Oat-Hemp-Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies.....So Good

Whether you just have to include chocolate in your cookies or simply want the treat to at least be a little bit healthy to make it worth the indulgence, this recipe is a winner. Ideal for those milk and cookie after school snacks, coffee breaks, holiday cookie exchanges or gift ideas. They freeze well too!

Taken from Taste Of Home magazine, contributed by Jaymie Noble of Michigan, this recipe just has one alteration which is the addition of hemp seeds.

OAT-RAGEOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup oats or oatmeal

1/4 cup hemp seeds

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups or 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar

Beat in the eggs and vanilla

In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, hemp seed, baking soda and salt. 

Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well

Stir in the chocolate chips

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets

Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes till lightly browned 

Cool a bit before removing to wire racks so they don't fall apart

Makes about 4 dozen

ENJOY

Holiday Quick Breads, Entertaining, Gifts

Home baked goods are always welcome on any party table or in a gift basket. Recipients of such thoughtful offerings just know a little touch of love is sprinkled into every batch.

Pumpkins, apples, dates, nuts and cranberries are tradition in holiday festivities and what better and easier way to use them than for quick breads. Below are the recipes for an apple bread, a pumpkin cranberry bread, a date/nut bread and a cranberry orange bread. Quick breads freeze well so you can get some holiday baking done early.

APPLE BREAD

3 cups chopped apples

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup chopped nuts or 1 cup rolled oats

2 tsp vanilla

You'll need two bowls

Peel and chop the apples

Combine the apples and sugar

Let sit for 30 minutes

Add the oil and eggs

Beat well

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients

Stir in the nuts (or oats) and vanilla

Dip into 2 greased loaf pans

Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes

Cool before removing from pans

PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

3 cups sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

4 cups flour

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup cold water

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

2 cups pumpkin

4 eggs

2 cups dried cranberries

You'll need a large bowl

Combine the dry ingredients and sift well to blend

Add the oil, water, pumpkin and eggs and mix thoroughly

Fold in the dried cranberries

Pour into 2 greased loaf pans

Bake at 325 degrees for 60 - 70 minutes

Cool before removing from pans

DATE NUT BREAD

2 cups chopped dates

2 cups boiling water

2 tsp baking soda

2 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

You'll need three bowls

Pour boiling water over dates and baking soda

Set aside

Beat eggs and sugar

Blend in the oil and vanilla

Combine the flour and baking powder

Add dry ingredients alternately with the date mixture to the batter

Fold in the nuts

Pour into 2 greased loaf pans

Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes

Cool before removing from pans

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD

2 cups sugar

4 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp baking soda

2 tbsp grated orange rind

2 beaten eggs

4 tbsp melted butter

1 cup orange juice

4 tbsp hot water

1 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins

2 cups cut up cranberries

You'll need one large bowl

Combine the dry ingredients

Make a hole in the center and add the eggs and wet ingredients

Blend well

Fold in the nuts (or raisins) and the cranberries

Pour into two greased loaf pans

Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes

Cool before removing from pans

Passion for Patchouli

Patchouli

A first introduction to Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin or Pogostemon Patchouli) is often met with a description of it having a definite earthy scent to it. So just what does that mean, that it smells like dirt? No, it smells like nature and that is a wonderful thing. Some describe it as musty and too strong and others think of it as exotic and perfect in that it's lingering scent reaches deep into the emotions.

Patchouli has been used in incense and fragrance oils for centuries. It brings a sense of the sacredness of life and the need to care for our earth and everything in it. It helps us realize that to just "be" and do nothing at times is a good thing, that contemplating has a purpose and helps one get focused for action.

It is simply not true that the main reason the "hippies" of the 1960's and 1970's loved patchouli was that it covered up the scent of marijuana. Patchouli symbolized the love of nature and the escape from what was called the "establishment". The younger generation developed different ideas and ideals which were often met with labeling and indifference from the older age groups.

The essential oil of Patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves. All the benefits and uses for this plant are amazing. It is an antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, antidepressant, diuretic and boosts healing and the metabolism by stimulating the generation of new cells.

INSECT REPELLANT PROPERTIES
Patchouli has long been used to protect clothes and fabrics from insect damage.

ANTISEPTIC
The essential oil protects wounds from developing infection.

FUNGICIDE
By inhibiting fungal growth, patchouli can help with problems such as Athlete's Foot.

ANTIPHLOGISTIC
Containing patchoulene, patchouli soothes inflammation, therefore can help externally with skin conditions as well as internally with the pain from arthritis.

