Surprises

This past week has come with some surprises.  After a year of pain in my knee and months of physical therapy, last week I got the okay to finally start working out slowly.  But Saturday night, at a party, I couldn't resist the backyard trampoline.  After less than 2 minutes, surprise, I hurt my knee worse than anything in the past year; my self-diagnosis and prior experience tells me it's a torn meniscus.  And of course the following day, we headed over to the state fair where I walked/limped around all day.  But another surprise, found a new knee brace that seems to be working pretty well.   

Even after 354 different cookie recipes, I can still get surprised by different recipes. 

#353 Low-fat Oatmeal Raisin cookie
I made this batch intending to pass it off to my husband's guys night group or to bring it to my co-workers to get rid of.  But it surprisingly is yummy.  My husband gave it a 5.  Another surprise, it called for 1 cup sugar and 1 cup brown sugar, but I missed that part and only put in the 1 cup sugar - so it's not got much sugar in it either.  Delish!

#354 Chewy German Chocolate Cookie
There are certain recipes that I have tried to save thinking they are going to be fabulous.  I figured this would be one of them.  Surprise again.  Hubby isn't home so he hasn't tried it, but it's only a 2 (out of 5) for me. 

Moments

Is it time to go back to school/work yet?  I'm really trying to enjoy the moment with my 3 kiddos 5 and under.  But when I'm with them on my own all day everyday all summer with no breaks and hubby is working overtime - there are a lot of moments.  There's the moments of my 15 month old throwing every bite of healthy food at me that I try to give her.  There's the moments of my 3 year old literally stomping her foot and screaming no at me.  There's the moments of my 5 year old screaming because the 1 year old knocked down his tower.  There are a lot of moments.

However the positive moments include the kids playing "hotel" together and going to happy hour, my 5 year old writing me "I love you" notes; my 3 year old arguing with me how she's NOT cute, she's beautiful! and hugs from the 1 year old.  There's also the moment of Yay, no cancer! But have to get part of my colon removed : /.

Then there's been many of moments of baking cookies together.  Today's "really great cookies" according to the 5 year old went to our doctor - one of our several doctors and doctor appointments this summer (many moments at the doctors' this summer).

#349 Shortbread Meltaways
So one of the consequences (or benefits?) of the surprise second hurry up and get it done colonoscopy was that I couldn't make our summer trip down to IN to visit the in-laws.  The hubby and two older kids still went leaving me all alone with just the 1 year old.  Lots of by myself time and getting to do whatever I wanted (except for that pesky colonoscopy).
These shortbread cookies made the trip down in my place.  Melt away in your mouth.  I understand they were eaten by the handful.

#350 Thumbprint Cookies
While the family was away I got to spend a bit of (actual quality) time with my Gramma who just turned 93!  Made these butter cookies with jam and pecans for her.

#351 Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
And this one - one I've been saving because they looked so good and I didn't want to use up all the great recipes; a Peanut Butter cookie with a peanut butter cup placed in the middle.  Can that be topped?  Cabin weekend with the sisters (and parents) for some adult time - except my kids still came.

1 pkg peanut butter cookie mix (17 1/2 oz)
36 miniature peanut butter cups

Makes 3 dozen

Prepare cookie mix according to package directions.  Roll the dough into 1-in balls.  Place in greased miniature muffin cups.  Press dough evenly onto bottom and up sides of each cup.  Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes or until set.  Immediately place a peanut butter cup in each cup; press down gently.  Cool for 10 minutes; carefully remove from pans. 

#352 Lemon Meltaways
Today's cookie.  These were supposed to be made for girls cabin weekend a couple weeks ago - but I was too out of it from the colonoscopy -didn't get to it.  Then I was going to make them for the sisters' cabin weekend - but Mom was already bringing lemon bars.  So I had the ingredients needed and just wanted to use them up - so lucky Doc and nurse.

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1- 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon peel

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in lemon juice.  Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.  Shape into two 8 inch rolls; wrap each roll in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Unwrap and cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes or until the cookies are from to the touch.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the butter and sugar until smooth.  Stir in the lemon juice, lemon peel.  Frost cooled cookies.