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Keep vents clear when it snows

Houses have many different types of vents, some for exhausting dangerous carbon monoxide. Snow can often block these vents and create safety issues. Click the photo to learn the why’s and how’s of keeping them clean and clear.

Mary Ellen’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s Mary Ellen’s Birthday! She’s celebrating by sharing her recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enjoy!

Mary Ellen’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Modified from a recipe found on PreppyKitchen.com.

Makes 2 dozen.

Ingredients:

¼ cup whole wheat flour

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 ½ cups rolled oats (I use Quick Cook oats)

1 cup Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

In a food processor or with a mixer, combine the butter with both sugars. Beat or process until light and fluffy.

Reduce speed to low. Add the salt, vanilla and egg. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.

Add flour mixture. Mix until almost combined.

If using a food processor, add the oats and pulse until combined. Return to medium bowl and mix in the chocolate chips.

If using a mixer, mix the chocolate chips in by hand.

If dough is too soft, chill for about ½ hour in the fridge.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Use a 2 Tablespoon cookie scooper to drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart.

Flatten each ball of dough slightly.

Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. Depending on your oven, that could be anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet 1-2 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.