first things. [almond butter cookies]

The very first first-thing: Thank you to EVERYONE who left very sweet comments on my last post. :) You guys are the greatest. Lots of cyber-hugs for all!

I’m a fan of firsts.

Whether it’s a sentimental attachment to the first book I read (“Are You My Mother?” by Dr. Seuss, in case you’re wondering) or a vivid memory of the first time I met my best friend in high school, they’ve always stuck out in my mind. Firsts are so full of the promise of something new and different, an adventure just over the horizon. They’re just exciting.

This week has been one for firsts as I’ve been moving into my new place for the school year.

We’re the first people to live in these apartments. The first laughs, the first fights, the first parties, the first all-nighters, the first breakdowns will all be on our watch. And it’s certainly comforting to know nobody has ever slept on my mattress. Or done anything else on my mattress. Ahem…

Here are a few of our house-firsts, christenings of the various appliances, etcetera. Along with what they may or may not tell you about my priorities ;)

First item in the refrigerator:

Not even mine, but I so appreciated how perfectly the Disney-themed apple-juice encapsulated my housemates’ general youthful spirit… and my Disney addiction. :)

First thing on my wall:

First thing I cooked on the stove… kind of.

First “gourmet meal” (ha!)

Um… so it turns out that like half of my boxes were filled with canned soup & these things, all of which I bought with my leftover meal points last year. I should probably open a soup kitchen. At any rate, I will be eating these for a few weeks… it happens.

First item on our couch:

My housemate embroidered it. It has polka-dots. I love it. 

And most importantly, the first use of my oven? You get three guesses… and the first two don’t count.

Cookies. Do I really need to interpret this for you?

I made these with a jar of almond butter I need to use relatively quickly before it expires… also found in the massive Hoarders-episode that is my pantry, along with some carob chips with a similar tale. I thought i may have added too much liquid, and while they definitely didn’t turn out as dense and chewy as I originally hoped, their pillowy softness and crisp edges made up for it. The entire (very small) batch was devoured by my mom and I within a day.

Almond Butter-Carob Chip Cookies
by me
Makes 8-12 depending on size

1/2 tablespoon ground flax
2-3 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup almond butter
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
small pinch of salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
~3 tablespoons carob chips (or to taste)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Stir together flaxseed and water in a small cup or bowl. Set aside and allow to thicken for a few minutes. In a medium bowl, stir together almond butter and sugar. Add in flax “egg”. Stir in other ingredients; if the dough is too thick, add a small amount of water or oil.

Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges have set.

 

Now that my kitchen has begun to be broken in, it’s time for some sleep in my nice, new bed. Tomorrow’s the first day of classes!

What are your favorite firsts?