Where oh where have my beloved hills gone?? This was my view from the Attic window this morning, I think you might call it a snowy-white-out. To be truthful, I am so over the snow thing this winter, I'm hankering too badly for Spring to be overjoyed by snowfall. But as today is Sunday and a day of no plans, it's been pretty ok to sit inside, warm and cosy and watch it fall.
The Little People were out playing in it before breakfast this morning :: piling it up, slinging it around, slipsliding about in it. Me :: I chose to sit in the windowseat in the attic and read Country Living magazine (been trying to find my Perfect Moment for it all week without success, but this morning I found it. And it was Oh-So-Good).
I've been baking this morning too. I love Sunday baking, even more so on a bitterly cold, snowy day like today. I suddenly had this real urge just after breakfast to make cookies, and they had to be Oaty Cookies for some reason. Don't ask me why, but that was how it was. So after a quick little jaunt through various oaty cookie recipes on the www I came across this one and decided to give it a try. It's a simple recipe, and the results are top notch. Very mmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm indeed.
Into a microwavable bowl, put the following ::
100g margerine or butter
50g soft brown sugar
2tbs (40g) runny honey
Pop into the microwave for about 1 minute or so until the ingredients are gently melted. Give a good stir to combine.
Now add the following ::
100g self raising flour
100g oats
50g dried fruit (raisins in this case, or I think chopped apricots would work well)
I also added 1tbs sunflower seeds, cos by default these cookies then become Wholesome, and I'm all for the Wholesome Option (eh-hem, ok, not strictly true I admit, but it sounds good)
Mix well. The mixture will be quite wet and sticky.
Put heaped desertspoons of the mixture onto a baking tray (I managed 16 in total), spreading well apart. Flatten slightly with a fork, but don't go overboard with the flattening.
Bake in a moderate oven 180/350/gas 4 for 12-15mins until they are very lightly golden. You'll need to know your oven :: cookies baked in my oven are generally done at 12 minutes, after that they overcook on the bottom.
Out of the oven they come and ooooooh they do smell lovely. They do look Wholesome too, wouldn't you say?
The Little People road test them immediately whilst they are still warm and give them a most definite thumbs up.
I make myself a coffee to accompany my tester-cookie and mmmmmmmmmmm they do indeed taste deeeeeeeeeeeeelicious.
In fact, I am about to go to the red spotty tin and have myself another.
You know, just to be sure they are good enough for you.
Wouldn't want to give you a duff recipe now would I?
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edited to add :: a lovely reader called Lisa left a comment on this post and recommended a recipe for homemade hobnob biscuits...having just made a batch and road testing a few (not saying how many, thats for me to know), I can tell you that they are Good. ExTREMEly Good in fact. The link to the recipe is here. Right, off to google ANZAC biscuits now. No idea why I'm obsessing about oat biscuits?!
Hi Lucy!
Great idea these cookies. There's a chance I will bake them this week....
Have a nice sunday!
Karin
Posted by: Karin | February 21, 2010 at 02:07 PM
They look yummy, I'll have to give them a go !!
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | February 21, 2010 at 02:08 PM
*grin* We do so appreciate your dedication in ensuring quality levels for us. These look lovely and best of all, nice and easy. I love fussy baking sometimes, but there are days when you just need something simple and comforting. Wonderful, thanks :)
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Sounds like a blissful morning! Wish I could share...Cx
Posted by: Catherine | February 21, 2010 at 02:20 PM
ooo guess what im going to bake this afternoon, thanks Lucy xxx
Posted by: louise | February 21, 2010 at 02:22 PM
Yummy!I love oat biscuits.
Thanks
Posted by: Vicky Hernandez | February 21, 2010 at 02:30 PM
Ooh they look lovey!! wish I could get motivated to bake!
Posted by: ali.b | February 21, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Oh yes, Lucy, I can definitely see the wholesomeness from this side of the pond.
The recipe looks like a good one to try (even without a microwave.)
Bet that the red spotty tin is empty by now. Surely those little folks came indoors after all the snow play and needed some refreshments.
