Award and Cookies

I have to admit I've been a little bummed lately because I've entered several recipe contest and haven't been picked for anything so I'm having a dry spell. I've also been busy so I haven't gotten to post anything and then I forgot to upload pictures so I've been having a rough week. I log on today and to my surprise Lisa from Jersey Girl Cooks has given me an award! She's totally made my day and my week!! I haven't been blogging that long and don't have that many readers but I'm working on it. It's a great feeling to be able to share recipes like this and make new friends in the process. I feel like everyone's blog I read is a close friend I've known forever. It's amazing how passionate everyone is and I've always felt that food is something that brings people together and gives you that instant bond.

I encourage you to visit their sites, they are full of information and wonderful yummy recipes! I list the contest buddies blogs on the right side of the page, but there are several others I visit regularly. I'll have to add to my list sometime soon.

Veronica at Supermarket Serenade. Veronica has lots of tasty recipes that are simple and full of flavor. I always enjoy drooling over her pictures. I love how she takes an ingredient from the supermaket and adds a great twist to it.

Julie at Peanut Butter and Julie has lots of fantastic recipes. I envy her for finding the time she does to cook and be able to write such wonderful post. She has a great variety for anything you're looking for.

Tracy at Rah Cha Chow. She's a triple threat, a singer in a band, cooks yummy recipes that fit anyones taste and she wins contest. She's not afraid to put it all out there and I admire that in her.

Cindy at Bake Alaska is another new favorite of mine. I originally came across Cindy through the Daring Bakers site and she's been super sweet helping me pick out restaurants for my upcoming trip to Alaska at the end of the month. She's done a wonderful job with her blog and I've printed several recipes to try that look delicious.

Addicted Sweet Tooth is my last pick. The food photography is amazing and I would lick the screen if no one was looking! The creativity it takes to make the food look so yummy and pop of the screen is true talent. I originally came across this blog through Daring Bakers and have been "addicted" to seeing what new things this pastry chef turned stay at home mom is making.

Cowboy Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sweetened flake coconut
2 cups chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in bowl. In 8 quart bowl, beat butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 1 minute. Gradually beat in sugars; beat to combine, 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Beat in vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until just combined. Add chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans. For each cookie, drop ¼ cup dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.

Bake in 350 degree oven 17 to 20 minutes, until edges are lightly browned; rotate sheets halfway through. Remove cookies to rack to cool.