Oatmeal Scotchies

Hi All!
So sorry for my long hiatus again, but there have been some great trips and some hopefully good changes coming my way in the future, so I've had to focus on other things than my blogging. The good news is I have a number of recipes to post, I just need to find the time to do so.  This evening I'd like to share with you a simple recipe I've borrowed and modified from Toll House, called Oatmeal Scotchies. This is a cookie my mom has been making since I can remember and it has always been a fall/Christmas favorite. In fact many years ago when I didn't live too far away my mom and I would spend 2 days baking every type of cookie you could imagine and them bundle them up and give them to neighbors and the local police and fire departments. This second group was especially important because shortly before Christmas in 1995 we needed the services of the local fire department. It was one of the first times my parents had gone out socially since my dad's accident 2 years prior which left him paralyzed. Sadly this was also the night that the crack in our chimney showed in the form of a nasty fire. This was all a blessing in disguise because no one got hurt, and my mom got to redecorate the house for the first time in many many years. So in memory of their help we have tried to drop off cookies to these hardworking men and women every year. I encourage everyone who reads this to think of all those who don't get to be with their families during the holidays and perhaps even make a batch of cookies to share with these hardworking people.
Without further ado, here is the recipe for Oatmeal Scotchies (original link first below)
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18478/oatmeal-scotchies/detail.aspx

Oatmeal Scotchies

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3/4 c. granulated sugar
• 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 TBS vanilla extract
• 3 c. quick or old-fashioned oats
• 1 2/3 c. (11-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House Butterscotch chips

 Pre-heat the oven to 375F

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice in small bowl. 

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. 

Gradually beat in flour mixture. 

Stir in oats and morsels. 

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment paper (WAY better than ungreased pans, because you just trash the paper when done and don't have to wash the pan!)

 Bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies.

 These are so yummy and are perfect with a warm cup of spiced tea, or a glass of milk. The recipe makes a couple dozen so there are plenty to share with others. Happy eating!