Recently I was given a beautiful, fabulous pistachio-colored Artisan KitchenAid mixer – and I am so excited to use it! Though I’ve wanted a KitchenAid mixer for at least ten years or so, I always assumed I wouldn’t actually get one until I was engaged and registered for it. It’s not an inexpensive kitchen appliance, and, to be honest, it’s not completely necessary! I was doing just fine with my inexpensive hand mixer… but I definitely wanted one of my own. One of my dear friends/wedding clients gifted it to me for helping with her wedding, and Kellyn’s thought was incredible. I suppose I said, sometime in our two + years of friendship, that I wanted one… and this sweet girl remembered! Kellyn’s incredibly thoughtful and generous actually brought tears to my eyes when she gave it to me, and somehow she even remembered the exact color that I have long wanted. And now I’m the very proud and excited owner of a pistachio Artisan KitchenAid mixer!! Thank you, Kellyn!

Anyway, now it’s time to get baking, and I decided to start with my favorite family cookie recipe – the oatmeal applesauce raisin cookie (with chocolate chips!). I grew up eating these cookies that my grandma and then also my mom made for family reunions and trips to visit each other, and they are absolutely amazing! I love the long title of the recipe – there are so many mouthwatering ingredients that combine to make the most delicious flavored cookie imaginable. They’re also my grandpa’s very favorite cookie… which means I love to bring them with me when I visit them, & then we get to enjoy a cookie (or three) together!

Oatmeal Applesauce Raisin Cookies

Sparks Family Recipe

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

½ cup shortening

1 ¾ cup flour

1 cup instant oats

½ t baking powder

1 t baking soda

1 t cinnamon

½ t ground cloves

½ t nutmeg

½ cup applesauce

1 cup raisins

1 cup chocolate chips

½ – 1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream together shortening, sugar and egg.  In separate bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.  Alternate adding the flour mixture and the applesauce, raisins, chips and nuts to the shortening mixture.  Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy!