As part of my quest to try new recipes in 2012, I went to my cookbook shelf looking for a new cookie recipe. We were having a staff meeting, and what better way to experiment with a new cookie recipe than to feed them to your co-workers.  In all my years of doing this, no-one has complained. 🙂

I pulled out my Company’s Coming – Cookies book.  The spiral bound cookbook brought back some memories.  I remember when I starting getting into cooking and spending time in the kitchen, I wanted the whole series.  I didn’t end up with all of them, but I do have seven in my cookbook collection.

The great thing about the Company’s Coming cookbooks is that of all the recipes I have tried, they always seem to work out.  These really are tried and true recipes.  The rustic style of most of Jean Paré’s dishes remind me of the type of cooking and baking that I would experience with my Grandma.

I selected the Oatmeal Molasses Cookie as I had molasses in the cupboard and, as I had previously stated, I love cookies made with an oatmeal base.

As I started mixing all these ingredients together, I took a sample of the cookie dough.  This was a big mistake!  The taste of raw molasses does not compare to the taste of cooked molasses.  I didn’t enjoy the flavour of the cookie dough (normally my favourite part) and I was worried that the cookies wouldn’t turn out. However, I took faith in Jean Paré’s experience and put the cookies in the oven.

After 9 minutes of waiting, I took them out.  They smelled good, kind of like a gingerbread cookie.  After the appropriate amount of cooling time (maybe 2 minutes :)) I sampled a cookie.  Much to my surprise, I liked it!  The molasses takes on a completely different taste after it has been cooked.  The end result was a cookie that wasn’t too sweet; however, it would be great for dunking in your tea!

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Adapted from Company’s Coming Cookies                                                                                                 Jean Paré

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup rolled oats

Directions:

1. Measure all ingredients, except rolled oats, in order given into mixing bowl.  Beat well.
2. Stir in rolled oats. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet.  Bake in 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes (until browned).
3. Enjoy!