Oatmeal Cookies - Thin and Crispy

 I found this recipe for Oatmeal cookies in an old cookbook I have.  The cookies turn out thin and crispy, buttery and more like a sugar cookie with a hint of oatmeal.  I love them.

Oatmeal Cookies - Thin and Crispy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar, plus more for topping
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the middle.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or butter pan.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together. When they're light and fluffy, add the vanilla and almond extracts.  In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt.; beat them into the butter-sugar mixture.  Beat in the rolled oats with the mixer.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 3 inches apart on the cookie sheets; they spread. Dip the bottom of a glass first in water and then in sugar, and then use it to flatten each cookie, repeating the water-sugar process as needed. 
4. Bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes, or until slightly browned. Cool them on paper-towel-lined racks and store airtight.
5. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

Cucumber Tomato salad

 I saw this recipe online and thought it sounded good.  I had some wonderful balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Italy and wanted to try it on this salad.  It was awesome.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 cucumbers
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup sliced red onion
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 cups chunks of mozzarella cheese (or pearl mozzarella)

Directions:

1. Slice the cucumbers and add to bowl.  Sprinkle the salt on the cucumbers and let set for 1 hour.  Drain.
2. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar and pepper.  Set aside.
3. In a bowl add the red onion, grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and drained cucumbers.
4. Add the olive oil dressing to the bowl.  Mix all together.
5. Enjoy!