'Put A Ring On It' Cookies

Have I ever told you that my husband proposed to me just a few short days after I made cookies for him?  It is true.  He was working 3rd shift and he and two of his work buddies shared rides.  One week, Dude A would drive.  Next week, Dude B would drive.  And the next week would be My Guy's turn to drive.  When we met, he drove a gnarly silver beast that smelled to high heaven of diesel fuel and dusty pleather.  Never picturing myself to date the cow farmer type, I laughed as I would refer to Todd's big Dodge Ram as the "ag class truck," because it looked just like that -- something someone interested in agriculture would drive.  Stereotypically speaking, of course.  When we met, he lived out in the sticks, you see.  And for that reason, I guess he needed to have something big and burly to drive so as not to fall off into those potholes that is northern Nowata County.  But I digress.

I knew I wanted this man for the rest of my life.  I knew I wanted to have his babies, oooh weeee, I certainly did!  That's how love is:  You just know.  So, one night on a whim and with some rather giddy anticipation, I baked up a batch of these puppies, blew on them right quick with my single-girl hair dryer with the setting on 'cool,' loaded them up onto a pretty plate, and hopped in my Jeep to meet the man I would eventually marry.  

When I arrived at the stop, it was dark and a little spooky.  After all, I'm not from the country.  I'd beaten the guys to the meet-up spot, so I waited.  I turned off the radio, wiped my clammy hands on my britches, and looked over at the plate of cookies beside me all covered with care in foil.  This is it, I thought to myself.  He's gonna think I've lost my ever-lovin' mind.  But I stayed put.  Did you hear me say that I even turned off the radio?  That's how nervous I was!  If you know me at all, you know I would NEVER turn my back on good music.  But that night, I did.  Love makes us do crazy things, you know.  I could hear the crickets singing songs for the wilderness.  I could see the moon shining so brightly in that clear sky, its love for me pouring down like an aura of well wishes.  

Soon, I saw a truck turn down the gravel road.  Even sooner, the truck wheeled into the spot right beside me.  I was embarrased, y'all!  But it was too late to change my mind; I had already committed myself to this act.  I saw him look over, smile, and nod.  Good, I told myself.  He's glad to see me, at least.  In my record player mind, "Brickhouse" was on loop, and I sure did feel mighty mighty.  I tried to play it cool as he took his time gathering his industrial-sized lunch box, safety goggles, and what I remember looked like a Carhart fuzzy-lined hooded jacket.  It was navy, and it smelled of shop.  Todd got out of the ag class truck as I unloaded myself from my beautiful gray-blue Jeep and went around to the passenger side to collect those cookies.  I remember telling myself to be careful, be careful, it's dark, don't trip.  You see, this was all unfamiliar territory:  The country.  The terrain.  Love.  

"Heyyyy," I said lazily.  "How are you?"  Sexy.  Act sexy!
"Good, Liz.  How are you tonight?"  I was for sure I could see him shaking, that's how terrified he was.
"Oh, I'm swell.  Say...I baked you these cookies," I held out the plate in front of me.  I come bearing gifts, after all; didn't I tell him that already?
"You did?  Well.  Well.  You didn't have to do that!  What kind are they?"  He was even more nervous than I was.  I could really tell.  He was, like, quakin' in his steel-toed boots.  And it was as if we could feel each other's hearts beating wildly and loudly, drowning out even the crickets.  I could see his face in the moonlight, and he could probably see mine.
"They're chocolate chip, of course.  That okay by you?"
"Yeah, sure!"  We locked eyes.  The flame heightened.  Then we were cut off prematurely as Dude B rounded the corner off the highway in his little rumblebug.  I decided that while Dude's car looked like a pregnant roller skate, it was probably very good on gas mileage and therefore a wise choice for someone who shared rides.  A Chevy, it probably wasn't too horrendously expensive to fix when something fell off of it or messed up, too.  He has sensible friends, I thought.  Oooh, perfect package, all in one!  Score!  Mighty, mighty!

Dude glided into the spot beside the ag class truck and turned off the engine.  He was married, so he probably knew good and well what was getting ready to happen.  He probably could spot two "kids" in love from a mile away, that guy.  I secretly thought to myself that Todd was going to be chided for swapping spit spur of the moment like this, but I did not even care.  They're gonna talk, so let's give 'em somethin' to talk about.

