Calm After the Storm...

By storm, I mean a lot of craziness at our house.  I have been busily preparing for my Spring Open House (click here if you want a summary :) as well as trying to learn the ropes of publishing a book.  Let's just say there are mountains to climb in the world of publishing and so much to learn!  I have a new found appreciation for publications of any size!  It is such a process!  

The book did come to pass and we picked it up hot off the press an hour before the Open House began.  Thankfully we only printed a small batch because I have found a few errors - but I will take a deep breath and make some adjustments.  The hard part is deciding how many to print next.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring, along with all of you!  

It just can't get here fast enough for us. 

I couldn't be happier to have these cheery flowers outside our door!!

So while we wait - let's BAKE!
Here is cookie recipe we have fallen in love with.  

It is a very interesting recipe, but I know you will LOVE them!!
(from my sweet visiting teacher, shared with permission)

Raisin Oatmeal Cookie
(Soft and Chewy/Freeze well)

Yeild:  5 dozen

Blend in blender till liquified the best you can:
     1 cup raisins
     3 large eggs
     1 tsp vanilla
In a bowl mix the following ingredients:
     1 cup butter (softened)
     1 cup brown sugar
     1 cup white sugar
     2 tsp soda
     1 tsp salt
     1 tsp cinnamon
Add the following to mixture above alternately:
     3 cups flour and liquified raisin mixture.
Stir in 2 cups regular or quick oats.  Mix well.

Roll or scoop 1 inch balls.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  (Just so they are barely turning brown)
Let cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet. Remove to cooling rack.

Buttermilk Frosting
Bring 1/4 cup butter and 2 Tbls of Buttermilk to a boil.  Add 1/2 tsp vanilla and a dash or two of salt.  Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar.  Frost cookies immediately.  This will harden quickly.  You don't need a lot of frosting on each cookie - it's a stretch to get this to cover them all.  You may want to increase the quantities a little.