I’m learning the temperament of the new stove, one recipe at a time. Next up is a little cookie baking experiment. How will this hot shot oven affect the browning, crispiness and texture of a very traditional oatmeal cookie recipe?My recipe comes from a 1983 pamphlet from Quaker Oats called “Simply Great Cookies.” It is one of several heirloom recipe pamphlets that I received from family and friends for my birthday. This was part of my mom’s collection and came from my parents.
The recipe is a classic –“Easy Chocolate Chippers” – but I can’t resist the urge to improvise.
Instead of chocolate chips, I add a cup of cinnamon chips that I purchased last fall at Charles H. Baldwin & Sons in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. If you are ever in the area, you should visit this charming, historic flavor and extract company tucked away in the Berkshires.
The batter comes together quickly in the stand mixer, and two trays of cookies slide into the oven.
Within 15 minutes the cookies are ready – plump and chewy with a slightly crisp edge. 
The cinnamon chips are subtle, sensual and mildly sweet. Not exactly a chip off the old block, but an intriguing update for a classic cookie recipe. Is it necessary to tell you that I couldn’t stop at one? My Cinnamon Chippers fit nicely into a new addition in my kitchen, a sunny golden pineapple cookie jar.
It’s a gift from my good friend Joan Licursi. Joan explains, “I wish I had a lot to tell you about the cookie jar that I knew to be fact. It was likely a wedding gift to native New Yorkers Mary and Fred Roeben (Joan’s parents) in 1934, and has always resided in the West Village (first on West 12th Street and then for at least 50 years on Bank Street) before its move to Long Island this year. It sat in a place of prominence on a built-in shelf in my parents' kitchen for as long as I can remember (up to my eviction in 1993!). Humorously enough, I never remember there being any cookies in it as my mom was not exactly a Betty Crocker type. That may be why it's still in such good shape after 75 years!”
I’ve know Joan for more than 20 years, so it should be no surprise that the pineapple is a symbol of friendship. I am so pleased to be the new caretaker of one of Mary and Fred Roeben's prized possessions!
©2010 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved
17 comments:
When you were at Baldwin's, did you pick up some of their extraordinary vanilla extract? It's now the only one I use. It's such fun to go to the store, but they sell online, too, if you can't get to the Berkshires.
How did the baking differ between the two ovens? The cookies certainly look delicious coming from the new one. And what I wonderful cookie jar to be able to store them in... if they last that long.
Good morning T.W. I see the Spring bug has hit you too!!! Love the new layout!!!
Those Quaker Oats cookbooks have some of the best recipes in them. I would never think to add cinnamon chips. It sure does sound like a nice touch. You are going to have a blast with that new oven!!!
And, what an adorable cookie jar to stash them in. Did any of your Cinnamon Chippers actually make it inside?
Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week! Thanks for sharing...
I love your cookie jar! And I'm chuckling at your temperature experiments because I nearly burned the first two things I made with my new stove!
Quaker Oats cookie are some of the best. LOVE the idea of cinnamon chips. As for the gift you received-- I love it! When I make oatmeal cookies, I have to give them away...fast. Otherwise, I cannot stop. It looks like you're having fun with your new oven.
Great to see you enjoying your new oven. Those cookies look divine and I love that cookie jar!
Love the store! Wish I could go there! Also the cookie jat is great and the color so cheerful. If she did not keep cookies there, what then? Maybe a gun like Rockford (from the Rockford Files, a TV series probably your too young to remember)
Anyway, entertaining post. Pass a cookie, please!
Lovely cookies! An all time favorite. That is a beautiful jar!
Cheers,
Rosa
Your cookies look wonderful. It's good to know your new beauty has not let you down. The cookie jar is unique and a real treasure. How lovely your friend shared its history with you. That makes it more special still. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Mary
These sound like the perfect oatmeal cookies. Soft and chewy with crisp edges. I love that the recipe came from the almost vintage pamplet!
Pineapples used to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity as the tropical fruits were difficult to come by.
Those cookies look terrific! I've heard cinnamon chips are fabulous!
The cookies look wonderful. No doubt that your new oven is doing a great job for you.
The cookie jar is such a great symbol of friendship. I know that it will always have a special place in your home.
Clever to add the cinnamon pieces rather than chocolate! Going to try that with my next batch. The old recipes are always the best!
T.W., I love your cookie jar. The pineapple is so fitting as the symbol of hospitality and cookies speak such a universal language. Who can resist a cookie?
Sam
I love the idea of cinnamon chips... they must make the cookies amazing...
I've loved every quaker oats recipe I've had the chance to bake! Your cookies look delicious!
Seems like new ovens are going around. I gotta get in on that action.
You have so many wonderful cookbooks, TW. I know I'd love a Quaker Oats cookbook since I'm an oats lover. Happy baking!
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