Back about 22 years ago, I started a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine and I LOVED it. I was always so excited to see the latest issue in the mailbox. I enjoyed looking at all the decorating ideas and the lovely gardens they featured. I would rip out pages of the things I loved most and dream about my future home and family. I wanted my home to be as cozy and welcoming as the images between each cover. And I couldn't wait to bask in the color and bounty of the gardens around that home. I planned to invite friends and family over often and dreamed of the bonding that would occur as we gathered together all smiling faces and love in our eyes. Since then, real life has proven to be much less easily controlled and structured as those vignettes in the magazine. Life is messy, people do not always behave the way you think they should and a picture perfect life is not worth the stress most of the time. But, I have had golden glimpses of that perfect life, and I try to treasure and live in them as they happen. I even cancelled my beloved subscription in 2000 or 2001 because of the clutter keeping all those magazines created! The thoughts and dreams they inspired remain and they usually push me on to the next project or event. Hopefully as my family and friends look back through rose-colored glasses, some of the times we spent together will seem to be as candid and lovely as the pictures that inspired them.
This cookie recipe was discovered among the pages of the September 1997 BHG issue. It calls for apple cider mix and dehydrated apples. I love recipes that have unexpected ingredients. When these cookies are finished baking they are a little flat and look like they will be crunchy. But the apples keep them moist. They are unexpectedly addicting.
Apple Crisp Cookies
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup margarine
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1- 0.7 oz. pkg. apple cider mix (about 1 1/2-2 T if in bulk)
1 T cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 baking soda
1/2 salt
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups raisins (optional)
1 1/2 cups chopped dried apple pieces
In an extra large mixing bowl beat shortening and margarine for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple cider mix, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. With a wooden spoon, stir in remaining flour, oats, raisins and apples. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350F for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 7 dozen cookies.