ANTIDEPRESSANT
By stimulating the release of pleasure hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, patchouli helps with feelings of sadness, anxiety and simply feeling better.

APHRODISIAC
By stimulating hormones, estrogen and testosterone, patchouli can boost indifference and lack of interest in the sex drive.

ASTRINGENT
By contracting blood vessels, patchouli stimulates contractions in muscles, nerves and skin. This helps with the symptoms of aging we see in the skin. Wonderful for use in face and body creams and lotions.

DEODORANT
The strong, musky aroma of patchouli helps eliminate or mask body odor and it's lingering scent helps the protection last.

SEDATIVE
By soothing inflammation and calming to the nerves, patchouli helps relax the body in order to get a good night's sleep.

For more information on any of the below items, just click on the listing underneath the picture.

Body Spray

Body Butter

Body Lotion

Solid Perfume

Bath Oil

Bath Salts

Body Powder

Gift Basket

www.meadowmuffingardens.com
www.meadowmuffingardens.etsy.com

A Man's World of Body Care

Men and women often feel they need their own personal, body care products and the paths of those products shall not cross. Actually that is a marketing ploy and clutters up your cabinets. Many personal and hygiene items can easily be shared by both men and women and you don't need a separate type item for every little purpose.

The attempts to get away from the hype of slick advertisements trying to have you believe you need this and this and this can be a challenge. In today's day and age men are taking better care of themselves and more conscious of what they put onto and into their bodies. Awareness is the first step to educating ourselves on just what is in our hygiene and body care products. Read labels, do your research on just what are those ingredients you cannot pronounce,  be aware of potential harm from synthetics and chemical ingredients, be aware of the use of animal testing, and finally, understand just what that term "natural" is saying or isn't saying.

It may be very surprising to learn just how vague the labeling laws are in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Unlike the food industry, there are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States.

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to you and your family's health. The skin is our body's largest organ, and anything we apply to ourselves enters through the layers of skin into the bloodstream. Yes, the old saying about "anything in moderation" is true with most things, but...The cosmetic industry claims the amount of these ingredients are not high enough to pose a threat, but the problem lies in the fact that we use these products day in and day out.  Our kidneys and liver do their best to eliminate toxins but what about those that over time have been stored within the fatty tissues of the skin. The long term effects are a concern. The body reacts by way of allergic and inflammatory reactions, the havoc played on the the endocrine system is not always fully understood and the source of the problems are often hard to pinpoint.

There are several items within the Meadow Muffin Gardens shop that are geared for men, but there are also many items such as these below that can easily be swapped for more than one method of use and by both men, women and even the kids.

A body wash certainly isn't limited to the shower. Containing Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, Aloe Vera Gel, Jojoba oil and various essential oils, this blend can easily be used as a face wash, a shampoo and even a shaving gel. Put into a foaming pump bottle, application is less wasteful without losing some between your fingers and down the drain.

Body Wash, Shaving Cream

A conditioning hair oil isn't just for women! Men can have dry, brittle hair as well, whether they wear their hair long or short. This Jojoba oil blend does make an excellent dry hair treatment, but it's use certainly doesn't have to stop there. Hair isn't limited to our heads alone!
Bearded men need to take care of their facial hair and the delicate skin beneath. Jojoba oil is unique in that it is very similar to the sebum of our own skin, therefore it makes a great hair and skin conditioner.

Hair Oil, Beard Oil

Men may or may not use an after shave balm to moisturize the skin and help with razor irritation. This Shea butter and Coconut oil blend is listed as a body butter, but it can be used for so much more. Whipped to a fluff consistency, this moisturizer can be used anywhere you need it, be on the face, hair or even on that balding head. Some use such a blend as a shaving cream, but if you do so, realize that you are washing fats down the drain. I don't know how good doing that on a regular basis is for the drain pipes.

Face, Body Moisturizer, After Shave Balm

Concerns over the safety of sun screens has people looking into alternatives. The choice we have is between "chemical" sunscreens which contain questionable, potentially hormone disrupting ingredients, and "mineral" sunscreens which contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. This lotion is listed as a sun block, not a sun screen. It hasn't been evaluated by the FDA, therefore there hasn't been testing done to establish an actual SPF factor. However, the ingredients used all contain their own natural properties to help block the harmful rays of the sun.

Balding men or those who choose to shave their heads need to protect their scalps from sun damage. The purpose of our hair is to protect the scalp and without hair, the skin can easily burn. This sunblock is good for anywhere on the body but using a bit on the scalp before heading out without a baseball cap is a wise idea.

