, the body follows suit. :)
Here is the recipe for Toll House Cookies that my mom used to make when I was young. They're easy to whip up, and still as delicious as I remember.
Toll House Cookies.
Mix together and set aside:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
In a large bowl, beat together:
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup of softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Around this time, turn the oven on to 375 F.
Add the dry ingredients to the moist ingredients, and beat until well mixed.
Stir in 2 cups of your favourite chocolate chips, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts if you like. (I usually do half the batch with walnuts, half without for the kids).
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they're just starting to brown. If you're not sure if they're really done, take them out anyway. An underdone cookie is much better than an overdone one!
Pour some tall glasses of milk and share your cookies with some little people. And feel happy that chocolate chips were invented. :)
I wanted them so badly, but my stove was broken, so I invented some vegan no bake ones...I know what you mean...they are good for the soul.
Posted by: citysister | February 16, 2011 at 09:30 PM
This is my hard and fast rule. If it feels the world is failing down, chocolate chip cookies are in order. Everyone cheers up just to make them. And honestly, I kinda wish I could go out with a cart to DC and every other place people were arguing and hand them out.
Posted by: sherene | February 17, 2011 at 05:57 AM
This is what we are making today as well.
Posted by: Marlyn | February 17, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Sorry to hear about your troubles. But, your cookies do look yummy. Glad there is comfort in that.
Posted by: Provincial Homemaker | February 17, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Fresh Cookies make everything better!...
Posted by: Teresa | February 18, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Indeed, sweet stuff like chocolate can do a lot of good. Getting into a positive mindset is as important as a healthy body, after all. It can help motivate a person and bring joy, which can really help lower stress.
Posted by: Cyrus Summy | September 6, 2011 at 11:57 AM