Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, peanut butter and vanilla until thoroughly incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in both of the sugars and scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Add half of the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture with one egg and mix well. Scrape down sides of the bowl. Mix in remaining half of the flour mixture and add remaining egg. Mix thoroughly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add ground peanuts and mix until just incorporated. Dough will be thick.

Use two tablespoons or small scoop to form balls using 1-1/2 tablespoons of dough. Roll each ball in sugar and place approximately 2 inches apart on sheet. Use the bottom of a sugar coated glass to flatten the balls. Form crosshatch designs on top of the cookies using the tines of a fork. Bake the cookies for approximately 13-14 minutes, until golden around edges and browned on the bottom. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2-1/2 minutes and then remove to racks to cool completely.

                         

Spring has finally arrived in Hull.  Today there is a lovely ocean breeze, the sun is shining brightly and “China” is dying to get outside to chase something around the yard. So with camera in one hand and crutch in the other, I set out to record some of this magical beauty for those of you who have marveled at my ocean view. Yes, we have a spectacular location, and I often times take it for granted. To have a great view of the ocean is one thing, but to have a great view of the ocean and the bay simultaneously………..well, that is just down right decadent. And my friends, that is the “curse” I must endure 24/7…365. And it gets even worse…. we have some of the most celebrated beaches along the New England shoreline, are home to the nation’s oldest and operating “carousel” are only 30 minutes away from Boston via ocean shuttle and enjoy natural “air conditioning” during most of the summer. We have two “windmills” that supply power for our town’s schools and street lights, and are in no danger of running out of fresh seafood anytime soon.  Now………. let me set the record straight on a couple of things that you should also know.  In addition to this splendid overdose of oceanic panorama and coastal charm, we do pay the price……heavily, every time a Nor’easter or violent thunderstorm lands in our backyard.  While high above the ocean’s wrath down below, we do suffer wind damage, downed power lines and tree limb amputations. Anything not bolted down securely can become an air borne missile within seconds………and that also includes “gas grills” and heavy wrought iron furniture.  Also we are in line with Logan International’s key runways, so “The Friendly Skies” are a constant acoustical accompaniment during most of the day and evening. HOWEVER, we wouldn’t trade this location for all the tea in China, so there will be NO “For Sale” sign in the foreseeable future. What you will see however, are a couple of views from our home atop “Allerton Hill”……also known as the location of “The Kennedy Summer Home”. I will share more of that later, since once again this post is taking on a life of its’ own and I’m just along for the ride. So enjoy these sample pictures.  I’ll have many more to share once summer is officially here and this “small” seaside community blossoms into a magnificent “Kodak” moment.

I start with the basic “Apple Pandowdy” recipe from “The All New All Purpose “Joy of Cooking” on page 894. I quadruple the recipe (i.e. 16 medium apples, etc.) and add one 12 ounce bag of whole (fresh or frozen) cranberries. Additionally, I include the zest from one orange and a tablespoon of good dark rum. These additions add vibrancy and zest, while comfortably pairing the fruit with the complimentary spices.