In some ways, I’ve been old all my life. Physically, I was born with a slight hearing deficit, near-sightedness has been with me since Grade Four, and my hair started turning grey when I was still in high school. My behaviour has often been grannyish, too – tea-drinking since twelve, defiantly knitting in my twenties and thirties, and pushing baked goods on all comers since I was old enough to stir a batter. For most of my life, those aspects of myself were characterized as quirks and sometimes even adorable emblems of my individuality. More recently, they’ve become evidence of my status as an oldster.
Now it’s my politics, my way of life, and many of my experiences that are seen as incongruous. Feminism in those over forty is getting a drubbing this week, in particular, thanks to Caitlin Flanagan and her disavowal of any understanding of how young women date these days.
At least I can take solace in baking, which is where this particular train of thought began. (You were wondering when I’d get to the cookies, weren’t you?) Taking a photo of these proved challenging and I’m once again impressed with the production team behind Dorie’s Cookies – the photo in the book is tantalizing.
However, these cookies are much more than they seem. They’re brownie-like in the centre surrounded by a shatteringly thin, crisp crust. They’re filled with chopped milk and dark chocolate, plump dried cherries, and cashews. Every bite is a tiny bit different, though equally delicious.
The worst thing about these cookies is that you have to wait for about 30 minutes for them to set after coming out of the oven. The best thing about them is that the unbaked cookies freeze well, so I’ve got a bag full of them in the freezer awaiting my next chocolate craving.
So, to wrap everything up in a neat bow, don’t reject a cookie because it doesn’t photograph well. Remember that there is a diversity of experience and belief at every age. And looking ahead, don’t dismiss a senior’s quirks and foibles as a symptom of age. It’s pretty likely they’ve been that way all along and that their life experiences might seem as up-to-date as your own, upon closer examination.
January’s Dorie’s Cookies goodness can be found here and here at Tuesdays with Dorie.
One Wet Foot 
Hey, I’m old before my time as well! And I also found these incredibly difficult to photograph. But incredibly easy to eat!
Kindred spirit! I only baked a few and froze the rest of the “pucks” because I suspected they’d be easy to eat!
Teresa, I found the tie in to the political turmoil and baking quite moving. I hope that I get to try chunkers someday. Your description of shattering edges with a chewy center is a real selling point for me. It sounds like this recipe is a keeper and its worth the 30 minute wait.
Yesterday I was part of the studio audience for The Chew. Of course nobody said anybody about MARIO, but I couldn’t help but notice that all of the camera people and most of the higher level staff were all men and the warm up comic made many sexist offensive jokes.
Thanks so much! I’m glad that people want to come along with me on my tangents.
The cookies are so worth making and perfect for baking a few at a time. I’m looking forward to having the leftovers tonight with my new favourite tea (Scottish Caramel Pu’er).
Your story about The Chew is fascinating and sadly unsurprising. There’s a long way to go.
wise words and delicious cookies!
Thanks, Steph!
Having an old soul is a good thing. I always enjoy your musings. These cookies were devilishly good and I should have froze some dough. We are enjoying them every last bite. Happy New Year.
Yeah, I’ve been accused of that a time or two. I think people that are a little more introspective have a different set of filters that can be confusing to those who are less so.
It’s hard to feel too old with a cookie in hand though… 🙂
I think they photograph super sumptuous and yummy, in the case of your photo, Teresa!
Yum, I am so looking forward to making these. So much chocolate! Yours looks delish. I took up baking in my early thirties and haven’t looked back. It is my rock and my solace. I also get a kick because it makes others happy. Yeah! Bake on.
There is a hashtag that Sarah Owen used that I love. Baketheworldabetterplace. Sp Bake on Teresa, Bake on.