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Everybody loves these cookies, I get requests for them all the time. I've probably made these more often than any other kind, even chocolate chip.

Vanilla Chip Cookies
3/4 cup butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 package (12 oz) vanilla chips

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in large mixing bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

My Mom's apple crisp was one of my favorite desserts when I was younger. Unfortunately it was one of those recipes she just knew and it was never actually written down. I've been experimenting off and on for a few years trying to recreate it, but it never turns out quite right. Lately my Dad has also been experimenting and this is what he came up with. It's not my Mom's recipe, but I tried it out and it's really good so I'm officially calling it Dad's Apple Crisp.

For the Filling:
8 medium Gala apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter in a large bowl. Add the apples and toss until coated. Transfer apples to a large skillet and add 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat for 20 minutes. Transfer apples to an 8x8 baking dish.

For the topping:
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until dry and crumbly. Sprinkle topping over apples. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 F. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Peanut butter cookies with bits of Heath bars (milk chocolate and toffee)

Heath Bits Peanut Butter Cookies

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park