Thursday, February 19, 2015

Love, Downton Abbey and "I Want to Marry You" Cookies


I know Valentine's Day is over, but I've still got love on the brain.  Could be because I love my husband and we had a nice (although non-traditional) Valentine's Day celebration of our own.

Could be because it's so &#*=!$/ frigid outside! (I wonder how many babies will be born nine months from now.)

Could be because I'm still thinking about Downton Abbey. I really don't watch very much TV at all and there are very few television programs I faithfully watch. I confess that Downton Abbey is one of them. I set the DVR. I sit down and binge watch if I have, too. I'll even watch programs over and over. Nice to know I can watch on my iPad, too.

I could apologize for this guilty pleasure of watching what is becoming just a bit soap-opera-ish, but I won't. The dialogue is often (not always) so witty, and the costuming and setting so wonderful to see (always), there will be no apologies.

Last Sunday's episode, which I just happened to watch in real time,was all about love. There was romantic love, of course, but there was also parental love, unrequited love, marital love, even love for a pet and love between friends.  There was no crime, no real melodrama, just the very real drama of love, on so many levels. I don't think I've enjoyed an episode quite as much as this one.

And since there were three potential marriages on the table, what better way for me to end this post than with "Will You Marry Me Cookies?"


These cookies are unique in two ways:

  • The method is unusual. By melting the butter first and adding the sugars, then the eggs and vanilla, and then all the dry ingredients, there's just one pan to dirty. 
  • The hint of cinnamon adds just a touch of spiciness that complements the chocolate well.

My plan was to make these Mr. Rosemary's Fat Tuesday treat, since he always gives up sweets for Lent. He loves chocolate chip cookies more than anything, except maybe brownies. I thought offering him chocolate chip cookies that were a little different, a bit extra special, would show how much I love him. And they came so highly recommended. I thought they were great.

But he was not overly impressed. He prefers his standard issue chocolate chip cookies. He likes the tried and true best. "Don't mess with something that works," is his mantra.

Good thing he likes me.


"I Want to Marry You" Cookies
The original recipe appears to have come from Melissa Stadler and The Cooking Channel's "The Perfect Three" in 2011, although there are other versions, from  Chris at The Cafe Sucre Farine and BakerGirl and several others. And, of course, Pinterest.  This version has pieces of several. The original used dark brown sugar and The Cafe Sucre Farine's used pecans.
makes 24 cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar (may add up to 1/4 cup more if desired)
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts


In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Remove from the heat.
Add both the sugars and mix until smooth.  Chill the mixture for 10 minutes.
Remove from the refrigerator and stir in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.
Add the flour, oats, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cinnamon and mix together.
Stir in the the nuts white chocolate chips and chocolate chips.
Roll by hand into 24 medium-size balls or use a scoop, and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Remove the cookies from the refrigerator and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Leave on pan for 1 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

20 comments:

  1. Mr. Rosemary sounds a lot like my husband. We both enjoy Downtown, but record it to see later. I know it's soap opera -ish & my husband is a good sport to watch it with me. Don't worry about the cookies. I say give the man what he likes :) and I'm certain that you do.

    Stay warm. It's going to be cold even cold in south Florida tonight.
    Sam

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    1. Yes, it's horribly cold everywhere.My phone told me it's -12 right now. Somewhere about 4 degrees, the exact number doesn't matter: It's just damn cold. If it weren't for the horses, I wouldn't go out at all. (I still like the cookies, Sam, I'll just have to take them somewhere!)

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  2. I laughed at Mr Rosemary's reaction to these cookies! Don't worry, I'm more than happy to eat his share, Rosemary. Stay warm. It sounds like you have the perfect weather to watch a Downtown box set!

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    1. I'm all caught up with Downtown, Hester. Guess I'll watch Grantchester -- with cookies. I didn't give up sweets.

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  3. I still haven't watched Downtown...mmm..cookies first :-)) they look awesome, Rosemary.

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    1. The cookies are good -- despite Mr. Rosemary's lack of enthusiasm, Angie. The traditional cookies are good, too. Got a favorite program?

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  4. Ah - I knew these sounded familiar - must be from Chris' blog. My husband prefers my standard Chocolate Chip Cookies to any other variation as well. I loved Downton Abbey for the first 2 seasons but lost interest during the 3rd. But, I think you're focusing on the best parts - the costumes are certainly stunning! Have you seen "Outlander?" It's based on the Diana Gabaldon series which I read about 20 years ago - it's very well-done.

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    1. Yes, Susan, I saw them first on Chris's blog. But I admit I didn't try them until my sister-in-law (and the entire family) recommended them. I have watched some of Outlander. You're right. Very good.

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  5. Those look amazing! I wish I had some right now to munch with my tea!
    I can't believe that I never watched Downton Abbey.... I'll probably binge watch too, if I start! Have a lovely day, Rosemary and thanks for sharing!

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    1. They are good, Sandra. I've never watched Walking Dead! or Orange is the New Black. (I have watched Shameless, though; I'm ashamed. And Nurse Jackie.)

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  6. I've given up sweets for Lent, too. (Sigh.) This looks like a yummy way to go out.

    Does this mean you're giving up baking for Lent?

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    1. Ah, Beth, I still have my cooking student. He'll be here this week. What sweet thing shall we whip up?

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  7. Your cookies loaded with chips and nuts sound great.

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  8. We watch almost no TV, but we're real fans of Downton Abbey. Gotta see it! This season has been loads of fun. I love cinnamon, so I'm really intrigued by these cookies. Good recipe -- thanks.

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    1. Have to admit, I have a backlog of recorder Masterpiece Mystery programs, too. Good to eat cookies by!

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  9. LOVE these cookies Rosemary! I love that they happen in one bowl, and I love that hint of cinnamon. I hate to say this, but I get tired of traditional chippers. These are very unique and can't wait to try them!
    : )

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I realize you don't have to take the time to comment . . . but it makes my day! So glad you decided to stay.