Best wishes. xo
Posted by: frances | February 21, 2010 at 02:33 PM
Love the pink mixing spoon, where did you get it from? we had the snow yesterday down here in cornwall, baking was done and eaten by 12!!!! Love your blog, have fun
Posted by: Nancy Richards | February 21, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Well, do you know what I tell myself? That the greatest gift of winter is an acute appreciation of my home and of all of the little things that make me feel safe and happy, no matter the emotional upheaval I often go through for a variety of reasons. There is nothing like a cold a day to make you rejoice in the soul-nourishing effects of a cookie or two and a cup of your favourite brew. I am in Cheshire and I woke up to a thick blanket of snow this morning and, quite frankly, I can think of no nicer surprise. My potted daffs have already opened and it all looks a bit spring-like (inside) and a bit winter-like (outside) at the same time!
Posted by: Steph | February 21, 2010 at 02:40 PM
Nice easy recipe, thats one for the to-do list. Thank you.
Posted by: lululiz | February 21, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Oh poor things - more snow! Love how even your cookery pix are colourful with that red tin and the fab pink spoon and even a bit of colourful crochet in the background!
Posted by: marigold jam | February 21, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Sounds like a wonderful morning. I agree about baking on a cold winter day. Something about being all cozy inside and doing something so homey. These look yummy, will definitely give them a try.
I have just recently found your blog, and because of all the loveliness, colorfulness, especially your afghans, I must learn to crochet. I knit so I am hoping I can pick it up easily.
I enjoyed visiting, will be back for more.
Blessings!
Posted by: Mary | February 21, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Such a treat to hear from you on a Sunday. We are due for a blizzard this afternoon, so I too, will be inside. But, not quite seating enjoying a good read. Work ahead. Stop by my garden and leave me one of those yummie looking cookies to go with my section of tangerine this morning. You will see what I mean.
Sure hope to see your beautiful mountains again soon.
Enjoy you Sunday with Family,
Hugs,
Kate - The Garden Bell - <3 <3 <3
Posted by: The Garden Bell - Kate | February 21, 2010 at 02:50 PM
It's grey and miserable here which is fine by me as long as it doesn't turn to snow.Roll on spring.Cookies look yummy, will definitely give them a go as oat cookies are my favourite.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | February 21, 2010 at 02:56 PM
As if Lucy!!!!!!
The do look delicious and wholesome so a big thumbs up from over here too.
I've suvived the ball pit now I'm off to have my snooze.
take care,
Nina xxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Nina - Tabiboo | February 21, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Seconding the love for the bright pink spoon! It looks like a Barbie spoon! Thanks, as always, for the cozy updates from Attic 24!
Posted by: KD | February 21, 2010 at 03:09 PM
My cookie jar has a couple of oaty cookies left; it's one of your older recipes which has become a favourite around here. I'll try the new one next time.
PS. Yesterday I finished my first crochet project - Lucy and Nina inspired. Not so happy with how the multi-coloured yarn turned out but still very much in love with it! You may have a look at my blog to see it if you like.
xxx
Posted by: Yiota | February 21, 2010 at 03:12 PM
It was sausage rolls and fruit scones and cherry scones for me this morning.
Posted by: susan | February 21, 2010 at 03:15 PM
A Sunday post from Lucy? What a treat! I know exactly what you mean about the snow. For me the magic is completely gone. So sad, too bad, cause we're supposed to be getting more. Spring cannot come soon enough!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 21, 2010 at 03:32 PM
I didn't send you the snow! I promise!
(Am v. concerned about Northern snow myself as husband is now on epic journey to Buttershaw to begin new job in the morning. Eeek.)
Posted by: Heather | February 21, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Looks like a very easy recipe to follow Lucy! I plan on making an Apple Pie today. It's overcast here on this particular side of the pond but we're only predicted for rain until late tonight. Better enjoy this kind of wet first huh?
Posted by: Barbara | February 21, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Lucy ~ I have to admit that I am so over the snow this year too. However, coffee, homemade oatie cookies and a copy of CL sound so much more like my type of thing! Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend :O) xx
Posted by: Jackie | February 21, 2010 at 03:48 PM
Mmmm, yes please!
Posted by: RachelM | February 21, 2010 at 03:48 PM
My i just say those cookies look yummy scrummy, Just thought id share, if you google "twinks hobnobs" those are the best best cookies in the whole wide world. A lady posted them on the moneysavingexpert site and i have to say i give them 10 out of 10
lisa x
Posted by: lisa | February 21, 2010 at 03:58 PM