Trina's Oatmeal Cookies

 One of the best things (for me) about blogging is that it is so motivational. I mean, once it's put into writing it's a sure thing, right? No backing out now! I committed myself. hehe (nervous laugh, there, along with a big gulp!)  So, yesterday I wrote it was time to start the Christmas cooking. I'm not putting it off til the last minute this year. Nope, it's posted on the internet! So I made my annual grocery trek.

Note the gum- I'm hoping that helps with avoiding the BLTs (Bites, Licks, Tastes!)

Then I dove into the recipe cabinet to find all the Christmas recipes.

The mission was a success!

Then I rounded up every utensil I thought would be needed in the coming week!

Oh! Found my keys! oops

AND SHE'S OFF!

Remember when those neat "gifts in a jar" were new? Before everyone had internet access and could find all that stuff in a matter of seconds? I'll never forget the first one I received-way back in the early 90's. It was an oatmeal cookie mix from my baby sister-Trina. And those cookies were scrumptious. AND she was sweet enough to put the recipe for the mix on the back of the gift tag (notice the tag and ribbon in the recipe picture?) Yep, I still have it and it's a must have cookie every Christmas. They are DH's favorite so I'm making them while he isn't home. There is a better chance they will make it to Christmas that way! And they store very well! 

 I have to admit I was skeptical about a cookie recipe that didn't call for creaming the butter and sugar together. And about halfway through mixing it up, I almost tossed the whole batch out- no spoon was working, it was gonna have to be "hands on." But I stuck it out to the finish and what can I say? YUM 

Here for your culinary pleasure:

  Trina's Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Cookie Mix (in jar if you use this for a gift)

1 Cup brown sugar

1/3 Cup sugar

1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups quick rolled oats

Other Ingredients

1 1/4 Cups butter-softened (I have substituted butter flavored Crisco)

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl cream butter, egg, and vanilla. Add Oatmeal Cookie Mix and stir well. (This is where I have to use my hands- dough gets very stiff. At this point I divide the dough in half and add 1/2 Cup raisins or butterscotch chips to one half.) Drop cookies by rounded tablespoons (again using hands, pressing into spoon) onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-9 minutes (takes 10-12 minutes in my oven.) Cool for 1 minute and then remove to wire racks to cool.

 Now, I'm looking for a hiding place!!