Nubbins of Yum
By Laura Oppenheimer in Food on Jan 11, 2007 5:00PM
We had every intention of going out to eat last night. We were planning on scouring the latest issues of Time Out Chicago, doing a couple of Metromix searches and discovering the latest delicious-but-not-too-expensive-or-mainstream dining spot. Preferably on the North or Northwest side of the city. But we didn't. Instead, we got home and didn't leave.
One of our Wednesday night favorites shows is Bravo's Top Chef. Even though Padma Lakshmi borders on incompetent and the challenges make the Proj Run challenges look ingenious, we've still been sucked into Season 2. The challenge in last night's episode was to open a concept restaurant. One team decided to go with an "upscale diner" concept, which got us thinking — maybe we could pump up a traditional diner item too!
Below is the recipe for oatmeal cookies with a kick. We kept the recipe simple, but added in extra of all the seasonings that make an oatmeal cookie a knock-out oatmeal cookie. We think there is nothing worse than a flavorless baked good, and these cookies reflect that. Don't be afraid to change or alter the recipe. If you like chocolate chips in your cookies, toss 'em in. If you want them to be healthier, you could add some flax seeds. This recipe makes about three dozen cookies.
What you need:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla
zest of one large orange
1 cup raisins
3 1/2 cup rolled oats
What you do:
In a small bowl, mix the eggs, raisins and vanilla together and set aside; soaking in the eggs will help plump up the raisins.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together all dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, mix together the butter and sugar. When thoroughly beaten, add in the egg-raisin mixture and the zest.
Combine the flour mixture with the butter mixture, and mix until well-blended. Stir in the oats.
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough on a baking sheet; bake for 9–11 minutes until just golden brown.