Our ski hill has two supremely slow, double chairlifts. Andy and I always take turns with the kids, hugging them against the wind as we amble up the slope, snow ghosts saluting our efforts. We always took turns, until one weekend last winter when both of our daughters wanted only to ride with Andy. Every run they fought over sitting with him while I stood alone in line, scooping my ego up off the ice cold earth.
Turns out homeboy had chocolate in his pocket! Yep. I discovered this sweet secret at the end of the day when my family choked back giggles to my question, “So, what gives with nobody wanting to ride with mama on the chair?!”
So now I carry treats too and again feel adored on the chairlift. Whew.
Of course, my sweets are also packed with nourishment. I mean, my kids would be shocked if I didn’t try to slip some sort of hippie somethingerother in there. It’s my thing. And I’m pretty sure they appreciate it. Or, they will some day.
The girls and I were recently tasked by Bob’s Red Mill with developing a cookie and, seriously, what a magical assignment for our kitchen-loving, mess-making, cookie-eating bunch.
I set out to create a fueling (for the energy), satisfying (for the craving) and substantial (for the being smashed a puffy coat pocket) cookie that I could haul around on the ski hill, at the creek and on our general adventures. The Montana Camp Cookie.
We used local honey, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, applesauce, oats and dried cherries. But it can all be switched up. At first we used almonds and almond butter but Margot was right on when she said, “These almonds are wrong. The cherries need peanuts instead of almonds.” They’d also be good with coconut. Any dried fruit would work. I’d like to try pine nuts and figs.
Applesauce is easy enough to purchase but it’s also so easy to make: I don’t even remove peels. I just chop, add a bit of water, cook for a few minutes and purée with an immersion blender.
Andy is the usually the cookie maker and imbiber in our home so it was a fun challenge to create an item good enough for his experienced taste buds. After a few flops with the hearty cookie (not sweet enough, too bready etc.)…we nailed it. And, the real surprise? Andy guessed wrong on the gluten vs. gluten free versions. YES HE DID.
Montana Camp Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick), softened
- 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups flour (we obv used Bob’s Red Mill for this recipe but, honestly, it’s what we always use anyway for both white flour and gluten-free. I’ve long appreciated the company’s commitment to additive-free, wholesome, consistent products.)
- 1 1/2 cups oats
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups dried cherries, chopped
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar and honey. Add applesauce, vanilla, peanut butter and egg.
3. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add chopped cherries last.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet, a little bit at a time, until it’s all combined.
5. Spoon by the tablespoonful onto baking pan and cook for 20 minutes.
As I mentioned, we also made this recipe with Bob’s gluten free flour and it was fabulous. We recently found out Ruby has a gluten sensitivity so we’ve been studying GF baking. We’ve made things that are too dense and things that just don’t hold together (that glorious gluten is a powerful proteiny agent of chew!) I learned that Bob’s GF flour works so well because the protein in the whole grain sorghum flour helps give the cookies a purt-near wheat-like consistency. Honestly, it’s so close (see above example of my confused, cookie aficionado husband.) Other ingredients in this flour: brown rice flour, sweet white rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, xanthum gum.
It’s hard to wait for the cooling.
Our ski hill opens this weekend and I plan to give these cookies a whirl up there on the chilly lift. Looking forward to lots of Camp Cookie making in our future. Hopefully with just as much interpretive, chef knife dancing.
DETAILS.
→ I made my kids’ aprons. See them at www.digandco.com.
→ Wooden kitchen tools by my pal at Earlywood.
→ Check out the other 49 cookie recipes from the rest of our country in the 50 bloggers, 50 states, 50 cookies mission: United States of Cookies.
→ Click here for a printable coupon for Bob’s Red Mill flours.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
31 Comments
Wow! I’m surprised to see that you’re basically making an ad for a big corporation. I’ve been reading your blog since Ruby was born, literally. That’s where I came in to this lovely journey. I love the attention that you give to small businesses like your own. Large corporations don’t need any help, but small companies do. As much as I love to read your heart-filled words, this (and the trip seemingly paid for by Calgary Tourism) have left me rather… at a loss.
Rather Sadly,
A…
You feel like it’s a bummer because my business has grown and I now get paid every so often for things I write? The blogosphere has changed A LOT in the 10 years I’ve been at this. Sometimes I feel nostalgic for the days when I did this in my spare time and worked a full time job. But — WAY more than that — I am thankful that this is now my full time job. I get to be with my kids all the time and earn a little income while baking cookies and road-tripping to Canada. I get to work with businesses that support small business. Honestly? I’d hoped my longtime readers would celebrate this thoughtful evolution with me.
