Monster Cookies at Grandma's

It has been an insane few months. We've gone from going to school and living in Springfield, Virginia to living in Idaho Falls, Idaho while we transition to a job. We've packed, moved, flown and settled. Whoo! Falls in Idaho Falls are, well, not gentle. We are used to the beautiful colors and slightly cooler weather of Virginia. I say this while it is 35 degrees outside and the wind howling around the windows in Idaho. Woe! Anyway, I had some retrospective time today while hanging out at my Grandma Reula's.

For as long as I can remember, right before Halloween, we have gone to my grandparents Southwick and made Monster cookies. What are Monster cookies you say? They are delicious creations with peanut butter, oatmeal, M&Ms, chocolate chips, coconut and whatever else you may have in the cupboard. Why at Grandmas and in the fall? I think the place was set at Grandma's because we were driving my parents crazy while anxiously awaiting the night of free candy. We went to Grandma's so the folks could have a respite from our pre hyperactivity. I asked my Grandma today why the fall. She shrugged, "I don't know. That's just what we've always done." Well, there ya go for traditions!

Anyway, I went over to my Grandparents house today and threw the cookie ingredients together while my kids were happily playing with toys, coloring in activity books with Grandma and begging treats off of anyone who would give them something. There was some light music in the background and I was soaking this all in. I got kinda emotional. Talk about a turn of events. 30 years later, with my own kids, I'm playing in a beautifully warm house with wonderful smells and sounds all around me doing the same thing my Mom did. My kids are so lucky to know their Great grandparents and enjoy them to the fullest. It was so cute to see Ami perched on my Grandma's lap happily doing an activity book and Grandma enjoying every second of it. It truly was one of those moments that I will never forget nor will Ami.

After the cookies were done, I hurried and made lunch for everyone and then whisked Ami off to preschool. Will my Grandma ever know how much of an effect she has had on so many generations? Probably not. But I sure love and appreciate the talents, love, and personality she has passed on.

Here is the Monster cookie recipe. Make it, enjoy it and think of your Grandma!

Ingredients

3 Eggs

1 1/4 C Brown Sugar

1 C Granulated Sugar

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Vanilla

1 1/2 C Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Butter

1/2 C M&Ms

1/2 C Chocolate chips

1/4 C Raisins, optional

1/2 C Coconut

4 1/2 C Oatmeal

2 tsp Baking Soda

1 Tbs Karo Syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray the cookie sheet with cooking spray.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the sugars and butter and mix until fluffy. Add the Eggs and mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, and peanut butter. Mix. Stir in the oatmeal and baking soda until mixed in. Add the M&Ms, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, coconut, and karo syrup.

Drop by Tablespoon on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let stand for 3 minutes after baking and transfer to a wire rack to cool. These are delicious and freeze awesome!