Edible {Eggless} Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Making a big batch of chocolate chip cookies can be fun and rewarding. But, nibbling on the dough as you make your way through the cookie-making {and baking} process is sometimes the best part. {Am I right?}

For those who relish the occasional finger lunge {or spoon plunge} into the raw cookie dough mixing bowl, you can get your fix whenever the craving hits with this super easy, quick recipe.

With just a handful of basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up raw chocolate chip cookie dough that is just enough for one {or two - if you are up for sharing} servings. And, it is safe to eat because no eggs are used. All that's needed is toasted flour, a few other pantry staples, a little butter and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. And, just like magic - the perfect portion of cookie dough is ready just for you.

NOTE:  Toasting the flour prior to making the dough not only helps alleviate the possibility of e.coli, but it, also, contributes to a better-tasting end product. Furthermore, blending the raw dough together while the flour is just warm out of the oven helps with the overall texture of the dough. With no eggs present, the dough benefits from the warm flour as it helps slightly "cream" the butter together better with the sugars.

Yields 1 - 2 individual servings of edible, raw cookie dough for snacking.

Apple and Pear Crisp

If you're looking for a quick-to-assemble dessert that celebrates simple, seasonal ingredients, making an Apple and Pear Crisp just might be right up your alley. With some basic pantry ingredients {and some fruit, of course} and a tiny bit of prep time {mostly spent peeling and cutting the fruit}, you'll have this in the oven in a jiffy. All that'll be left to do is to sit back and enjoy the most tantalizing of aromas filling your kitchen. Like, seriously ... intoxicating. The end result is a slightly toothsome, buttery oat topping that bakes and bubbles up nestled among the nooks and crannies of tender slices of caramel-y, perfectly-spiced fruit. C'mon now. This is pretty much one of the most-comforting, old-school desserts on the planet.

Of course, any top-notch crisp must have a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top before digging in. {That's a given in my book.} The crisp can be served hot, warm or cold - whatever you prefer. And, I even give permission to enjoy any leftovers the next morning for breakfast. It's fruit and oats - breakfast staples, right?

Yields 6 servings.