Cookie Lovin'

Cookies are little circles of love, even when they are squares. As I've mentioned before, I love giving cookies away because the love always comes back. One of my favorite people to give cookies to is my chiropractor. He is such an appreciative receiver, moaning, whimpering, and saying, "Oh my gosh, this is sooooo good!" This must be interesting for the people in the next "room" who can hear perfectly well over the half wall.

There was, of course, the chance that he's an extra nice person and fakes it so as not to hurt my feelings. But I knew he meant it when he asked me to provide cookies for a party he was having. I was thrilled! What an honor to be asked. And I was even more thrilled when he offered to trade services. A massage? Hmm, let me think - YES!


So I made two cookies I've previously posted and his new favorite, peanut butter raisin bars. These are super easy to throw together and they always turn out great. If you like a moist bar cookie filled with fat raisins, humming with a gentle peanut butter flavor, then you really need to try these. They might not get you a massage, but you'll definitely feel the love.

Peanut Butter Raisin Bars

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate (optional)

1- Combine peanut butter and butter in a sauce pan over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into mixture. Stir in raisins.

2 -Spread batter in greased and floured 13 x 9: pan. Bake at 350 deg. F for 25 min or until toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

3- If desired, melt the chocolate in a microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring often. Drizzle over the top of the bars. Cool then cut into 32 bars.

Also, along the lines of what goes around comes around, the fabulous Blue Zebra of Mulligan Stew Me awarded me the "Nice Matters Award." Thank you so much! I'm pleased and honored that you chose me as a Nice Blogger. Now I have the pleasure of picking seven bloggers who I think are nice. Because they always have kind things to say, reply to the people who take the time to leave comments, and encourage other bloggers, I pass this on to:

Gigi of Gigi Cakes - A talented baker with nice things to say for everyone

Fiona of Wok And Spoon- Thoughtful and generous

Melinda of Melinda's Online Diary - Funny, real, and nice. I'd like her for my next-door neighbor.

Belinda of What's Cooking in a Southern Kitchen - All the warmth and kindness you'd expect from a southern kitchen

Anne of Simply Anne's - Busy mother, amazing baker who takes the time to be kind to others

Aimee of Under The High Chair- Another busy mom with little ones who takes the time to be kind

Fanny of Foodbeam - Talented baker with a gorgeous blog who remembers that being nice is important, too