With love,
Nici
Nici,
I’m sorry that my heartfelt comment has made you rather angry. It wasn’t my intention to attack you or your choices for your family/blog/life. I’m thankful for all those things that you’re thankful for. I would rather celebrate more small businesses like yours and like the ones you have been championing for years. Again, this wasn’t an attack and I’m surprised that it was taken in that way. I would think that you have earned a little income from the support of your readers (as I have supported your shops myself) because we love you, your creative flair and your beautiful family. You have inspired me countless times through the years in innumerable ways. I’d hoped that as a longtime reader you would value my humble opinion and give it a small amount of thoughtful consideration.
Much love to your and yours,
Ann
Thank you for clarifying your intention, Ann. It’s true that tone can be hard to discern in writing. On that same vein: I wasn’t/am not angry but I was disheartened and defensive.
As an artist who shares her work, I am used to criticism and I welcome it. I like collaborations in my work, both in writing and making. It presents a challenge I appreciate. This is how I think of the businesses I work with: we are collaborating. We each bring a thing to the table and, together, make something else. For me to say yes (and, I say no to 99% of things tossed my way), it needs to feel good and right to me, my values. And I consider my readers big time. So I just felt misunderstood and judged as being untrustworthy when one of my primary goals in my work, life and relationships is to be trustworthy. And I am, through and through.
I know it isn’t up to me to particularly prove anything here. My time in this online arena is my track record, my resume. And, as a human who cares about what she does and wants to contribute to positive change, I wanted to respond one more time in this conversation (and I very much appreciate conversations like this!). I just have to do what I do and hope my art/craft/business/energy is received in the way I intend. And I have to be groovy with it when something I create is received differently! It’s part of doing what I do. I always like to stretch and learn from others. Best, Nici
This is a message for rather sadly A plus Nici.
I adore Bob’s Red Mill…
At a retirement age Bob gave his business to his employees… the employees are the owners…
People who work at Bob’s Red Mill are local folks with home town values…
Lucky me that while living in Washington State and back home in Montana I was able to use Bob’s Red Mill for my precious ones… you seemed harsh Ms… A…
I wanted to jump in front of that precious mother Nici and say politely, be careful of this little lady… she’s doing well what matters…
Angela
Mother of 4 children who grew up with Bob’s Red Mill….
I like this post (and the Calgary one too! I googled how far it is from Washington after….) and think you bring a great balance in your writing. You’ve stayed true to your values and I like how you always bring up a personal story when you share. I agree, pine nuts and figs sound awesome! Great job, Nici, glad to see you writing more!
Love Bobs anything and glad to see you reaping any benefits from a company we all use and love. Makes it all seem more homemade.
I love how you embody AND/BOTH! The world runs on both big and small businesses, and there is NO doubt you are passionate about the small businesses. I’m glad Calgary Tourism and Bob’s Red Mill are also passionate about supporting small businesses, because they chose YOU to work with. And, like everything else you do, you shared it in a way that is true to you. I’m so happy you’re finding new ways to grow your writing, your blogging, your art and your business and thankful that women have so many more ways to support their families while doing what they love. Wish my grandmas and mom had more of those opportunities back in the day.
xo
I might be slightly prejudice but I am also honest. I do not know anyone who puts more passion, truthfulness, kindness, intelligence and love in EVERYTHING you do…all this not only pays off in seeing the incredible little humans you are
nourishing , but companies and countries wanting to buy into you and your ideas. YOU are the real deal Burb!
xo
ps…the recipe in tucked away in my online recipe box!
Yeah – I liked both posts, too. Well done! If you start having sponsored posts from weapons manufacturers and big tobacco, then we can start worrying. Until then….carry on!
Have a wonderful day xo
I see don’t see the issue here. Perhaps it’s because I grew up with a few friends who became sponsored athletes. They would receive free gear, lift passes, trips…as well as a paycheck. Most of the time it didn’t seem that they were any different or better than myself. And yet those same opportunities didn’t turn up for me…and sometimes it was frustrating. However, I was always happy for them…they got paid to ski!!! And they are still the best people to ski with.
My wife works hard at this and I’m proud of her success! Heck, I’ll ski with her any day cause she hasn’t changed one bit.
Andy
Just one question about your recipe (which I plan to try myself this weekend). Your recipe calls for 1/4 c. of butter (one stick). But a stick is 1/2 cup.
