I had a very active imagination as a child. My family went along with it.
My favorite television show was “Pound Puppies.” I had a few of the stuffed animals (honestly, I found one in the closet a few years ago and it looks like an early beanie baby).
However, Cooler the dog was also my best imaginary friend.
My family had been camping for a week and we had just packed up our entire campsite. We were all in the car, waiting to leave, when I told my father, “Daddy, we can’t leave yet! Cooler is still outside! We can’t leave without him!”
My father, bless his heart, then got out of the car, opened the door, and whistled and yelled for all to hear (and my father does have the reputation of being the loudest person in my family),
Here Cooler, come on boy! Here Cooler Cooler Cooler!
He then enthusiastically clapped and waited by the car door until I told him that Cooler had hopped in safely (and while the rest of my family died of embarrassment while the whole campground looked on).
I only hope that one day I’m that kind of parent.
Kid Approved Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip
a slightly healthier version of your favorite childhood cookie
Ingredients
- 1/2 c vegetable shortening
- 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 c white flour
- 1/2 c whole-wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 c quick-cook oats
- 3/4 c dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 c dried cranberries
How-to
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cream together shortening and sugars, then mix in egg, water, and vanilla.
- Add in flours, salt, and baking soda all at once and mix in.
- Add in oats, chocolate chips, and cranberries and evenly distribute through the batter (I find it’s best to use your hands for this step).
- Drop by teaspoonful onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until middle of cookies just starts to set (they’ll already look more golden brown because of the whole-wheat flour).
Makes approximately 20 cookies (this recipe easily doubles).
domestic diva, M.D. 
I had Pound Puppy sheets as a kid! Funny how they haven’t made a comeback like so many other “Characters” from that time.
I love the stories that go with each recipe! These cookies look fabulous. I can’t wait to try these out although I won’t tell the sweetie that there is whole wheat flour in them Jeanie
That is SO adorable 🙂
I had a Pound Puppy when I was little. I can’t remember his name, but I recall he was grey and black. I loved that thing and played with until long after it lost its nose and one of its eyes.
I totally had a pound puppy. And Rainbow Brite. And Strawberry Shortcake (who, by the way, was a much cooler version of herself way back when than she is now). And here is a recipe for “Mother Approved” Muffins… they seemed to fit the bill. http://sugardishme.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/mother-approved/
What a good story!
Sounds yummy. I can’t wait to try this recipe out! And I enjoyed the story as well.
Now I’m wondering if I was a hopelessly onadequate parent! 😉
Inadequate. Obviously!
Hahahahaha not at all! My own mother was dying of embarrassment 😉
Loved the Pound Puppies. I had a “fake” one and a “real” Pound Puppy growing up but I honestly don’t remember their names. I was hoping they would make a comeback while my kids were young but they are just growing up too fast! Great blast from the past (oh, and a fabulous cookie recipe also)!
Love your blog! Now I want cookies!! 🙂
I had pound puppies and my mom just got done making my kids their own pound puppies. 🙂 My brother had Barney as an imaginary friend and once while in the store Barney got into another ladies cart and we had to go chase the lady down and ask her to stop long enough so Barney could get back into our cart. LOL I cant wait to try the cookies! 🙂
They look fantastic. Thanks for posting the recipe, I’m definitely going to try these out.
I like that you use cranberry instead of raisins. I hate raisins.
I only like golden raisins in certain dishes. Otherwise I hate raisins, too!
These look delicious!! And I love your stories that start each entry 🙂
“Pick a pup, yes pick one now. Pick a pup, we’ll show you how! Pick a pup, one small or big. Yes pick a pup (pick a pup) to love your kid.”
My sisters and I loved Pound Puppies! This song is from the read-along book and record set we shared. Great memory.:)
Megs – Lovely story. Thank you – Susan
Ummm Yes! I loved the pound puppies, I even had the board game… Though I don’t remember the premise.
I am definitely going to have to make these! LOVE oatmeal cookies! : )
Can’t wait to try your cookie recipe. So good to share healthy food ideas for kids. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Looks great – love the story I can imagine your poor Dad – got to love Dad’s.
You always have the most inventive titles. Your personal accounts are written so warmly and casually, like what I’d expect to hear from a dear friend at a coffee shop. I love your creative writing style! It makes your blog such a joy to read!
Awww thank you so much!! It’s so great to hear that. 🙂
Awww such a lovely story!! And I cannot wait to try those delicious cookies once my vegan month is up ^_^
Amazing blog you have your DD M.D.!!!!
I had a friend when I was very small, also imaginary, called Gabble. One time when leaving on holidays, house locked, car packed and everybody waiting, I did likewise but my Dad had to go back into the house and let Gabble out.
I have grown up a little in the 50+ years since then. But not much.
Best,
Conor
My absolute favorite cookies! I won’t use shortening, though…just regular old butter! I’ve also been known to only use brown sugar and whole wheat flour. They used to be AMAZING with those tuxedo white-and-semi-sweet swirled chocolate chips, but I can’t find them anymore.
Your dad rocks. 🙂
Recipe looks delish:-)
Hey, I love cookies with cranberries and chocolate chips! I am definitely going to be making these scrumptious looking cookies.