KNIVES & CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL RAISIN PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES aka KITCHEN SINK COOKIES

Knives are another of those subjective items.  Especially with knives it is extremely important to go for what feels good and is easy for you to use.  I have some Cutco knives that I love, but can't afford (mine were a gift) to add on to as a set.  I also have some of the older Pampered Chef knives that I love, but their newer ones are just not the same quality. I have a couple from the restaurant that my dad and grandfather ran when I was a baby and I also have some old Wilkinson knives from my maternal grandmother that I love!  I have a lot of knives, like cutting boards I use a clean one with the change in food and use.

I prefer a French, German or Brazilian made knife, but that too is a personal preference.

I think that there are a few essentials that will get you by in any kitchen:

• SANTOKU - I like this over a traditional chef's knife because it is a bit shorter with a thinner and broader blade. The indentations on the side make it easier to cut through food by creating air pockets that reduce the friction to make for a smoother cut.
• UTILITY -  this knife will become your best friend - it's the ALL PURPOSE knife that does everything that the specialty knives don't.
• PARING - great for coring, peeling and trimming vegetables especially.  I have several of these. 
• CLEAVER - This one doesn't get used much, but is essential if you need to cut through bones.
• BONING - The long, narrow, thin blade of this knife works to get into tight places when you're trimming fat and tendons away.
• BREAD - scalloped teeth of a serrated edge is great for cutting through bread and softer foods. 
• SLICER - a long thin bladed knife that is ideal for slicing roast beef.
• POULTRY SHEARS - these are essential if you want to cut up your own chickens.  Many times I can save a ton of money by buying the whole bird and cutting it apart myself for fried chicken.
• MANDOLINE - okay I know it really isn't a knife, but it has a sharp metal edge so I include it in this category.  Don't skimp on this, get a good quality.

I recommend that you keep your knives sharpened.  A good quality sharpener is as easy to use as your most comfortable knife.

CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL RAISIN PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES aka KITCHEN SINK COOKIES
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup maple sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Jumbo eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cups minced walnuts
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup golden raisins

• Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and espresso powder.
• Cream butter and peanut butter together.
• Add the sugars and cream again.
• Add the vanilla and eggs and cream until smooth.
• Gradually add flour mixture until well blended.
• Add oatmeal until well blended.
• Add nuts and combine well.
• Add chocolate chips and combine again.
• Add raisins and mix well.
• Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
• Press down slightly.
• Bake 12-15 minutes.