Transylvanian Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

     I recently found this Oatmeal Cookie recipe in one of my  new cookbooks called  "Flour".  Flour is the name of a great little bakery in Boston.  I made these and gave them to family who swooned and fought over them.  They are the perfect oatmeal cookie, crisp edges yet soft and chewy.  There is no vanilla so the true taste of oats really comes through.   Makes you want to curl up in a blanket and watch old movies, cry, then go pour a glass of milk. 
  

 
                                       Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2 Sticks unsalted butter, room temp.,   3/4 white sugar,  1C brown packed light,  2 Eggs,  1 3/4 C all purpose flour,  1 3/4C old fashioned oats,  1tsp. baking soda,  1tsp. Kosher salt (yes , it makes a difference in the taste),  3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 1/2 C raisins
                                                        makes about 24 cookies

1. With electric mixer, cream together butter, sugars and eggs for about four minutes until really light and fluffy.
2. In a medium bowl combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt , nutmeg, cinnamon and raisins. 
3. On low speed, add in the flour mixture to the butter mixture just until combined and evenly mixed.
4. For best results, put into container and refrigerate for overnight or at least 3 to 4 hours.
5. Drop into 1/4 inch balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheet.  You do not need to grease it.
6. Bake @ 350 for 18 minutes , until lightly golden brown and soft in the center.  Be careful not to over bake. 
7. Cool on baking sheet for 10, then transfer to wire cooling rack..   
8. Unbaked dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week. 

Tasha Tudor Day and Chocolate Cherry Scones Recipe

   Today I was remembering Tasha Tudor and the love of tea that her and I both share.  I thought I'd make a cup of my favorite brew, Twining's Irish Breakfast then I remembered that it would be better with my special, steaming hot , fresh scones, so I skipped over to the chicken coop, got my fresh eggs and voila!  Here is my very own  recipe that I make when I want something special.  They're fantastic, so indulge darlings!

       Lip Smacking Cherry Scones  
              

 1 1/4 C all purpose flour

3T Sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt

6 T chilled butter cut in 1/2" cubes

1/2 Cup chopped dried tart cherries

1/2 Cup buttermilk, 1 Large Egg

1 tsp. grated orange peel, 2 tsp. vanilla

Grease baking sheet.  Preheat oven to 400.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.  Rub in butter with fingers until pea sized.  Stir in cherries.

Whisk buttermilk, egg, vanilla and orange peel in small bowl.  Add to flour mixture and stir just until dough forms.  Flatten to a 6 inch round circle on baking sheet and cut into 8 wedges.  Bake at 400 for 15 min.

Melt a few tablespoons of semi sweet chocolate and pipe over cooled scones using a Ziploc bag or pastry bag.