What's cookin - comfort foods edition

These dark and cold winter months sure make me crave comfort foods. I've found a couple of good recipes that I keep using and wanted to share.

Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Cookies
(click the title to go to the recipe)

These cookies are super easy and really good! I've been taking them everywhere and they always get eaten up. However, to make them extra yummy there are a few things that you MUST* do:

#1 - use really soft butter (I leave it out all day)

#2 - use MILK chocolate chips (this is the most important)

#3 - add 1-1/2 cups of coconut

*Be forewarned, if you do know follow these three steps, then I cannot guarantee that they will be super delicious.

Another (and healthier) recipe I've been using comes from the Americans Test Kitchen - Healthy Family Cookbook. It's a great way to start any day.

Ultimate Oatmeal with Apple, Cinnamon, and Raisins

2 cups water

1 cup steel-cut oats

I let the oats cook in a double boiler until they are done.

Then I add:

1 peeled and grated apple

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup raisins

I don't usually add the raisins and play around with the sugar and cinnamon quantities. It takes a couple of extra steps in the morning but it adds some good flavor.