Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Jack ate these faster than noodles.

Makes 32 Cookies

1 c raisins
boiling water
2/3 c unsalted butter
1 1/3 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c molasses
1/2 c oil
1 c pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
4 c flour

Pour boiling water over raisins.  Let sit for a few minutes, then drain and cool.
Cream butter with sugar, soda, and spices through salt until fluffy.  Beat in molasses and oil.  Then beat in pumpkin and vanilla.  Stir in flour and raisins.  Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop balls on baking sheets.  Bake at 350F for 11 to 12 minutes.  Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely on cooling racks.

2 c powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
2 T butter
1 T milk

Beat together, using more milk or sugar to make a spreadable frosting.  Frost.

Oatmeal Sandwiches

Modified from Martha Stewart Oatmeal Cream Pies

Makes 18 Sandwiches

• Cookie Ingredients
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup dark-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 T molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raisins

Cream salt, powder, soda, cinnamon, butter, and sugars until fluffy.  Beat in molasses, eggs one at a time, and vanilla.  Stir in flour, oats, and raisins.  Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough on prepared sheets.  Bake 11 minutes at 350F.  These will spread a lot.  Cool on racks.

Filling

3 T gelatin

1 1/2 c cool water, divided

3 c sugar

1/4 c corn syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp almond extract

In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 c water with gelatin.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  Meanwhile combine remaining water, sugar, syrup, and salt in a medium sized saucepan.  Heat until soft ball stage.  Using a mixer whisk attachment, beating on low speed, pour hot syrup mixture in a steady stream.  Raise speed to high and beat until fluffy and cool.  Beat in vanilla and almond extract.  Using a greased spoon, scoop two tablespoons onto cookies and sandwich together.

Wrap individually and freeze if you don't eat them all right away.  They're good frozen too.

You will have lots leftover.  I poured the extra in a greased 9" square pan.  Will use for marshmallows, later.

Banana Bread

Rob has tried to eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Makes a 9"x5" Loaf

2 c old fashioned oats
1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 medium bananas
1/4 c white whole wheat flour
1 c chocolate chips

Grind oats in a coffee grinder.
Using a mixer cream butter, sugar, powder, soda, and salt until fluffy.  Beat in vanilla and eggs, one at a time.  Beat in bananas.  Stir in oats, flour, and chips.  Bake 1 hour at 350F.