I miss baking.

Freshly ground whole wheat is so pretty, don't you think? We needed bread, so I lugged my impossibly heavy wheat grinder out of the pantry and put it to work.

Baked goods give me heartburn these days. And ever since we opened Yodipity, my sweet tooth has been sufficiently satisfied so that my every-other-day baking sessions are no longer needed. I've been using my bread maker, but it's just not the same. Happily, yesterday's neighborhood block party gave me a good excuse to bake some cookies. It felt good.

I made standard Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. They are a favorite around here.

Here's the recipe I use (it's from the Quaker Oats canister):

1/2 pound butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups oats

1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins)

1. Heat oven to 350.

2. Beat together butter and sugars til creamy.

3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.

5. Stir in oats and chocolate chips; mix well.

6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

7. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Sometimes I use whole wheat flour or add coconut (yesterday I did both). I usually only make half a batch, as I would most likely eat my weight in them if I could.

Stella enjoyed a cookie after her nap. She really did like it, I promise. What a silly girl she is.

Speaking of cookies and Yodipity, did you know that they have freshly baked cookies to add to your yogurt now? I may never need to bake again.