Maple-Glazed Oatmeal Cookies

Dear Spring,

I remember you. You made a surprise visit in March and then left without closing the door. Well, if you're going to ignore the calendar, I'm going to ignore you. I'm going to make food that thumbs it's maple-y oats at all things perky and green and annoyingly absent.

These cookies are an homage to your punctual counterpart, fall. In fact, I'm also wearing a nubby grey sweater that I usually reserve only for fall. Thanks for that.

Fall is like you in some ways. It's short and gorgeous. But I don't like to see fall come to an end because I don't like what follows. You, however, I don't mind seeing in the rear-view mirror. Summer and I get along quite well. (She thinks you're lazy btw.)

If you continue to keep things chilly, I'll continue to not use the fruit that you're not producing. I think that's only fair. 

So until next year (or week), Cheers.

~Valerie

P.S. Niles, and my clothes, say Thank you for allowing him to maintain his thick winter fur. It's going to be a pleasure when summer arrives.

Oatmeal Whoopie Cream Pies

I know where the Whoopie comes from, it's the latter part that confuses me. Why are these glorified sandwich cookies called "pies?" (And does it matter?)

I pondered the question for five seconds but, after taking a bite, I really didn't care about the semantics. They could be called something unbearably intriguing, such as Lyrical Loki pies of cream, and I would not question their meaning...I would loved them even more, actually.

Apple Toffee Cinnamon-Streusel Bars

Dear summer, It's been fun but I think it's time to let go and start seeing other seasons and countries. This just isn't a healthy relationship anymore. You're always giving me the silent treatment, I'm always angry...still trying to make you happy by wearing the flip-flops and shorts that brought us so many great times. So please, go do your thing at the other end of the equator, and I'll begin to move on. Fall looks interested, and I've had a few random reminders from the mysteriously aloof Winter that he'll be in town shortly. Let's just make this a smooth, drama-free, break. We'll see how we feel in six months.

Your fickle, fair-weather friend, Valerie.♥