While staying safe at home during quarantine, I’ve been trying to engage in activities that make me feel somewhat normal. One of these activities is baking. Baking has always been a calming, soothing, and centering experience for me, so you better believe that I’ve had something sweet in the oven constantly over the past few months as a coping mechanism for all the uncertainty in life right now.
I’ve made a few of my favorite go-to recipes several times recently, and they’ve been such huge hits around my house, I thought I’d share them here with you in case you’re like me and baking is your therapy. These recipes are sure to calm and center the most anxious quarantine mom, and satisfy her sweet tooth at the same time!
Cowboy Cookies
I have been making these cookies since I was in high school. Every time I whip up a batch of them, people are awed and amazed at how delicious they are. But they are SO easy. I start with a recipe for a basic cookie dough, and spice it up a little:
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
1/2 Cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup all-purpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1/4 Teaspoon baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1 Cup quick cooking oats
1/2 Cup shredded coconut
Directions:
Heat oven to 375F degrees. Mix sugars, shortening, egg and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfulls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until set but not hard.
It is key to not overcook these cookies! I usually start checking them at 5 or 6 minutes, and I take them out at the first sign of browning. They are much better if undercooked and a bit chewy than overcooked and crunchy.
Also, I sometimes switch up the ingredients and add dried cranberries, walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips. And I sometimes leave the coconut out for my husband, although I think they are much better with it.
Banana Bread
This is the easiest and most tasty banana bread recipe that I’ve found, and I’ve been using it for years. Any time I have a few over-ripe bananas, I make a loaf or two, and my whole family loves it.
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
1/3 Cup melted butter
3/4 Cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1-1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
Walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Mash bananas with a fork, stir in melted butter. Mix in baking soda and salt. Stir in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla. Mix in flour until well blended. Pour batter into a greased 4×8 loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool, slice, and serve with a little butter.
