cooooookies

i'm in a cookie state of mind today, and so is sam.

we made these oatmeal raisin bar cookies the other day, and he's been asking for a "cookie! cookie!" ever since. i replaced a 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup applesauce, and it took quite a bit longer to bake than the recipe states, but sam thinks they're awesome (how could any cookie with oatmeal, raisins, and applesauce not be a winner?). and since they're filled with so many "good for you" things, i've been letting him have a cookie with his fruit at breakfast time, and another for snack after playing outside.

also on the cookie to-do list: marta's recipe for blondies. i made these a couple of weeks ago for the church picnic, but i neglected to buy the butterscotch chips, so i substituted a 12oz bag of white chocolate chips instead. they were a big hit (even with the substitution), so i'm giving a repeat performance for mike's work cookout tomorrow, and maybe again for his family get-together over the 4th of july weekend. yum, yum!

(image via the fabulous shutterbean)