Cookie Monster + a few swimsuits that I adore (proving sugar and splashing are not mutually exclusive)

Unsurprising Confession: I really love cookies. The only other sweet I'd forego a cookie for is a brownie. But as of late, the Born household has been on a cookie kick. 

Now, I must request a virtual ROUND OF APPLAUSE for Sally over at Sally's Baking Addiction for this kick butt recipe! It is undeniably one of the best cookie recipes I've ever made. (And this sweet tooth has made a lot of cookies over the last 28 years...)

What makes these cookies both addicting and awesome is their classic simplicity. My vegetable preferring husband is a sucker for soft cookies. He liked these Soft-Baked Monster Cookies so much  requested I make these cookies two nights in a row. 

These are perfect for any bake sale, picnic, family get together, or just an afternoon snack.  

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What these cookies aren't perfect for is bikini/swimsuit season. Seriously, you need willpower of a Saint to refuse one (er, three). Summer is in full swing and we're headed to Florida in a few weeks. This is when I should be eating greens, protein, and nothing enjoyable. But if you've been reading this blog, you know that I tend to prefer things that aren't going to keep me slim and trim. But as I grumble about what I look like (and maybe reach for another cookie at the same time) , I have to remind myself that I prefer to eat what I love and run a little more than regiment my diet. (For those who tell me that's not the way to think, I know  this but I'm not looking to be a super model (I mean I'm 5'1.5" for goodness sakes!), just healthy.) I'm never going to be lean or cut because it's not something I value over being in the kitchen generating a form of love and a few calories. 

But in the spirit of swimsuit season, let's quickly reflect on this wardrobe component that most women despise. And, then I'll share a few I'm coveting and/or considering. Then I promise I'll give you the goods on the cookies. 

You might have seen this video on Facebook, but I wanted to share it here. I'm not sure what to think of Jessica Rey's call for modesty as means of empowerment. I am conflicted. On one hand, I think she's brilliant. I totally get not wanting to be seen as an "object". It repulses me to think that an article of clothing can slingshot our evolutionary advanced mind back to the more archaic times.  But..

Here's my argument: a power suit is not about the amount of fabric and fit, but rather the mental and emotional feelings one has when wearing it. Power suit=  self-confidence. To me, wearing any swimsuit at all and feeling like a rockstar in it is empowering. If that's a itsy bitsy bikini for some or a full-on one piece with a skirt, so be it.  I will throw in the caveat that there are some swimsuits that are just not suited for all body types and generally you know when that's the case. And complete honesty, I am totally guilty of judging someone else for wearing something I don't think is flattering on them but that's my problem and my misstep. Seriously, who am I to judge what someone else feels best in?

All that said, here are a few swimsuits, in a variety of styles, I think are adorable for summer 2014:

I know after trying on swimsuits (virtually or in a store), I want a reward. Here's yours. 

Soft-Baked Monster Cookies
Recipe source: Sally's Baking Addiction
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I prefer Mexican vanilla)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/4 cups all purpose flour 
1/2 cup quick oats*
3/4 cup your favorite M&Ms 
1/2 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips

*I never have quick oats on hand, so I just put a little over a 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats in the food processor, pulsed for a few seconds, and viola! 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick foil
   
2. In large bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid mixer with paddle attachment), cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed, about 3 minutes. 
3. Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. (Usually once or twice).
4. Slowly mix in the flour and baking soda. Do not overmix. 
5. Fold in the oats, M&Ms, and chocolate chips.
6. Chill dough for 15-30 minutes to make dough easier to manage. (This isn't critical because the dough may not be unmanageable after mixing, but I found it's easier to work with chilled dough). 
7. Rolls balls of dough, about 2 Tablespoons of dough per ball (I used a 1" cookie scoop because it's what I had), onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Press a few extra M&Ms on top.
9. Bake for 9-10 minutes. (Seriously, 10 minutes baking time at most. I baked every batch for 9 minutes each time.) The cookies will appear undone. 
10. Slightly press down the baked cookies with the back of a spoon; cookies won't have spread much while baking. 
11. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 9-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. 
12. Cookies will firm up some. Sally says you can store these cookies for up to a week at room temperature (we haven't tested that but if you can make it a week with these on your counter, more power to you!)

Thanks for letting me ramble on today. I sincerely hope if you're on the hunt for a swimsuit this summer that you find one that makes you feel 100% beautiful and/or comfortable. If you do, celebrate with these cookies. If not, commiserate with these cookies. Either way this recipe is a homerun! Talk to you soon.
-xo 

PS For the mommas out there debating whether to pass on the pool or splash with your kiddos, check out this article. It's a good read.