Hurricane Irene might have been hyped to the high-heavens, but it just rattled the windows and downed a few trees in the park nearby. While the storm didn't have much of an impact on the streets around me, it did cause a change in the kitchen. It inspired Santa Maria to do a little tinkering with her oatmeal cookie recipe. The storm may not have been one for the books, but this recipe is.

Hurricane Watch Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 c. good butter, softened (not melted)
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. flour
• ¾ t baking soda
• ½ t salt
• 2 t cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ¾ t vanilla
• 2 c. rolled oats

Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla;  mix or sift together flour, cinnamon, soda, salt; stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Then add the oats. Bake about 10 minutes in a 350 degree pre-heated oven.

Makes at least 4 dozen – enough for you and the neighbors and even enough to freeze a log for a future playdate.