I also want to add my appreciation and admiration for your ability to thoughtfully navigate growing a family and business with homegrown goodness, commitment to local community, whilst living in a global society. Cheers to you and yours.
Oh thanks! Yes, that’s a typo. Should be 1/2 cup! Buttaaaaaaaah
Longtime reader here…Love this post and the Calgary post. I’ve always been in awe of your talents, hard work, wonderful storytelling, advocacy for issues you care about, and the list goes on. I’ve also been inspired by your ability to use your platform for connection and community building. I’m thrilled you are getting the recognition and support that you so deserve. Big cheers to you, Nici, and keep on rocking all that you do!
Well geez, thank you, Kerri! I’ll keep rocking. 🙂
Love the recipe thank you for sharing
I’ve been gluten-free for 10 years now, and I love Bob’s Red Mill products. I’ve found that with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free One-to-One flour, I can substitute that in my pre-gluten-free recipes and they taste great! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Same! It’s nice to not have to fuss with a thing. It really works so well. We first notice Ruby’s sensitivities on her face…red dry patches. She definitely doesn’t have a full on allergy but when we cut gluten out, it vanished and now we use less and less.
Bob’s Red Mill brand is hardly a “big corporation”, though they are quite successful among natural foodies. 🙂
I love you blog, Nici. Love your commitment to family and as always, you inspire me.
<3
In the olden days, I would carry a small thermos of cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps. Of course, I didn’t share it with the kids, but I was popular with other adults on the ski lift. Another wonderful post!
If you are ever in Missoula and need a lift mate….
Thank you for this recipe (and the GF info). I first stumbled on your blog when Margo was very small and Ruby may have been a dream. I so enjoy seeing your posts and they bring a little bit of home into my Seattle living.
Oh, and thank you for the Earlywood recommendation…their utensils hold up so well with lots of use. I’ve now been using them for over a year.
Opps…autocorrect…Margot
Selfishly hoping you will experiment with a GF pizza crust at some point and share the recipe with your loving readers… 🙂
I have been reading your blog for many years, before Ruby was born and Margot was a just a baby! I love to read your about your thoughts and experiences and I have no problem with you getting income from your writing. I made these cookies tonight with some tweaks for our high altitude (an extra egg and tablespoon of flour) and they turned out great! Delicious in fact.
love your post…….. the grands and I will be making these cookies next week when they are on school break. Your little ones are growing like weeds – enjoy the day! Becky
No criticism here about any of the posts or companies. Love them all. I just wanted to throw in a piece of info on the gluten issue. My daughter has Celiac not just gluten sensitivity so ALL yummy treats seemed out of the question sadly. I started experimenting making her treats and like you said most things fall apart. I started with Bobs Red Mill Flour right off the bat! as time goes on you learn that just because it looks good doesn’t mean it tastes good. For the past several years I have been making all of the favorite recipes using Mama’s Gluten Free Almond ( or coconut) Flour. The taste is SO much better than using other GF flours you would not believe it!
And the best part is its a Montana Company!
Looks delicious! We switched to gluten free earlier this year for one of our children. I just want to share that there is xanthan gum in most gluten free flours and it can begin to cause digestive distress as well! We figured this out a few months ago. King Arthur flour makes a GF blend with no gums in it. You can use guar gum just like xanthan gum in GF baking — but guar does not cause the digestive upset. Everything has been great since we figured this out! Happy Baking!
Nici,
Long time reader- first time commenting. I love that your family is able to receive compensation in a way that fits who you are. Your Calgary post was fabulous and highlighted the kind of place that your family will go. I love Calgary and can see how it would be a good fit for your family! I didn’t see you selling anything that you wouldn’t do in real life– or at least the life you have represented on the blog. Healthy baking ideas… yeah, that seems like your family too! There is no guilt in making money doing things that are true to who you are.
I can’t think of a more intentional, honest, inspiring and innovative person. You have blazed the trail for many and while blazing… lifted up and shed light on small businesses (like mine) and by doing so, inspired me to be BRAVE. You have shared all that you worked for and earned… you willingly share and bring others in. I am grateful for your intentional love and thoughtfulness; community … and worldwide. You have found great balance.
This post made my emotions swell. My dad will be 73 on Monday and he has always carried dark chocolate in a little fanny pack while skiing and shared on the long lifts up the mountain. He taught me to ski when I was three (and I’ll be 30 in July) and for the rest of my life dark chocolate will taste like his arms around me on the chairlift, sunshiny slopes and the cold rush of skiing down the mountain. Your words and your heart amaze me, Nici. You are a gift.