Sunblock Lotion, Bald Head Care

Personal care items make great gift ideas for Father's Day, Holidays and Birthdays. You can easily custom create your own gift basket or make substitutions for one or more items already part of a listing such as those shown below.

Basket idea for those who love the outdoors, gardening, sports, hunting, fishing

Basket idea for the needs of men


Come visit!
Meadow Muffin Gardens
Website
Etsy shop

Almond Sugar Cookies..Addition to the Sweet Treat Tradition of the Holiday Season

The trick to holiday baking is to get it done early enough to ease the stressful time crunch of the "to do" list before Christmas Eve. But the downside around this house is that between event contributions and all those people who deserve a little something, by the time the big day rolls around there is often little left. 

But the tradition is rewarding even if we do swear we'll cut back on the "unnecessary" work every year. New, untried and enticing recipes flood our Facebook pages and magazines, adding to the craziness of what makes for holiday cheer.

This new recipe is a keeper. It was cut out years ago from a Taste Of Home magazine and was tucked away in a cookie cookbook.

What sets it apart from the usual sugar cookie is the almond extract rather than the usual vanilla.

The buttery taste makes this a definite melt-in-your mouth gem of a cookie.

ALMOND SUGAR COOKIES

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1 cup softened butter (no substitutions)

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp almond extract

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the almond extract.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Sift these three dry ingredients.

Add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture.

With your hands, roll into 1 inch balls.

Place two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Coat the bottom of a glass with cooking spray.

Dip the glass into a bit of sugar and flatten the cookie balls.

Baked at 400 for 7 - 9 minutes or longer (12 minutes) if the cookie dough balls were larger.

Remove the cookie sheet when the edges of the cookies are lightly brown.

Cool for 1 minute and remove the cookies to a wire rack.

For Glaze:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 1/2 tsp almond extract

2 - 3 tsp water.

sliced almonds, toasted

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, almond extract and enough water to achieve a glaze consistency to drizzle.

Tint with food coloring if desired and drizzle a bit onto each cookie.

Let the cookies cool before you add the drizzle or the icing melts into the cookie.

Sprinkle with almond slices.

Makes 3 - 4 dozen, depending how big the dough balls were.

Applesauce Raisin Muffins, Cold Weather Goodness

 Cold weather weekend mornings are perfect for homemade goodness at breakfast or mid-day snacking. Better yet if these muffins started with homemade applesauce!

This recipe was probably cut from a Taste of Home magazine but who knows from what issue.

MOTHER'S APPLESAUCE MUFFINS

4 cups flour (you can use 1/2 all-purpose and 1/2 oat or wheat)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tbs ground allspice

2 tsp baking soda

Combine and sift to blend these four dry ingredients in a large bowl.

1 cup butter (soften in microwave if right out of refrigerator)

2 cups sugar

Cream the butter and the sugar in a mixing bowl

Then beat in:

2 eggs

2 cups applesauce

2 tbsp vanilla extract

Fold the butter/sugar mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until moistened. 

Add 1 cup raisins

Don't over mix or muffins can be tough.

Grease muffin pans

Pour the batter into 24 muffin cups about 3/4 full each

Bake at 350 degrees F

20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick tests done

Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing or muffins may stick.

Cool on a wire rack

Yield 2 dozen

Freeze for later if desired

Enjoy this old-fashioned, healthy recipe!

Ideal for a quick, nutritious breakfast, lunch or anytime snack.

Perfect to make ahead and save for holiday gift giving and party contributions.

Lavender Wands, Nostalgic Gift, Centerpiece Idea

Weddings, bridal showers, baby showers are always more meaningful when personal touches are added to the decor. Color schemes and themes add a unique and individualized touch to such intimate celebrations. 

Between Internet sites such as Blogs and Pinterest to give you ideas and instructions, and the availability of supplies from craft stores, it is easy to become excited and look forward to getting involved in party preparations. Don't be so quick to say you aren't crafty. Rediscover the imagination you had as a child and have fun with trial and error. Anything takes practice and what better fun for a craft day than to learn together as a group.

Once you get the knack of how to do these, Lavender Wands are really rewarding to make. Besides being a conversation starter of a centerpiece, having a vase full of lavender wands can benefit anyone near them with their heavenly scent and ability to relax and soothe frazzled nerves.

