Oatmeal "Raisins" Cookies - That's Raisins with an "S"

I'm on a baking kick my friends (as you can probably tell). I think I'm in the holiday spirit - and no, the name of the post is not a typo - it's "raisins", plural, not "raisin", singular. These Oatmeal "Raisins" cookies have three types of raisins: regular, golden and Craisins. There are a few things that I think make this cookie truly spectacular. 1) I soak the raisins in rum (yay rum!), then simmer them in water until they are plump and juicy. 2) I add cornstarch in addition to the baking powder and soda. 3) I add a lot more salt (I think I say this in every post). These are more traditional O.R. cookies. If you want something different try my "Sow Your Wild Oatmeal Cookies" which are spicier and have white chocolate chips. They are delicious too! These cookies are very easy, another great recipe for a holiday gift or just making a batch of cookies - who needs an excuse? Get the recipe after the jump.

Things I Love: Mother Shuckers Original Cocktail Sauce

First things first with a little disclaimer. Some cooking blogs don't like to post about products, and I totally see why. You want readers to feel that they are getting the straight scoop so-to-speak, not some paid-for or promoted product endorsement. However, there are certain items that I have discovered that I feel are of the highest quality and can really make life more delicious and cooking easier. The goal of Gour-Maybe? is to help my readers make better food so anything to that end is fair game on this blog! No product-focused posts on Gour-Maybe? are paid for or solicited. 

Now, onto the good stuff! I stumbled upon Mother Shucker's Cocktail Sauce on accident when I was in a pinch looking for something easy for some boiled shrimp I was craving. Yes, that's right, this girl was all cooked out after Thanksgiving! I just wanted to open a jar, boil some shrimp and be done with it. The name and packaging attracted me - it looks boutique, handmade, original - even says "Award-winning" so I gave it a shot.

Oh. My. God. This sauce is so good. Spicy, complex, fresh are just some of the terms I'd apply here. It's got a great color and just the right kick. I almost NEVER use a product straight out of the jar without tweaking it, adjusting seasoning and heat etc.  I also almost NEVER find a packaged product that is better than a fresh option. With that said, I would honestly not change a thing about this cocktail sauce, except make bigger bottles of it. I used it on boiled shrimp, but you could add it to a Bloody Mary or maybe just get a spoon or straw.

It will definitely be a Gour-Maybe? pantry/fridge staple. If your local store doesn't carry it, you can purchase it via their website here.

Try some for yourself and let me know what you think!