Two - for - One

Today is your lucky day.

Not only am I posting two cookie recipes, which is basically the greatest two-for-one deal since Domino’s did that 2 Times Tuesday Deal (that was a thing, right?). But, in addition to that, I’m so friggin’ tired from workouts and working a long shift today that I’m keeping this short and sweet.

Mulling Spiced Apple Coffee Cake with Spiced Streusel

This cake was almost the death of me.

Actually, that should be cakeS. These cakes were almost the death of me. Sweet, delicious death. 

I got it into my head that I wanted to make a coffee cake. But not just any coffee cake. No, I needed one that was warm and spicy and speckled with apples. One that was so purely autumnal it warmed the tummy and the soul.

Plus, it needed to be covered with streusel because, let’s be real, coffee cake is just a vehicle for streusel at the end of the day.

I made one cake, and it was good. So good I shared majority of it with my neighbors and coworkers because I didn’t want to eat the whole thing. It wasn’t winning any awards in the looks department though. I knew I could do better.

Pumpkin Graham Crackers

I don’t finish things. Food things. I mean, I do finish them...eventually. But, not right away. Nope. I am that person. You know, the one that leaves half a scoop of ice cream in the carton or a teeny, tiny spoonful of peanut butter in the jar or crumbs at the bottom of the chip bag. My family could certainly attest to this fact and how much it drives them nuts endears them to me. We all have our quirks, after all. 

I think it’s a psyche thing. Like, if I sit down with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and really go to town, which, let’s be honest, is a frequent occurrence, and leave a little bit in the carton, I’m ok, it’s ok. I didn’t eat the whole thing. I have no reason to be guilty. None. No, there’s a paper thin layer on the bottom of the bucket and it’s totally enough for someone else to enjoy, right? Of course! Guilt trip averted.

I know I’m not alone here.

Chai Spiced Cookies with Toasted Pecans

I wore a dress as a skirt yesterday. And sandals. Cheap, flimsy aviator sunglasses were involved too. I had to put my hair up to fend off unsightly neck sweat.

What I'm trying to say is that we're finally, FINALLY into the throws of spring and nearly hitting summer. I've got less than a month left of school. I caught the scent of a charcoal grill in the afternoon air. People are lounging about and reading outside in the sun. All good things, all summery things.

So why did I make cookies that taste just.like.fall? That bring to mind changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and thick sweaters? That are neither a sweet and light lemony dessert or a crisp, refreshing beverage perfect for the sweltering heat to come?

Because I like to be difficult.