Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with a 'secret' ingredient!

When hubby and I were dating, like most couples, we went through the 'standard' questions faze.  You know-like, are you a dog or cat lover? Or, do you have any hobbies?

But, my ultimate favorite question hubby asked me was:  "Do you cook?" I had to think about that one for a bit. (Joking). Of course I answered yes! (Mama didn't raise no fool!)

Hubby stated that he also enjoyed cooking.  His specialty?  Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  He even went so far as to claim that his cookies were the absolute best I would ever eat!!!

Funny- we've been married for almost three years, and I have yet to taste one of these 'so called' delicious morsels!

It's not like he hasn't had an opportunity to do so.  He has-plenty of times.  But, for some-strange reason, he's never brought the 'cookie' challenge up again.  It makes me wonder if maybe, just maybe, he got a little worried after eating one of my Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies-(with the secret ingredient, of course).

What hubby, (and all the other people who have ever eaten one of my cookies) doesn't know, is that I came upon the 'secret ingredient, quite by accident!

You see, it was years ago, when my daughter, Mel, was in fifth grade.  She came home from school one night, and declared she needed two dozen cookies for the next day.  No biggie!  Whipping up a batch of cookies wasn't a major chore.  Besides, it gave her and I a little 'mother/daughter bonding time. (Oh how I miss those days!)

After gathering all the supplies to start our cookie baking bonanza- I realized that I was missing one very important ingredient.  A staple in every cookie recipe!  Vanilla!

Since we were miles from the nearest grocery store, and it was getting late, I decided there was only one thing to do (No, not panic-although, I have to admit, I was a little nervous.)  Mel was counting on me, and I couldn't let her down.  So, I improvised, and used almond extract, instead.

I can still remember opening the bottle, catching a whiff, and thinking, 'This isn't going to work.  You should really go to the store!'  But, I didn't.  I continued on and I'm so glad I did.  It turns out, that almond extract was one of the best baking snafu's, I've ever had!

The cookies came out perfectly, and the nutty flavor of the extract, mixed with the chocolate and oatmeal, was a delicious combination!

Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 350

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs well beaten
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
3 cups quick oatmeal
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 oz dark chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine- flour, salt, baking soda and oatmeal.  Set aside.  In  a mixing bowl, cream shortening, eggs and sugars.  Add almond extract.  Slowly stir in dry mixture.  Add chips.

Chill mixture for 15-20 minutes.  Form cookie dough into small balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Flatten slightly.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes, before placing on cooling rack.  Makes about 42 cookies!

Print Recipe

The last batch of these cookies came out, just as hubby was coming in the door today.  He didn't even wait to take his coat off, before he'd gobbled up two of them.  "They're good," he said (with a cheesy grin), "but not as good as mine."    The challenge is on!

Until then- Happy Baking- and if you've had an 'accidental' baking snafu that turned out successful.  Jot me a comment.  I'd love to hear from you!