Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nicole Portier Clotiaux (originally from Betty Crocker)
Yield: 42 cookies

My mother used to make these all the time, but from the store package. Once I really started to cook myself, I went to bettycrocker.com and found the recipe to use as my first homemade dessert. Since then I make these for holidays, other occasions and sometimes just because they sound good. (Nov 2010)

1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips*
Nuts, if desired 

Heat oven to 350˚F. In large bowl, stir brown sugar and butter until blended. Stir in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in oats, flour, baking soda and salt; stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart. 

Bake 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

*Knowing the Clotiauxs’ affinity for chocolate, no one will mind if you add another cup!