Not only are they pretty and smell good, they have a very practical use once the event is over. You can keep them as is bundled in a vase to scent the room and add to your home decor. Or you can give them out to your guests as appreciated party favors. Lavender wands can be put into linen or clothing drawers to add a delicate scent as well as help keep out moths. Sachets were very popular in times past as a way to prevent moth damage in stored clothing and blankets. Here is a blog post of the harmful effects of using moth balls and how to utilize herbs as an alternative.

Here is what you'll need to make your Lavender Wands:

Long stemmed Lavender such as the Grosso type rather than the Munstead type used for potpourri and arrangements. 

 An excellent source for bundles of this type of fresh cut lavender is Local Harvest out of Washington state

You want the fresh cut lavender, not the dried. The stems have to still be flexible.

Spools of ribbon in the colors of your choice. Widths of no more than 1/4 inch work best. I found that one roll of 3/16 inch x 6 yards makes about four to five wands if you want a tail of ribbon to drape below the length of the stem. I'd estimate my stems were 8 - 10 inches long. The pictured vase has 24 wands and I used about six spools of ribbon, two each of three different colors.

Below is a tutorial on how to make these adorable lavender wands:

Lavender (Lavandula spp) has been called the 'mother of all essences', and is one of the most well known scents amidst the world of herbs and essential oils. It has often been called the safe "go to" remedy for babies, children and adults alike. Frazzled nerves, sleep troubles, headaches, muscle aches, skin flair-ups, bug bites, first-aid care, the list goes on. 

One of the most versatile herbs, lavender has been used since the ancient Greek and Roman times. It gets its name from the Latin 'lavare', meaning to wash. Its soothing, antiseptic qualities make it beneficial for cleansing and caring for various skin ailments.

Below is a link for the perfect gift for that special someone who enjoys and understands the benefits of this wonderful herb. This gift arrangement includes seven personal care products utilizing the soothing, healing properties of the lovely lavender plant. For the face we have four items: lavender infused honey as part of a honey/glycerin gentle facial cleanse, a raw honey facial mask to perk up tired skin and keep it blemish free, an exfoliating face and body sugar scrub, and a rich moisturizing cream containing lavender and sandalwood essential oils. For the hair, we have a lavender infused apple cider vinegar rinse to add shine, remove build-up and balance scalp pH. Bath time includes relaxing bath salts to soothe away the day's tension followed by a lovely body powder to help one feel dry and fresh. 

Love of Lavender Gift Assortment

Feathering The Nest Bird Seed Hangers

Our daughter's bridal shower theme was "Feathering The Nest", which opened up a whole array of ideas in which to expand on that theme. What to do for favors to give out to her guests was decided with the help of the many ideas found on Pinterest. What we did before Pinterest now escapes me, for having such a file cabinet of ideas for anything we can imagine is awesome. I don't know who to give credit to for the original source for these bird seed hangers, but hope this clever craft idea gets passed around again.

These would also make great projects to do with  children. To learn about our environment and helping out the birds is always much more enjoyable when the activity is a hands-on.

Before you get started, gather your materials. You will need:

- One bag of bird seed.
The type is up to you. I used the more inexpensive blend of white and red millet, black sunflower seeds, cracked corn and safflower seed.
 

- Unflavored gelatin.
One small box holds four packages or envelopes gelatin. This recipe calls for two packages or envelopes. I doubled the recipe and used all four envelopes, which resulted in about 24 seed hangers.
That may vary depending on the size of your individual mold shapes.
 

- Silicone molds or trays.
The flexible molds can be found in cake decorating stores, candy making departments, and in craft sections. The come in a variety of shapes and sizes and themes.
 

- Ribbon or cord for hanging.
I used raffia cord to go with my natural, country theme, but you can use anything you want for hanging purposes.
 

From your kitchen supplies you will need:
A large bowl for mixing
A one cup size measuring cup for measuring out the birdseed.
A pyrex measuring cup used for liquids for measuring out the water.
A small whisk to quickly dissolve the gelatin into the water.
A large spoon for mixing and dipping out into the molds.
 

Have your loops for hanging ready:
Cut pieces of raffia or ribbon into lengths of about 4 - 5 inches.
Knot the ends together to make the loops.
 

To assemble:
 Pour 2 packages of unflavored gelatin into the large bowl.
Add 1 cup water to the gelatin and whisk to dissolve.
Add 2 cups birdseed to the liquid mixture and stir to blend well.

Using the spoon, scoop out the moistened bird seed and press firmly into the mold shapes.
Press the knotted part of each ribbon or raffia down into the molds so its about half way down, then cover over.
 

Place the mold trays into the refrigerator for about two or more hours so they firm up.
Remove the trays from the refrigerator and pop each mold out onto a cookie sheet of plates.
Let them undisturbed to air dry for a few days. They will harden. If using a cookie sheet or plate you will need to turn them every day so the bottoms dry.
 

Once hardened, the bird seed hangers are ready to hang outside for the birds.

If using as a gift, put each one in a baggie, twist tie the top closed and add a tag if you want.
For our shower, we added a business card size tag which had the bride's name, the date and a little message printed on them. We punched a hole in a corner and using additional raffia cord, the baggies were tied shut.

For our table display, we put all the favors into a large crafted bird nest I found through an Etsy seller.
 

 These favors were a delight, but we did notice a few things worth mentioning:
1. Once in the baggies, unless the favors were totally dry before putting in the baggie, they tend to soften a bit again. Hopefully the guests will open them once they get home so they receive some air, or they may mold.
2. Unflavored gelatin has its own distinct odor once mixed with water. Not a big deal, just an observation.

 


 

Homemade Hot Pepper Jelly

Made just in time for football weekends, homemade hot pepper jelly is always an anticipated seasonal treat.

This recipe can easily be altered for personal preference of hotness, depending on what type of peppers you use. In this year's garden I grew a type called Big Hot Cherry, a cute little roundish red pepper. So pleased with the degree of zing, being it has just enough bite without shocking the palate, I intend on planting this type again next season. There are many types of peppers. For those who like it really hot, use 4 Habernero peppers and 1 Bell pepper in place of the 12 oz. weight called for in this recipe. For milder jelly, just experiment with different types and amounts of hot peppers and bell peppers. I used about 8 Big Hot Cherry peppers and a few Banana peppers for a total scale weight of 12 oz.  Banana peppers are what I happened to have on hand, but the recipe calls for 1 large green Bell pepper.

To prepare for jelly making, have your jars and lids ready. This recipe makes 6 cups jelly so you'll need 6 1/2 pint size jars or 3 pint size jars, or whatever combination you want.
Wash the jars, lids, and rings carefully in hot soapy water, even if you just bought them. Rinse well in hot water. Put the jars in a large pot filled with enough water to submerge the jars. Bring to a boil, turn temperature down just enough so the jars don't rattle around so much and boil for 5 minutes.  Carefully grasp jars with tongs, and drain water from them before setting them, right side up, on paper towels. Put the lids and rings in a smaller pot and let simmer until ready for them.

Ingredients:

12 oz. total weight hot pepper and Bell pepper combination
2 cups apple cider vinegar
6 cups sugar
2 pouches Ball Liquid Pectin or Certo

Directions:

Wear rubber gloves to work with hot peppers.
Cut up the peppers and remove the seeds.
Put the peppers in a blender.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the peppers and blend well.
Pour this mixture into a large pot.
Add the sugar and mix well to dissolve.
Bring this mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Stay at the stove and stir constantly. Once this comes to a boil it rises and will overflow if you're not right there to stir and reduce heat enough to keep it boiling and so it settles down.
Remove the pot from the heat and strain. I use a jelly bag stretched over a metal or glass bowl.
Discard the pulpy part in the jelly bag.
Return the strained liquid to the stove and bring back to a boil for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Certo.
Careful as this is boiling hot, ladle the jelly into your jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Place lids and rings on jars, secure tightly, and turn the jars upside down for 5 minutes.
Turn the jars right side up and allow to cool completely before storing.
You'll hear the popping sound as one by one the jars seal.

If you plan on using the jelly in the near future you may not want to bother with the lids and rings step for long term storage. Just let the jelly cool, use plastic lids, and store in the refrigerator.

Hot Pepper Jelly makes a great gift idea. Add a label and a pretty ribbon around the lid and voila!

Hot Pepper Jelly makes a wonderful snack served on crackers, pita bread, bagels or english muffins. Add some cheese and fresh fruit and you have a great idea for entertaining.

Good for You Holiday Cookies

Holiday cookie baking doesn't have to be a nosedive from the healthy eating you may normally encourage with your family's diet.  There is no reason you cannot enjoy the cookie baking extravaganzas that draw everyone into the kitchen with its wonderful smells.  Just remember when eating them that moderation is the key!

Here are three great drop cookie recipes that are not only delicious but offer a bit of nutrition and fiber as well.
The first two are a variation of the typical old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookie. The third recipe is a great peanut butter cookie for those who like a chewy type cookie.

