Vanilla Salted Peanut Cookies (and my extended absence)

It has been almost three weeks since my last post. That's a record for me. According to all the blog experts, this is also a way to lose readership.  Knowing all of these things, I have been in a rather miserable state of mind, and just couldn't muster up the mojo to write about food. I'm sorry.

My husband has been telling me that he's tired of seeing that Olallieberry Dutch Baby on my blog, so today I will change the recipe! What? 

Yes, there is a recipe in this post-- and please feel free to scroll past my personal update on why I've been absent. Here goes:

Many of my followers/readers/friends know that I underwent major surgery on June 11th.  I had a total left knee replacement.  I checked into the hospital, like a brave little soldier-- iPad fully charged, with all my iMagazines downloaded.  I factored in that there would be pain involved. I wrapped my mind around there being a six-inch scar down the middle of my knee. I carefully interviewed three orthopedic surgeons, and chose the one who has the best reputation in town.

The surgery was a success.  Technically.  There were some definite hiccups.  Like, my epidural went a bit awry, so when a team of physical therapists insisted I stand up on my new knee within four hours of surgery-- they couldn't grasp my desperate pleas for mercy.  My right leg was so numb (from the epidural) that I could not will it to move.  The pain!  Oh, the pain!

I had no idea I was capable of the  guttural screams that came out of my throat-- and I was not giving birth!  Once the epidural was removed, and I was given mega doses of gnarly pain meds, I began the arduous work of trying to walk with my new knee.  I threw up a lot, and food lost any hint of interest to me. I was discharged on Day #4. The ride home, in the car, wasn't pleasant at all. Getting out of the car was difficult-- as any movement to my knee made those screams come back.  I'm not gonna lie-- this is a worse pain than anything I have ever experienced!

Before I checked into the hospital, I baked these cookies for my husband.  He loves salted peanuts, and I spotted this recipe in King Arthur Flour's magazine subscription, "The Baking Sheet".  There's a lot of vanilla in this recipe, and it's what makes the recipe work. The cookies have a combination of  shortening  and butter, oatmeal (for texture), brown sugar and white chocolate chips-- all pantry staples.

Of course, you need salted peanuts.

The cookies were baked at 350F for 11-13 minutes.  I tasted the first batch and thought the cookies were good-- but nothing earth shattering.

 For batch #2, I sprinkled some extra sea salt on top.

Now, that's a good cookie! Yes, the salt was just what this cookie needed.

I got a little over four dozen cookies--and shared them with my co-workers.  One of them remarked that they tasted like "Pay Day Bars" (minus the caramel).

These cookies will satisfy those of you who love that sweet & salt (and crunchy) combo. Plus, they're super easy to make.

Where am I today?  It was been 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. Truth be told, the way I feel today, I am having seconds thoughts on my decision to have a knee replacement. Given the continuous pain, the horrible rash on my back (a reaction to the tape from the epidural), the nausea from the medication,  a total loss of appetite-- I've definitely had better days.  On the positive side, I have a fabulous physical therapist, who comes to my home three days a week. I, affectionately, call him my "Physical Terrorist".
That's another thing-- everyone told me to do my physical therapy, no matter what.  Let me tell you, that I admire anyone who can endure the pain of having your knee bent to break up scar tissue.  The screams that came from under the pillow that I placed over my face sounded like I was being skinned and flayed alive!  My knee is pretty much frozen stiff, and I'm trying my hardest to get it to bend.  Apparently, I am so paralyzed with anxiety and fear of pain that I'm causing my muscles to tighten.  No matter how many pep talks I've had, I haven't had a miracle breakthrough.  Is this a self-pity party? No! These are my honest feelings and angst.  Every day, I feel a little bit better and I know that this shall pass.

My future recipes:  I have three more weeks to work on my rehab, and plenty of time on my hands to write.  Sadly, I can't cook or bake, because I'm still relying on my walker for stability and support.  Plus, there's the lack of appetite thing that's going on. Hopefully, that will change-- and I can embrace the weight loss I'm having.

Thank you for listening to my surgery update.  I do miss the world of Food Blogging, as this is my creative outlet.  My husband and son have stepped up to the plate, to take care of my needs.  I feel blessed and very thankful for that. Thank you to those of you who have sent me private emails, wishing me well.  They truly do lift my spirits.

I miss not visiting my favorite blogs-- but in truth, food (at this time) has lost interest to me.  I know this is a very temporary thing. Most importantly, so are the bouts of boredom, despair and hopelessness.  I've been told this is perfectly normal.   I am not giving up food blogging!  I will be back!

Here's the printable cookie recipe card.