The Perfect Place to Begin

Right where you are is the perfect place to begin. And yes – we are talking about Cookies and Christ.

Mistakes will be made.
Even with the best of intentions, we all fall short–
Be it in action, speech, progressing in spirituality, or experimenting in the kitchen.​

Recently, I was walking with some friends while finishing up a phone call. Seemingly without warning, I stumbled. Literally, I went from being upright and leisurely walking to tumbling. My phone went flying ten feet in front of me, and my left shoulder braced my hard fall.  I was “fine”. My friends gasped, gathered my phone, and quickly joined me in laughter as I simply had no explanation for the near face-plant.  

​I fall.
I fail.

​But it’s okay. I know exactly how to get up.
My character and relationship with my Savior are strengthened not by obsessing about avoiding the fall- but by getting up, over and over, and trying again.

​Like discipleship, becoming a great baker and treat maker takes effort, attention to detail, and the ability to let go of mistakes. It takes being willing to start over and try again when things in the kitchen turn sideways or end up upside down – literally and figuratively.

​Growing our belief in Jesus Christ will take continued desire, effort, and study. And, just like in baking, letting go of mistakes.

God the Father sees and understands all of our efforts. He meets us right where we are and sends His Son, Jesus Christ, to do the same. We don’t need to reach a certain level of spirituality to be able to deserve all that the Savior can be for us. You and I simply get to choose, every day, how much we let Jesus Christ into our life, and how much we share His light with others.

In this season of Cookies and Christ, You will note a different format than past seasons. Most of the posts are portions of a three-part series. There are extended invitations to grow your faith.  I’ve contemplated the stories that seemed to matter most as I’ve grown my own faith. Some are re-told this season paired with what I note as compelling thoughts as I continue my discipleship today.

​As you journey through this season of Cookies and Christ, don’t be afraid to fall— in growing through your discipleship for Christ, and in the kitchen.

You will occasionally fall.
Just get up and try again…

And yes, we are talking about Cookies and Christ!

-JC

Reese’s S’mores Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup soft butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 egg and 2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
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15 Campfire size marshmallows
30 Reese’s Thins peanut butter cups
___
⅓ cup additional peanut butter
3 oz. milk chocolate bar

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and brown sugar until well combined.
• Mix in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla just until combined. Do not overmix.
• Add dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
• Divide or scoop dough into 30 equal balls. (approximately 1.65 oz. each)
• Gently roll into a ball and  place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 12 minutes.
• Slice 15 campfire size marshmallows in half (width-wise, preserving circular shape).
• Place the cut side down on the center of each baked cookie.
• Return to the oven on the Broil setting for just 30 seconds or until tops are toasty.  
• Place Reese’s peanut butter cup in the center of each toasted marshmallow, slightly pressing down.  
• Melt ⅓ cup additional peanut butter, then drizzle the top of each cookie. 
• Drizzle the top with melted chocolate bar.
• Let set. Share!