                                                      CRANBERRY OAT COOKIES

1 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
2 tbsp. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups quick oats or rolled oats
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
In a large bowl, combine sugars and oil.
Blend in eggs, milk and vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt.
Gradually add dry mixture to the sugar mixture.
Stir in the cranberries.

Using two spoons drop onto baking sheets that have been coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Fit 12 to a sheet and bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Let cool a few minutes and remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 4 - 5 dozen

                                                    TRIPLE FIBER OAT COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup oat bran
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups quick oats
1 cup chopped prunes (easiest done with a kitchen shears)
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a large bowl combine butter and sugars.  Mix until creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla and blend.
In another bowl sift combine the oat bran, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
Add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture.
Stir in the oats, prunes and almonds.

Using two spoons drop onto baking sheets that have been coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Fit 12 to a sheet and flatten with a fork that has been dipped into water to prevent sticking.
Bake 10 - 11 minutes until lightly browned.
Let cool a few minutes and remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 4 - 5 dozen

                                            PEANUT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1/2 cup butter softened
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chunky peanut butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tbsp. milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
In a large bowl, combine butter, salt, peanut butter.  Blend well.
Add sugar, brown sugar, eggs and milk.  Blend well.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and ginger.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture.
Stir in the chopped peanuts.
Using two spoons drop onto ungreased baking sheets.
Fit 12 to a sheet and flatten with a fork that has been dipped into water to prevent sticking.
Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Let cool a few minutes and remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes 4 - 5 dozen

Gift Idea for Teacher Appreciation at Christmas

The holiday season is an ideal time to display our gratitude and appreciation to those special people involved in the lives of our children.

When my own two were young I can remember going on a baking frenzy to arrange cookie plates for everyone and it seemed no matter how many I made there never seemed enough to store away for my own freezer.

Not everyone has the time, skills or interest in holiday baking yet still want something special to give to all the various teachers and instructors.




A personal body care arrangement would be a great idea as it is all ready for gift giving and portrays the message that you have empathy for what they experience with their job.

To check out this gift idea click here

1.  A crowded classroom is a breeding ground for germs on those surface areas commonly touched, such as door knobs, bathroom faucets, toilet handles and light switches. Also great as a room spray to fight airborne germs and freshen stuffy indoor air, this Germ Fighting Air and Surface Spray just may be a mainstay on his/her desk. Contains powerful essential oils, tea tree, thyme and eucalyptus which are known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Free from the synthetic fragrances typically found in air sprays, there is the reduced risk of irritating the allergies of sensitive students to chemicals. This spray comes in a 4 oz. size plastic spray bottle.

2.  Frequent hand washing is the first line of defense against catching or spreading germs. Unfortunately, chapped hands are often a result from the continuous cycle of soap, water and the hot air of the hand dryer. Our healing, herbal all-purpose balm can be such a relief for red, chapped skin. Containing no water, this balm is superior to a typical hand lotion. Due to its herbal healing properties this balm can also be used for minor wound care.

Plantain is a common overlooked weed, but it contains amazing medicinal properties which are released in an olive oil infusion. Added to that is coconut oil, which is known for its ability to help skin retain moisture, a wonderful hydrator often used with chronic dry skin. Chamomile essential oil is added for its gentle and popular use in treating inflamed skin conditions. This balm comes in a 2 oz. size white plastic jar.

3.  Maintaining control over a classroom while keeping their attention so they learn something would be enough pressure to keep many of us awake at night. This linen and/or air spray contains nerve calming, sleep inducing essential oils: chamomile, sweet orange, lavender and ylang ylang. Too many things still on the 'to do' list, too many thoughts bouncing around, can easily take their toll and contribute to sleep deprivation. A light spritz onto the bedding just may become an anticipated nightly ritual. This spray comes in a 4 oz. size plastic spray bottle.

4.  A good lip balm is always a good thing to have on hand. Chapped lips are not pleasant, especially when there is the need to talk as frequently as does a teacher. This tubal lip balm utilizes the healing properties of the herb calendula to help heal and protect the delicate skin around the mouth.

5. Last, included in this assortment is a touch of femininity. A solid perfume eliminates the risk of a leaky bottle in a handbag. Listed here is a 1/2 oz. jar of the patchouli and lavender blend, but if the ylang/ylang and vanilla blend or the spice blend is preferred, let me know. Should this gift be for a male teacher just look through the shop and substitute something under a $10 value or I can add two extra lip balms.

Boy Scout leader

Girl Scout leader

Sports coach or instructor

Musical instrument teacher

Babysitter

Petsitter

Sunday School teacher