Oatmeal Cookies

I thought I'd start things off on a bit of a sweet note!  I have always been a lover of oatmeal cookies, but so often these days our busy schedules get in the way of things and we find it much easier to make cookies from the bag.  Just add water?  No thanks.  These cookies will completely change your mind and make you never want to reach for the bag again!  I personally think it's the hint of brown sugar!  

Kathleen's Oatmeal Cookies

Makes about 2 dozen... depending how big you make your cookies!

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1.5 tsp cinnamon 
3 cups cooking oats
Chocolate chips or raisins optional 


1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time.  Stir in vanilla. 

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the butter mixture. Mix in oats.  This is when I usually add in chocolate chips!  I never measure here... whenever I think there's enough (and you can never have too many chocolate chips!)

4. Grease your cookie sheets. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. If you'd like, sprinkle a little sugar on top.  

5. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.  You'll start to see the edges turn a little brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Enjoy!

Welcome to Tomatoes & Potatoes!

So I have finally done it — finally broken into the world of food blogging, and I must admit that I’m quite excited about it!  I constantly weave my way through the many, many food blogs out there, looking for fun new tips, recipes and good stories.  It has turned into quite the hobby of mine…one that sometimes interferes with work, but shh, don’t tell.  

I work for a nonprofit organization on the development team.  I throw different fundraising events across the country.  I enjoy the freedom creativity involved with throwing events.  However, creativity in the kitchen excites me even more.  I love thinking about what’s for dinner that night.  This past summer was extra fun, as we grew a lot of wonderful vegetables in the garden out back.  Everything always tastes so much better with fresh ingredients!  I am really looking forward to what this summer will bring.  Just need to get these next couple cold months!

I’m certainly no expert… yet… I have many successes and of course some failures, but I enjoy the learning experience and I am looking forward to sharing my recipes and stories with you!  Cheers!