"Okay, well!  Guess I'll let you get on to work now.  I hope you have a good night!"  I remember smiling shyly, hoping I looked real pretty under the glow of that moon.  It was April, just like it is April tonight.  
"Thanks, Liz.  I'll call you tomorrow morning when I get off.  And, hey, thanks for the cookies.  They're not getting any, either!"  He smiled back at me.  Only, I think he said "ain't."  But I just refuse to tell my story using ain't.  The look on his face told me he was pleased I'd come there to meet him.  I never wanted to forget that look, the look of love he had for me that night, there under the stars.  Something had switched gears for him right then.  He had some thinking to do, after all.  I was gettin' pretty serious if I had baked for him, you know.  Or, I guess that's how men think, I honestly don't know.  But if you ask me (and I know, I know you did not), if you ask me, THAT is when he decided I was The One for him.  That I would care enough to bake for him and go out of my way (on a work night, no less!) to make him happy.  I truly believe he'd been on a cliff about me, teetering between yes and no, and that very night was the point at which he up-righted his heart and stood strong for yes.  

Two nights later, This Guy showed up at my beautiful little garage apartment.  Oh boy, I was nervous, too.  He had called me prior to coming, and told me he had something very important he needed to talk to me about.  I just KNEW he was going to break it off.  KNEW it.  But when he arrived, I let him in and he took a seat on my sofa, very businesslike and serious.  Here it comes.  Tune in Tesla's Love Song and get it over with, already.  I sat down, nervous and about to puke my guts up from the dread in my stomach mixed with all the heartache I had been anticipating about for 3 hours.  Just as nervous, he stood up and retrieved something from his pocket.  He then got down on one knee and took my hand in his.  

"Liz.  I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Will you be my wife?"  He was so, so serious.  I could see clear through to his heart just then.  I could see love, and I think I could have tasted it, too, if love ever had a taste.  
"Yes.  YES!  I will!!!"  I remember that I brought both hands up to my mouth and covered it, for I did not know whether to cry or scream.  Shell-shocked.  Jolted.  I had not expected THIS, after all.  This.  THIS!

I'll always believe it was these cookies that sealed the deal for me.  Always.  No changing my mind, not after 14 years.  No matter what happens between Todd and I, never do I want to forget how he looked at me that night at his meet-up spot when I brought him these special cookies.  I don't ever see that look in his eyes anymore; too much has happened.  Too much between us has been compromised.  But at least I can remember how it felt back then, and it did feel grand and eloquent and beautiful.  If I close my eyes, I can make myself imagine it again.  It's there, and I can feel a little inkling of it inside me...but it goes away almost as soon as it comes on.  Fleeting.  But for a moment, I had it.  WE had it.  If love had a flavor and I had to put my wedding finger on what that flavor reminds me of, love would taste like these cookies.  After all, they sure did make Todd put a ring on my finger.  Only love can do that.  Only love can work that magic.  It's true.

I hope you will make these soon.  Perhaps you've already made something similar, and that's fine and dandy, too.  Go ahead, make them again.  A big 'ol double batch, too!  Then deliver them on keepsake plates to the people whom you love.  They'll not soon forget a lovely gesture like this one.  They'll not soon forget you.

Put A Ring On It Cookies (Magic Cookies)
1 c softened butter (real butter/no margarine allowed!)                        1 tsp baking soda
3/4 c brown sugar                                                                                       1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 c granulated sugar                                                                                 1 c milk chocolate chips 
1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding powder                                              
2 eggs (room temperature)
1-1/2 tsp real vanilla extract
2-1/4 c flour

1.  Preheat oven to 350.

2.  Cream together the butter & sugars in a large mixing bowl.  Stir in dry pudding mix.  Add vanilla.

3.  Beat in 1 egg at a time.

4.  In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.  Slowly add dry mixture to wet ingredients.  Carefully stir in chocolate chips.

5.  Spoon onto cookie sheet as desired, taking care to allow for spreading.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes, give or take a few, and watching closely.  You want the center to look a little undone.  Allow to stand on sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to baking racks to cool. 

6.  Enjoy!  These don't last too long around my house.  Chances are, they'll soon be scarce at yours, too.