Baking .. and Peanut Butter Cookies

I really enjoy baking! I get to choose the ingredients, usually based on whatever supplies are left in the pantry. It's often a pretty quick job, too, to get a batch (well, a double batch .. saves cooking time again later) all done, then top up the biscuit tin. The joy of being able to pop them out on a plate for afternoon tea when a friend calls in is also most satisifying.

My children are growing up, and part of that means a very healthy appetite. I'm giving them more responsibility in the kitchen, which makes it fun keeping track of pantry supplies, but I do want them to manage some independence also. Maestro has a couple of quick desserts down, including a 5 minute chocolate pudding (c/- an email post-around) and old fashioned golden syrup dumplings. He also really likes porridge in the mornings. Mariposa has managed to perfect some lovely 'jam surprise' muffins (plain muffin mix, but add a tsp of jam in the middle of the batter). Yesterday she helped Papa with some French toast and a smoothie.

We're trying to be very frugal again when it comes to shopping (yes, I did get a little slack!) I'm back to making my weekly menus, with the second week of the month being where we try and use up as much as we already have before going for another shop.

Yep, you guessed it! It's the 2nd week and we're using everything up! I think we've made up a pretty good menu list. There are a few staple groceries we'll need, and one fresh chicken to buy, but we should have a nice variety. Here's what's on the dinners list:
- Lambshank soup; using diced veg, herbs, and barley.
- Tuna patties, served with salads
- Marinaded chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs with Cajun seasoning) served on rice with veg. (.. I freeze the breast meat for another meal).
- Vegetarian pasta bake
- Roast lamb and veg. .. and an opportunity to try some of the rosemary jelly I made a little while ago!
- Chicken soup with noodles (ie: thin spaghetti)
- Baked potatoes served with baked beans (modified by adding some herbs & grated veg), salads


Back to the subject of baking, though. Here's recipe I haven't used for a long time, but it's so very easy! I have a large tub of peanut butter left, so why not use it?!

Peanut Butter Cookies
(makes approx. 30)

1 cup plain flour (wholewheat or white)
1/2 cup self-raising flour (or plain flour with 1/4 tsp baking powder)
1 cup rolled oats
125g butter, melted
1/2 cup brown or caster sugar
1/3 cup honey
2 heaped tbsp peanut butter

1. Prepare 2 baking trays with baking paper. Preheat oven to 180degC.
2. Mix flours and oats into large mixing bowl.
3. In medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, honey and peanut butter. Stir until melted. Add to flour mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into balls, then flatten slightly with fork. Arrange on baking tray.
5. Bake 10 mins. or until lightly golden.  Allow to cool on tray a little before transferring to wire cooling rack.