p.b.& j. gems

Peanut butter and jelly is such a comfortable, dependable combination.  I have said before, I am in love with food you can count on. Peanut butter and jelly is one of those things you can turn to when the going gets tough.

Nothing to serve the kids for dinner...serve it on sandwiches.    Sick....spread them on saltines.  Lonely...put em' together on a spoon.  Relationship worries...eat a sandwich.
Pregnant....eat three sandwiches a day until your doctor tells you to slow down, he thinks you may have put on a few too many pounds.
ummm....yeah doc...no one pregnant listens to that advice anyway.

Peanut butter has a lot of matches but I think jelly is her number one.  You just can't go wrong with these two flavors.  They comfortably cover our entire spectrum of emotions.

p.b. & j. gems

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat

Makes about 20 cookies

Whisk together in a medium bowl until smooth:

1/3 organic canola oil

1/2 cup organic brown sugar packed

1/2 cup peanut butter (I love to use Earth Balance no stir Creamy)

Then add in and stir to combine:

1/3 cup organic rice milk

2 teaspoons organic vanilla

Sift in:

1 1/2 cups organic whole wheat pastry flour

2 tablespoons organic cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Mix everything with a strong spatula or wooden spoon to get a thick dough.  Using slightly damp hands, roll about a tablespoon of dough into a walnut sized ball.  Place them 1 to 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.  Use your pinky finger to press a small indentation into the center of the ball.  Use your other hand to hold the cookie dough, so it does not crack or come apart.  Feel free to smooth any cracks that do happen.  

Fill each pinky hole with 1/4 teaspoon jam.  I happen to love raspberry with peanut butter, but use whatever makes you happy.

Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to brown.  Remove from oven and let them rest on the cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes.  Remove to a wire rack to continue to cool.

Enjoy some with a glass of cold non-dairy milk and get comfy!