Cookie Complex

Lately I have had the need to bake cookies. For some reason my cookies always look weird. They never look like my mom's perfect cookies. They are either small and thick or super flat. Now I know, the cookbooks say, that too thick = too much flour. Too flat= butter too softened. That may be true for many Betty Crocker's, but for me, I follow the rules/measurements to the tee and they still look goofy. Despite looking lumpy or like pancakes, they taste good.

For instance, yesterday I tried out a new chocolate chip cookie recipe which was supposed to leave the cookies more moist and gooey, just the way I like them. In order to be more healthy I cut out some of the sugar and mixed in a mashed up ripe banana instead. They ended up good size, not too little or flat but the bottoms were darker and they were also darker around the perimeter. The banana made them more cakelike than cookielike, but they were still scrumptious, even if they again looked odd. I am a pretty good cook (okay, a really good cook, but more Better Homes and Gardens than Bon Appetite) so this cookie ordeal is creating a real complex. I find myself paranoid and worried while they are in the oven. Checking in on them as they bake to make sure they do not get all weird looking.

I've got a cookie complex and I need help!

I'm Bringing Cooking Back

I am running out of ideas for dinner recipes. I usually am on top of my game by preparing my weekly meal list on the weekend when I do my grocery shopping. Now my planning is nonexistent mostly from the lack of recipes I am finding. I have been scouring Food Network, Epicurious, etc. and nothing sounds good or sounds like too much of pain in the ass. I get home around 5:30-6 and the last thing I want to do is make a grand feast. I want to just grab a hunk of cheese and a loaf of bread go to bed and call it a night. Hey, at least I am getting two food groups.

I need suggestions. I am in a rut and keep making the same things or just simply making sandwhiches. Hubbs is not complaining (who by the way does.not.cook.what.so.ever). He will eat anything and does not care if it is gourmet or healthy. I care about the healthy part.

My Bottom Line: I am tired of strolling through Safeway with a blank look on my face.