Back "with a Vengeance"... and Cookies!!

It has been eight long days since my last/previous blog post - quite disgraceful and disappointing, if you ask me. But once again, I swear to you that I did not take a "blogging hiatus" on purpose. All eight of those days were filled with yet more research paper-writing, studying (and taking) exams, completing other written assignments, and engaging in my usual day-to-day activities (and multitasking, of course, haha).

During this upcoming week, I have another research paper due on Wednesday (already finished writing it though, so at least that assignment is out of the way), an exam on that same Wednesday, a paper due on Thursday, and two group projects to start working on (the class presentations are not until the middle of December, but there is a lot of research and group work that needs to be done)l and I have to register for classes tomorrow (which I will be taking next semester).

Due to all of these current (and upcoming) assignments, I am no longer going to say on this blog (or at all) that the end of my overwhelming schoolwork is almost over, since I obviously jinxed myself a few weeks ago by saying so. So please bear with me as my posting becomes more sporadic - I am hoping that this is only temporary!! But again, I greatly appreciate your patience and continued support.

But enough about my never-ending schoolwork - I will manage, haha. I am back now, so I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the miracle that occurred just yesterday (Sunday).

Yesterday morning, before I was off to yoga, I raced into the kitchen with a strong urge to bake. As you know, I have not been able to engage in this favorite activity of mine since baking those mini bundts, so I went a little crazy - I baked not one, but two types/batches of cookies (yes, I was in a cookie-baking mood this time around - I have not baked cookies since September!!).

For this particular baking project, I chose to use the very first vegan cookbook that my parents ever purchased for me (and that I have not used in a while): Vegan with a Vengeance.

Since I have had favorable results in the past with recipes from this cookbook, I figured that it would be fun to try two "new" recipes (specifically, for two different cookie varieties). The first cookie variety that I chose to bake featured a classic holiday (or anytime) favorite:



A batch of Sparkled Ginger Cookies. When I saw this recipe, I knew that I had to try it, since this type of cookie brings back a lot of nostalgia for me; they are very reminiscent (in texture, flavor, and "sprinkled sugar design") of a childhood favorite cookie: The Pepperidge Farm Ginger Men cookies!! And no, I am not ashamed to admit that I preferred a pre-packaged cookie as a child - they were quite delicious, and very cute :-)

I am pleased to write that these "veganized childhood favorite" cookies were absolutely perfect - and, dare I say, better than the Pepperidge Farm Ginger Men cookies?? Yes, they were just that delicious - and gluten-free, too (**I followed the recipe, but with my "usual substitutions," of course)!!

My parents were impressed with the sweet & spicy flavors, as well as the "crunchy-yet-chewy" texture; and here is what The Co-Worker thought of the cookies:



**Here is The Co-Worker's official review of the Sparkled Ginger Cookies**:



They are a holiday tradition in the making…. First, send me the recipe!

"They are perfect for parties… filling, sweet, but yet light and festive!

Ho Ho for these great cookies with a cup of holiday tea!"





As mentioned earlier, my taste-testers (and I) were treated with not one, but two different cookie varieties, as a result of my "go-crazy-with-baking-since-there-is-time-before-yoga" baking adventure. For my second batch of cookies, I chose the recipe for the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies - however, I made these extra special with a few additional substitutions:



In order to experiment with a "new" flavor combination, I created a batch of Carob Fig Jam Cookies. Now remember, I said that these were an experiment, so I had no idea how this combination/cookie variety would result. I was super-excited to make these though, in order to test out a new product-find at Whole Foods:



Organic Adriatic Fig Spread!! I adore figs, so I knew that I had to purchase this product (and bake with it, haha). Here is what the label says about the product:



I found the flavor-mixture of the carob and fig spread to be pleasant overall - not too sweet. My parents liked the combination, and especially enjoyed the dollop of fig spread in the middle of the cookie. And once again, The Co-Worker's thoughts:



**Here is The Co-Worker's official review of the Carob Fig Jam Cookies**:



"These are a bit heavier… the jam was a sweet addition….

Although it seemed to be missing a little something… maybe more sweetness."




Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with The Co-Worker - I definitely need to test out this "recipe experiment," in order to make it a little sweeter. I have already bookmarked the recipe with a note to do so!! :-)




I am praying that eight more days do not go by, before I post on my blog again; but if for some reason this is the case, please know that it is not on purpose, and that I will be back as soon as possible (and with more treats to share with you)!!