My Quiet Time

Every once in awhile, I take a step out of the 'rat-race merry-go-round' and spend some quiet time just relaxing by myself and getting some equilibrium back. I don't want to think about messy work deadlines, household chores or even dinner preparations... I just want to cuddle up in our red sofa with comfy cushions, read a good book (preferably a light one that tickles and makes one smile rather than guffaw), munch a couple of home-made cookies with a cold glass of milk at hand... simple bliss!

One of hubby's favourite cookies (mine as well) are chocolate chip oat cookies. In fact, I'm inclined to think that using rolled oats in baking is about the only way to make them truly delicious and palatable (oatmeal cereals on the other hand usually take some persuading and cajoling before attempts at ingestion). These cookies are extremely easy to bake, requiring not more than half an hour in the kitchen (I figure - the less time spent there, the more time spent seeking equilibrium - or just plain lazing around).

• cream 150g unsalted butter together with 1 cup of soft brown sugar until pale creamy and smooth (if you have a KitchenAid or a KenwoodChef mixer - this is done in less than 2 minutes)
• add one beaten egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into creamed butter mixture and beat for short while until smooth
• add 1 cup of plain flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt (do omit if using salted butter) into mixture and fold lightly
• add 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 cups of rolled oats into mixture and stir to combine
• pick up 1 tablespoon of mixture, roll into a ball, flatten and place on greased or lined baking trays (do allow for at least 1-inch space between cookies as they do expand with baking)
  
• bake in preheated oven at 180C for about 15 to 20 minutes until pale golden color
• recipe makes about 30 good-sized cookies