In the Pacific Northwest we are just now experiencing a once in a one to two decade snowfall—so far around 6 to 8 inches and we are looking for another week of it. This has caused a lot of consternation in Seattle’s inhabitants, mainly because there was a major food panic, bare shelves no bread, bananas, potatoes, etc. Also kale sold out (who knew!). Lines were very long to check out. Everyone was caught by surprise. Fortunately, I had ordered delivery of some food and it came before the major storm.

After the food panic came the fun of sledding, snowboarding, skiing, cross country skiing, more sledding and angel making. Snow is delightful and breaks the routine. After all, you just can’t make into work.

Snow also works up an appetite, so instead of some daintier tea cookies, I tried my hand at some oatmeal cookies, with raisins and miniature chocolate chips. I consider them healthy (or healthier) since then have oatmeal and will help you have the strength to shove the sidewalk, and ski or sled.

Today for tea I had a strong, bracing English tea with a couple of thees cookies! I used a spring-like teacup to remind me that spring is coming!

Hearty Oatmeal Cookie

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter by hand or use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer (if using one), and stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Stir in rolled oats.

Stir in the raisins and chocolates chips.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet (you also can use parchment paper). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let stand on cookie sheet for 1 minute before transferring to wire rack and let cool. Makes about 48 cookies.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup of raisins

1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chip

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Oatmeal Cookie Recipe