My New Goal

Bruce has finished his student teaching. Happy day for us. He was blessed to be with a wonderful teacher and had an awesome experience. Now he's trying for substitute teaching jobs and still working his part time job. This week he should get his final letter of recommendation and hopefully will finish his applications for all of the school districts in our area. Let's pray that something comes up quick so that our family can be gainfully employed!

I am loving being a stay at home mom. It has been so much fun to watch Gideon grow and develop. He has two teeth now! In one week, both of them came up. At this rate, he will have a whole mouthful within a couple of months! He is such a sweet, happy boy. I hate to see him in pain with teething, but it has been so nice to have him cuddle up to Mama. It's the best part of the day. We went and had pictures taken with the Easter Bunny at the mall and I'm already planning on how to scrapbook them. Unfortunately, they are copyrighted, so none of you get to see them. But I have some other fun pics to add today.

As part of being a stay at home mom, I have had the opportunity to spend more time doing the hobby I love; cooking! I have had a blast trying out new recipes and having my nephew help me make cookies. He is going to be one heck of a cook by the time he is three! :) This got me thinking. Last year I had a co-worker who made a goal of making 2000 cookies in a year. She didn't quite make it, but I rather enjoyed tasting the fruit of her labors. So this year, I'm doing the same thing. And I'm trying all sorts of new recipes. For the few people who actually read my blog, and would like cookies, here is the rule: I'll make cookies if you provide me with a new recipe to try. But let's be honest. Even if you don't provide a recipe, you may still end up with a plate on your doorstep. I would just like to try new recipes. And I'll share the recipes on here that I've tried and my family has enjoyed.

Today's recipe is Applesauce Chocolate Chip cookies. They are super moist and have a fluffy texture. So far, I'm a fan. Thanks to my mom's ward cookbook for providing the recipe!

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c. applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening or butter (I made it with butter)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

In a small bowl, combine applesauce and soda. Let stand. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and eggs. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in applesauce. Add sifted ingredients along with chocolate chips and nuts. drop from teaspoon onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 8 to 12 minutes. (I have a convection oven and found the magic number on my oven to actually be 7 minutes. So watch them carefully!) Makes between 4 to 5 dozen small cookies.

Total count for cookies for the month of April is 93. I'll update it at least monthly, but with Easter this month, I think I can easily double this number before the end of the month. My goal is about 250 cookies a month to reach the goal for the year!