Baking with Little

I had the strongest sense of deja vu the other morning when it was me and Little at home while sisters were in school and she asked me to "make." It reminded me of when Middle would do the same thing after Big started school.  There's something about being the only one at home - the only one who gets to dump, mix, and taste without having to take turns - that makes baking sound like extra fun.  Of course, she wanted to do it right away.  I hadn't been planning on it and had no softened butter so I played around with my usual oatmeal chocolate chip recipe to substitute vegetable oil.

The results weren't bad - not quite as soft and chewy but still really yummy.  And, my house smelled amazing all morning!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (made 4 dozen)

2 1/4 cups old fashioned oats

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil

2 large eggs

4 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

3/4 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with silpat mats or parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dump in everything except the chocolate chips and cranberries.  Beat until the dough is moist and the ingredients are combined.  The dough might be a little crumbly.  If it's too dry, add a little more oil, a tablespoon at a time.

Either using your hands or a small scoop, form balls about a tablespoon in size and place on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.