Oatmeal

It begins with the table. Whether it is the family you are born into, or the family you make on your own, I am convinced the table is where a family evolves.

For some of us, the joy is in prepping and serving. For others, there is no joy in the cooking, but the gift resides sitting next to people you love and talking about whatever topic arises.

For me, the best times around a table are potluck. Where everyone brings something. We share. It isn’t as stressful or scary or overwhelming, and it somehow all comes together

Potluck suppers have been my last week. We spent a whole week in the glorious Outer Banks: four families, varying supper plans. Only for me, the one with no grill or stove, I was the one who made due. I was welcomed at the table regardless.

(I brought the cookies).

This week held meals around pop up tables, picnic tables, poolside tables, bay side beach chair on your lap tables, and at each, we were family. Some topics dinner appropriate. Some topics…not. But, we laughed, and shared, and sat in silence. It was perfect.

All week-long I thought, “it all starts at the table.” We teach our children, we feed our elderly, we welcome the hurting. We provide, and we ever so humbly receive. We learn to sit. To listen. To share. We learn to respect and to be kind. We learn to laugh at ourselves. We all clean up together, and there is joy in that as well.

If you are lucky, the table is sacred. You take the time to stop the world, put down your electronics, and not just look at but see the people around you. And your heart becomes even more thankful.

For every time I complained about my father’s staunch five o’ clock supper time, I would give anything to sit at his table. When we eat as a family, it is almost always a joint decision as to where. Inside? Outside? But mostly…together.

For every crumpled napkin, shared plate, “try this,” forkful or sip of a drink, every “would you please pass…” or “Anybody want anything else before we clean up?” Our lives are connected. We are family…and it happens at the table.

For this cookie you can think it’s healthy and it is… but it really isn’t. Oatmeal, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chunks, orange zest, walnuts, and golden raisins all dance around with brown sugar and molasses. Chewy, filled with jam like dried fruit, and that little kick of orange balances it all out.

Yes, these went to the table. To the beach, to the bay, to the pool. Because life is just sweeter on vacation with dessert. Cookies need no plate. These were the healthiest of the cookies I brought, and they got eaten just like the others…and I am thankful. Ever so thankful, for the family I got to share for the week.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and as always, thank you for coming to the table!

Chrissy

For a printable recipe, click below!

Print

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Golden Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Chocolate Chunks, and Walnuts

Print Recipe

• 1 Cup Butter
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar (I like to use dark)
• ½ Cup White Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Tablespoons (generous) Molasses
• 3 Cups Rolled Oats (Can be Gluten Free)
• 1 ½ Cup Flour
• 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 4 Teaspoons Corn Starch
• 1 ½ Cups Dried Cherries
• 1 ½ Cups Golden Raisins
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
• 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks/Chips

• Author: chrissy@mythankfultable.com

Ingredients

1. Dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a few days but can be mixed and baked.
2. Preheat oven to 325*
3. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silicone mats.
4. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, combine butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
5. Add in eggs and molasses and combine until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
7. Add dry ingredients to butter mixer until combined.
8. Stir in dried cherries, zest, raisins, chocolate chunks.
9. Scoop dough onto prepared cookie sheets.
10. Bake for approx. 12 minutes. Allow to cool.