Not your Mama's Oatmeal Cookies

I believe that the Ancient Romans had everything right. After spending a month in Italy learning all about the art, culture, and food, there is something I now believe in... soul mates.

The concept of soul mates dates back almost 3000 years to the times of the Ancient Romans where tales of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses influenced the lives of people all over the Mediterranean. According to ancient mythology (my incredibly abbreviated version that is), our ancestors had 2 heads and 4 arms- I know, crazy right? In typical human fashion, we screwed things up and as our punishment the Gods split us each in half to forever search for the other piece that makes us whole. 

I heard this story for the first time about two years ago and fell in love with it instantly. Not so much because it is about something that promises a future full of happiness and love- but because it is a story of completeness. About a pair, a team, a duo.

Some duo's should never be separated: Adam and Eve, Mickey and Minnie, milk and cookies, green eggs and ham...

But then there are some that are just begging for something new. Exhibit A? Oatmeal and raisins. Who in the world came up this over-rated combination that has infiltrated our epicurean culture in not only breakfast foods but now in lunch, dinner, and dessert as well?! Yes, a hot oatmeal raisin cookie is excellent with a glass of cold milk, but can you really ask for anything more boring???? No, and considering my motto is "go big or go home," I need some excitement in my cookie.

So that's what I've done- taken my favorite part of every cookie I've ever had and put it all into ONE cookie extravaganza.

My Aunt Liz was, is, and always will be my baking hero and inspiration. After having one of the most delicious cookies I've ever had this past weekend right after she took them out of the oven, I knew I needed something new. 

So here it is- your out of the ordinary cookie experience: 

Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal Cookies (*with a "secret" ingredient just to make it a little more fun)

The Players: (bear with me, but it is SO worth it)

2 sticks of butter, room temperature

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups oats (don't even think about trying to use instant oatmeal. Get the real stuff)

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1 cup walnuts, chopped

SECRET INGREDIENT- 2 T instant coffee

Game Time:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter with the brown and white sugar.

Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Put the flour, baking soda, and salt into a sifter and sift into the creamed mixture. Carefully mix to combine- do not over mix dough because it can become tough.

Stir in oats. Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts and coffee.

Form dough into a log. Slice into 1inch cookies. Bake for 10 minutes (They may seem gooey, but that is exactly how they should be. Even after they cool, they will still be perfectly chewy.)