SINK COOKIES

Although these litle cookies do not have a delicate name, they are nonetheless the most interesting and tasty combination of buttery shortbread to pass the lips. They have a little bit of "everything except the kitchen sink" in them which is why they have earned such a distinction.

Sink Cookies will surprise your family and friends because they will only be left guessing what makes them so rich and crunchy. The answer lies in the unique combination of Rice Crispies cereal, oatmeal and nuts. However, the best part about this recipe comes in its preparation where the only required tools are: a one cup measure, a half-cup measure, a teaspoon, a big bowl and mixing spoon. With that short list, there won't be a lot of mess left in your kitchen sink to clean up afterwards!

SINK COOKIES

1 cup of pure cane sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup oil
1 egg
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon REAL vanilla
1 cup of oatmeal
1 cup Rice Crispies
1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1 cup coconut
1 cup nuts
1 12 ounce package of chocolate chunks

In a very large bowl mix sugars, oil and butter. Add egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar and and gradually mix in with the sugar mixture. Then mix in the remaining dry ingredients and roll into balls. Flatten onto a ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.

In honor of National Hot Tea Month, enjoy these cookies with a cup of Sunset Chai tea available for purchase from www.coffeeroastersoflasvegas.com. It is the most delicious decaffeinated chai tea I have sampled and is made from a blend of organic rooibos tea, cardamon, cinnamon, ginger,cloves and pink pepperberries. A good friend of mine gave this tea to me as a gift, and ever since then, each night before bed I enjoy this lovely the' au lait steeped with skim milk, a touch of buckwheat honey and a Celyon cinnamon stick for good measure. Merci beaucoup un ami, c'est fantastic!