Guess what I did?
Yes, those are cookies. Madness, isn’t it?
You may have noticed that I don’t bake. Ever. [Hence the plates taking over the counter: I don't have cooling racks.]
There are many reasons that my oven typically sees vegetables and nothing else. I don’t live for baked goods as many people do; ice cream has always been my “real” dessert of choice. I also hate to waste, and should the recipe not turn out, I am not a fan of throwing my dollars and time into the trash. Also, while I am not afraid of having a houseful of cookies [that's the beauty of knowing you can eat one whenever you want], I do know that making my way through two dozen of the exact same thing day after day would bore me to tears.
But, ’tis the season, right? The holiday atmosphere offered a prime opportunity for baking and me to come together. My budget for gifts was basically nonexistent this year, and I realized that instead, I could put together some simple, homemade, and edible packages. I wouldn’t be left with buckets of uniform cookies, because I’d be giving many away. I wouldn’t be wasting ingredients, as the knowledge that the recipients were my friends would motivate me to actually follow the recipe.
Plus, it’s about time I faced my silly fear. Someday, I know I’ll be the one to host family dinner gatherings, and those include dessert. I’ve got to learn sometime.
So I set a double challenge for myself: bake something successfully, and do it using ingredients that already exist in my cabinets.
I always believe thoughtfulness is the most important aspect of a gift – I like to give something that shows my effort, that has a piece of me in it, and that takes into consideration the person to whom I am giving. In the case of cookies, that meant I had to bake them myself, use ingredients I believe in, and make sure my friends and family would like the flavor.
So, what these cookies are not: Fat-free, as fat is an essential nutrient that I eat freely. Sugar-free, as sugar in moderation never hurts. Processed and refined, as I made them in my own kitchen with whole ingredients.
What these cookies are: Full of whole, often organic, unprocessed goodness. Whole wheat pastry flour so they’re soft but still whole grain. Dark chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder, packed with richness and antioxidants. Sucanat, palm sugar, and maple syrup, so they’re naturally sweetened in the most wholesome way. Canola oil, with good unsaturated fats.
I can happily stand behind every little piece of these cookies, and that’s exactly how I wanted it.
Later that same day, my sister baked two batches of muffins for a brunch she was attending. And with that, our kitchen officially saw more baking in one day than the entire thirteen months that we’ve lived here.
What is your go-to homemade gift?
In case you’re wondering, the cookies I made are:
- Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies. I subbed Sucanat for Turbinado sugar and left out the almonds because one of my giftees is allergic to nuts. I used this brand of dark chocolate chips, which are awesome.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles. I used whole wheat pastry flour instead of all purpose because it was all I had, and I subbed palm sugar for white. I also cut the sugar down to 3/4 cup. If I made these again, I think I’d use white whole wheat flour and add a little more cinnamon.
The muffins my sister made are:
- Golden Coconut Almond Muffins. She subbed palm sugar for white and clementine zest for orange.
- Pumpkin Muffins. She subbed Sucanat for the sugar, Greek yogurt for soy, and maple syrup for molasses, though we missed the molasses flavor.
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Those cookies look great! I’m pretty much in the same boat you’re in regarding gift budgets this year. I intend on baking up a storm tomorrow night. I agree with your philosophy, taking the time to craft something for someone is far more special than anything money can buy.
Jamie (from Healthy Travels) told me about your blog and I absolutely love it! Looking forward to continuing reading it.
You’re making me hungry! We’ve made chocolate chip cookies (good old Toll House recipe ;) ) and cranberry walnut chocolate cookies. Today I’m starting up the pumpkin bread.
There’s just something about baking when you’re snowed in…
LOVE the baked goods!! Nice work.
My go-to homemade gift = ornaments and accessories.
Your cookies look so good!! I want some!!
I never bake either but whenever I’m home and have a pantry of baking ingredients, trays, and mixers at my fingertips, I can’t pass up the opportunity. The espresso chocolate chip cookies sound AMAZING! And yours look perfect.
I have the same philosophy when it comes to baked goods. I like to use whole grains and heart healthy oils- but I def. don’t skimp on the sugar/fat. I don’t think desserts are supposed to be ‘healthy.’ Because then…it’s not a dessert, right?
Your cookies look delicious!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
That is absolutely beautiful. The cookies look outstanding, so do not underestimate your baking skills. The muffins are exquisite.
I want to thank you for your wonderful comments on my posts. I appreciate it very much. Honestly, I feel many only comment to return the obligatory “return-comment” favor. But I do not expect that. I hope people comment because they wish to.
That said, I adore your blog and your simple , insightful way of writing. I love it. I certainly must add you to my blogroll , and if my blog is able to continue into something more than my maddening mind ;), then perhaps you might do the same :)
Good for you for baking!
Those cookies & muffins look great! Especially those hot snickerdoodles! Tis the season for baked treats, your right!
Goto Homemade gift: : : : a funky collage. I love making a compilation of things that make people happy!
I totally want to bake some cookies now.
Boston is covered in snow and it would be fun!
Happy Snowed in Sunday,
Katie
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/slim-secrets-bars-giveaway-extended.html
Those snickerdoodles look so tasty, I want to dive through the screen ;) I’m sure your friends will love and appreciate them, especially knowing the thoughfulness (and multiple plates!) that went into your efforts.
Rachael*
I’ve ben hoping to experiment with baking more now that I’m off from school for a month. These recipes seem like great ways to start, plus they’re made with wholesome ingredients. I really love reading you’re blog and you have such a wonderful and healthy outlook on life. THANKS!
oh yumm!! girl everything looks amazing!!!
I love homemade cookies for homemade gifts :) So perfect
right on chica. baked goods are a necessary part of the holiday season — ya gotta indulge!
i used to bake vegan gingerbread men for my friends around the holidays. they were a hit for sure. and delicious!
lookin good, girl! my mouth is watering!
~new to your blog and love it!
gosh those cookies and muffins look really great.
i am making a photo album with photos of me and my brother for our parents for christmas. it’s all self made and i think it will be one of the best presents i have ever made
Amazing Leslie! I’m sure they are absolute baked perfection, what a scrumptious gift-giver you are :)
soooo cute!
i am not a fan of baking/baked goods either, but i do enjoy helping my mom when she gets in a baking craze.
i love giving to friends and family sugared cranberries. seriously, they are incredible! and cute too :]