I was reminded of this truth yesterday, as the ice storm that swept through Southwest Oklahoma (which is, oddly enough, where my husband and I find ourselves now living) threatened to take out our power. As it began to get dark outside, it suddenly occurred to me that if the lights went out, we would find ourselves without candles and, perhaps more importantly, without cookies.
So I quickly whipped up a batch. (And then, since the power was still on, I decided to make dinner.)
Now, the last time I made chocolate chip cookies, I was also under a bit of pressure – you see, the movers were coming in the morning to pack up our apartment to go into storage on the other side of the country. The Lieutenant and I were packing up a few select things to come with us as we moved from Virginia to California for six weeks, then to Oklahoma for five months of training (for the Lt.), and then back to California again (at which point, we will be reunited with our stored household goods or, because everything in the military is referred to by an acronym, our HHG).
I was starting to pack up my kitchen, when I discovered a pound of butter in the fridge. Now, before you tell me that this was not the best use of my time (Mama…), I'd like you to just TRY to throw away a pound of butter and a package of chocolate chips. I defy you to do it. You can't! It's just unnatural.
Besides, it doesn't take long to make cookies if you have a KitchenAid. And mine was about to go into storage for seven months – we had to have a proper goodbye!
Sigh.
I miss my KitchenAid.
Mmm… Now, because I'd been trying to use up my pantry before the move, I only had whole wheat flour left, so I just used that. Which means these were healthy chocolate chip cookies.
Sukie and Jojo came over in honor of our last evening of living in the same city/on the same coast – we ate healthy cookies and drank beer (healthy too, I'm sure, in its own way) and played Settlers of Catan. Sukie also helped me pack three seasons' worth of clothes for two people into two suitcases. She's a marvel at fitting things into suitcases.
The next day, the movers swept through, ate some cookies, and packed our entire apartment up into boxes (that is, they packed everything except for what we'd already put into the car). You should've seen them. They were like packing ninjas.
Now, having lived with that carload of belongings for nearly three of the seven months the Lt. and I are “perched,” so to speak (and having complained about some of the things I couldn't fit in), I must say that I'm very pleased with what I did choose to bring – it's just enough to make pretty much any place feel a little more like home. But more on that another time.
For now, may I recommend making a batch of cookies? You'll be happy you did. Trust me.
Camille says
I have that EXACT mixer and aside from my husband and children, it is the LOVE of my life! 🙂 I don't think I would've been able to leave it behind!
Decadent Housewife says
Husband is the cookie maker over here. Would take more than an ice-storm to get me to make cookies. Yours look wonderful.
Crafty P says
I got those same cooling racks as a wedding gift, too. They're indispensable in my kitchen!I think you did what any sensible gal would do with a pound of butter and a kitchen aid headed off to storage. Cookies indeed!
Leila says
Are you implying that I would EVER condone throwing away a pound of butter? There's always room in the car for a pound of butter!But you made the right choice!I think I should have my KA painted a fun color 😉
Sue says
Yes ma'am! Here I go… while trying very, very hard not to covet your Kitchen Aid and cooling racks.
messy bessy says
I was coveting those kitchen racks too! And on a related but not terribly relevant note, it was cookie cooling racks that I first thought I was looking at in the earring organizing doohickey that works so well in the post below!
Habou says
Rosie, You certainly did the right thing – much admiration for making cookies while a major move is pending. Those are not my genes. I would fold completely. I very much love to bake but need lots of time. Awesome post.Love,Habou
Anonymous says
Wonderful post!I also like reading everyone's comments regarding their Kitchenaid Mixer. Sometimes when I am at Macy's, I purposely walk past the display to see what color combinations they have out. Also, I love when QVC is selling Kitchenaid and the whole army of colors is on display. Dork alert, I know.-ma
Anonymous says
Thank you Rosie for that lovely post. What an inspiration; to be able to bake biscuits during such a life-changing episode.. and no wastage is paramount. I'm sure your visitors and the removalists think you made the right choice.I'm looking forward to reading your post of the items you would recommend keeping out, to make a temporary house a 'home'. Linda
Mary says
Good move Rosie! Having spent the first twelve years of my married life (celebrating 22 years this summer) as an Officer's wife in the Navy, I remember many a time I baked/cooked late at night before a move. We would also through a "moving" potluck the wekend before to use what we had since most of our moves sent us across many states and we didn't have much room in the car with 2 children, one of whom is wheelchair bound. I hate waste and it was fun to see what I could come up with.Enjoy the rest of your time in OK. It's an interesting place to be.Blessings and Grace to you…
alpineflower says
Just had to comment…I grew up about an hour and a half from the AFB and army post that are in that part of Oklahoma. I hope you enjoy it, once things green up a little – it can be rather bleak this time of year! If you have the time/resources, I recommend staying a night or two at the Quartz Mountain Lodge – the lodge itself is beautiful and my heart belongs to the mountains that surround it.
Mrs. Pickles says
Now here is a good wife who has got her priorities straight. I hope your husband realizes how lucky he is! (and I'm sure he does!) 🙂
Freckled Hen says
Gasp! Baking cookies the night before a move? My husband must never find out about this! We are living in Northern Texas (WF)…not far from you. Nice weather we have been having, eh?
Margo says
cookies and beer?! funny!I covet your Kitchen Aid. I do have those stackable cookie racks but my dear toddler used one as a stool and now, alas, it does not stack.Blessings on all your moves.
Faith says
Those cookies don't look like whole wheat– are you trying to con us? 🙂 I look forward to hearing about your adventures in Oklahoma! Here's a topic: How do you make a home in a temporary place?
Esther Plaster says
i love that made up those cookies and enjoyed the little bit of time to homemake right before the ninjas came. we are navy and have four little kids and just moved to california 6 months ago and are now moving again across country (again!) in about 5 weeks!!! ahhhhhh. good to hear the humor in your voice. Lord let me keep humor in my heart too! blessing to you and the Lt.!