Festive Friday

what is it about this time of the year that just makes you want to bake? i always have amazing intentions to bake up some goodies for my honey. ahem...let's be honest for me too. it usually doesn't happen for one reason or another. but, really, i want to.

this year, i am determined to try at least one new treat recipe. do you hear me? determined. wish me luck and cross your fingers! in an effort to encourage myself and spread some holiday treat cheer, friday will be my day to bring a fun new recipe to YOU and me. the goal? try the recipe over the weekend and report how it went. Hence, festive friday!

first up...

Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

mmmm...my mouth has been watering since i found this recipe.

Makes about 3 dozen

use a ripe banana, which has more concentrated flavor than an unripe one

Whatcha need:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large)

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped into 1/4-inch chunks

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (about 2 ounces), toasted

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees. Whisk together flours, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined. Mix in banana. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in oats, chocolate chunks, and walnuts.

2. Using a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown and just set, 12 to 13 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for about 5 minutes. (always the hard part for me) Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely. (uh, really hard for me!) Cookies can be stored in airtight containers up to 2 days.

time to hit the market!

Enjoy!