I firmly believe that baking is an expression of love. Of giving love in the purest sense. Giving of your time, talents and energies to create joy and happiness for others. Giving of a piece of yourself. Give some love this week. Bake one of these tasty cookie recipes. Then sit down with a glass of milk with someone you love. Share that baked treat and a piece of yourself. You might just be surprised by how far a plate full of cookies and an honest conversation can take you.

Gum Drop Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons milk
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup gum drops, cut up

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well and set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar and white sugar. Add in the egg, vanilla extract and milk and mix well. Then add the dry ingredient mixture to this mixture. Add in the oatmeal and gum drops. Drop by teaspoons onto a baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

M&M Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon water
1 egg
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup M&M candies

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar and white sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract, egg and water. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Add in the M&M’s. Drop by teaspoons onto a baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cup bread flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar. Add in the egg, peanut butter, salt and baking soda and mix well. Sift in the flour. Add the vanilla extract. Roll the dough into balls. Put on a baking sheet and flatten with a fork. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes.