...butter, and flour, and sugar...oh my!

...three days and counting, and it's all about baking. For all the years I have mixed, whipped, kneaded, and folded, I am always amazed at what these 3 simple ingredients can transform into. For me baking is more that just the sum of it's actions. If your patient, and can follow directions, almost anyone can bake. It's a kind of chemistry. Measure the ingredients carefully, mix together, bake and a magical transformation occurs. I believe though, it's more than that. It's more about the items you don't find in any recipe. I cup of caring, a pinch of love, a teaspoon of self. And a bit of chocolate never hurts. A lot of myself goes into what I bake and hopefully into the hearts of the recipients of my labor. The next couple of days are about the treasure boxes of love and care that will be my Christmas gifts to those I love.
And of course I'll be sure to take out all the calories!

...Nightie Nights.

I realize it's the New Year,time for all those healthy resolutions, and the last thing any of us need right now is another sweet holiday treat... but I just couldn't resist sharing my favorite new cookie...Nightie Nights. After all, how bad can a bit of egg white, chocolate and nuts be. There is plenty of time later for carrot sticks and the like! Thinking ahead these could be great Valentines gifts, a wonderful Easter treat, or just something simple with an afternoon cup of Earl Grey. They are also the absolute simplest cookie to make.

2 egg whites
2/3 c. white sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup good quality chocolate bits

Set oven to 350 degrees. With wire whip or beater, ship egg whites until foamy. Than adding sugar a little at a time, beat until stiff. Fold in vanilla, chocolate bits and nuts.
Line a large ungreased cookie sheet with aluminum foil. DO NOT GREASE. Place spoonfuls of cookie batter on foil fairly close together (they will not grow).
Place in oven on 2nd rack from top and than shut oven off. DO NOT PEAK
Leave in overnight. In morning remove from oven. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy, and oh... "Nightie Night"!!