Something's Missing

It is sometimes really difficult to tell when something is missing. I remember those little picture games growing up where you had to compare two photographs and figure out what is different between the them. Or sometimes a person is just off, and it is hard to explain exactly why. The following story is not a case of this. It is very clear what this person is missing, his dignity.

I have this friend...of a friend of a friend of a friend. It is not necessarily that far removed, but I am trying to protect this person's identity as to not cause irreparable damage to his reputation and whatever self-respect he may have left. Anyway, this young man moved to New York City after graduating college and secured a job at a large company. This person moved up in the company after a relatively short time into an administrative assistant type position. While the rest of the country was mid-downward spiral into the economy's toilet, this guy was on the way up in the world. Apparently, the pressure of a steady, paying, and coveted job was too much for him to handle; he decided he needed to quit. Two weeks? Phone call? Letter of resignation? All not necessary to this guy. He thought things would be easier to just not go in one day...and then the next day and then the next. Yes, that's right...he would just not show up to work ever again. This may have seemed like a good idea for a little while, but not for long. This young man began to feel like he made a terrible mistake by not informing his employer of his intentions to quit his job. He did what any well-raised boy would do; he called his mama. The details here are fuzzy, but it does not even matter how this came about. All that you need to know is that this guy's mom called his boss and quit for him.

Yes, hello Mr. Boss, this is (we'll call him) Henry's mother. I would like to thank you for all you have done for my son. However, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you we will not be requiring your employment beyond this point. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to continue wondering. But I will not be answering anything further at this time. That will be all. Thank you.

Sometimes it is easy to tell what is missing, but when it come to cooking, that is not always the case. I made these cookies for the first time by the recipe exactly. They are delicious and unique. I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying them either way. However, I felt like something was missing. They tasted delicious. They were sweet, nutty, and flavorful. It was the texture that seemed off to me. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are usually soft and chewy, and these did not have a chewy texture. They were thick, but crispy and very sweet (likely because of the coconut). I like them, and I would even consider making them this way again, but I wanted to experiment. The original recipe did not call for an egg so I tried making them again, just adding an egg. The cookies with the egg were softer, less sweet, and thicker almost more of a muffin-type texture). Both versions were great. The combination of ingredients here go so well together, and I would recommend baking them whichever way sounds more appetizing to you. I will likely continue experimenting with this one and update if necessary.



Mamma's Boy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

(adapted from an Everybody Likes Sandwiches recipe)

1 C butter
1 C brown sugar, lightly packed
1 t baking soda
1/4 C hot water
1 large egg (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 C flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 C oats
1/2 C dried coconut
2 C semi sweet chocolate chips (if you want to add walnuts, mix some crushed walnuts in with the chocolate chips to equal 2 cups)

In a small bowl, beat the egg. Then add the vanilla.
In a large bowl combine butter and sugar with an electric mixer and then slowly add the egg mixture.
Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add to the butter and egg mixture.
In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (except for the chocolate chips and nuts)
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, stirring well.
Add the chocolate chips (and walnuts if desired).
Drop dough onto a greased cookie sheet. This should make about 24 medium sized cookies. I don't like them to be too small.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes.