Best Ever Cookie Connection Newsletter
Issue 011
May 20, 2010

Hi,

Welcome to the Cookie Connection and the Joy of Cookies

Making, Baking, Sharing, and More for Busy Home Cooks and Beginning Bakers!

Best-Ever-Cookie-Collection News...

It's been a while since our last newsletter. I'm embarrassed to admit that this is only our second one of 2010!

In 2009 I spent a lot of time trying new recipes, baking cookies and managed to gain 10 pounds in the process! I also didn't feel as good as when I focus on feeding myself wholesome nourishing food.

I am really sensitive to sugar and feel best when I eat less of it. As I talk to others, I don't think I'm alone. Most of us eat too much sugar and pay the consequences with weight gain, mood swings, and energy imbalances.

What's a cookie lover to do?

In 2010 I have recommitted myself to eating really well and helping others do the same. My real passion is healthy cooking, truth be told, so I feel like a fraud each time I publish a recipe or bake something that I wouldn't eat myself. It's not that I think cookies are bad - I don't. But, I prefer to eat really high quality cookies as an occasional treat.

In fact, I feel so strongly about the incredible power of healthy eating I have enrolled in a ten month course at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

As a result of all this, I have decided to change the direction of Best-Ever-Cookie-Collection a bit. I am going to focus on healthier cookie recipes that will still be delicious, just more in alignment with the kinds of treats I prefer these days.

Cookies with less fat and sugar, cookies made with whole grains and alternative sweeteners, cookies with oats and lots of fruit. Cookies that are both good and good for you.

Cookies like this great recipe for Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies made with almond butter, Sucanat (a more natural sweetener), and chunks of really dark chocolate. They are flourless, perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.

I hope you will join me on this journey. And if you prefer more traditional recipes, there are lots already on the site for you to enjoy!

If you have a favorite cookie recipe to share, especially a healthier cookie recipe, I would love for you to send it along.

This Month's Tips & Tricks for Brownie Baking Success

If you prefer softer cookies, remove them from the oven while they are still slightly underbaked.

National Cookie Days - May 2010

There are two Cookie Days to celebrate in May and wouldn't you know that they are two of my personal favorite cookies in the world!

May 9th was Butterscotch Brownie Day - Here's my favorite recipe for Butterscotch Brownies baked in a pie plate and cut into wedges. Of course feel free to bake them in an 8-inch pan if you prefer!

May 31st is Macaroon Day - I absolutely adore coconut macaroons. They make a simple, sweet, chewy treat that is always satisfying so when I celebrate Macaroon Day, it is always with this delicious macaroon recipe. Many people prefer French macaroons/macarons, which require a lot more work than the busy home baker usually has time for! In that case you may want to buy your macaroons instead.

PLEASE NOTE: For an easy-to-view version of this newsletter, or past issues, please visit the Best Ever Cookie Collection Back Issues Page.

Until next time -- wishing you lots of Cookie Joy -- Cookie Baking, Cookie Eating, Cookie Sharing!

Warmly,
Martha