blue artichoke

So, the 30 New Things are finally over. Now, onto 31 New Things! I think I'll take a cue from another friend who adopted my 30 New Things idea and start a list in advance of all the things I want to do before I turn 32. That way I won't be scrounging around for something new to do or contemplating illegal activities just to fill out my list. I'm working on my list now, and am open to suggestions.

I already received one challenge, in the form of a birthday present. The present was an apron. And the card read: "So- here's an idea for one of your 30 new things -- wear a ridiculously girly apron while you cook... ONLY the apron! HA HA!"

Done.

I can't believe I just posted a scantily-clad pic of myself.
Apparently modesty is lost at 31.

What I am strategically holding is our Valentine Dinner, a roast duck with lavender and honey. That's the same recipe I made last year, to kick off my 30 New Things list. I think last year's was better because I had a bigger and juicier bird. I also made roasted butternut squash with sage and thyme and, of course, artichokes. For dessert we had an assortment of truffles and the chocolate chip cookies I've been thinking about all year.

Not Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Though the recipe says NOT Mrs. Fields, I think it is the recipe. And if it isn't, it should be, because these cookies are fantastic. I used to make them a lot in middle- and high school, but then sort of forgot about them as I moved on to fancier cooking. Once I started the January diet and cut out all sweets and grains, I started thinking and dreaming about these cookies. I made a batch yesterday for my birthday, and am having a difficult time resisting them. I used dark chocolate chips, pecans and increased the vanilla a bit. I also increase the amount of chocolate chips (just until it looks like there is a good ratio of chips to batter) and omit the grated milk chocolate. These cookies will be hard to beat. They're awesome.

½ c. butter (1 stick)
½ c. white sugar
½ c. brown sugar
1 egg
½ t. vanilla
1 c. flour
1 ¼ c. oatmeal – blended
¼ t. salt
½ t. baking powder
½ t. soda
6 oz. bag chocolate chips
2 oz. milk chocolate, grated (optional)
¾ c. chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla. Mix together flour, oatmeal, salt, powder and soda. Combine wet and dry ingredients; add chocolate and nuts.

Make golf ball-sized cookies and bake on ungreased cookie sheets, 2” apart, for 6-10 minutes at 375. Do not over bake.

Yield: ~2 dozen.

Any other bright ideas for my 31 New Things list?