Join us every Thursday morning at the Richmond Memorial Library as we read and discuss, The Birchbark House by Louise Erdich

Notebooks will be provided to registered participants to maintain a weekly journal of *chapter summaries*

Since we are fitting a lot into 30 minutes we are hopeful that everyone is here and ready to begin promptly at 10:00 am. Recommended age for participation is 8 to 14.

*The chapter summaries are an optional homework assignment and format can be determined by parents based on the writing skill level of each child.

Registration will begin January 2, 2009

Start Date: 1/15/09

Contact the Children's Room for more information

Richmond Memorial Library

19 Ross Street

Batavia, NY 14020

585-343-9550

www.batavialibrary.org

Ok...so these are far from homemade. But trust me when I say they are fantastic. Everytime I've taken them somewhere I'm asked for the recipe, which I embarrassingly provide. :)

Yields about 2 dozen.

1 (9 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)

2/3 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

1 egg

     (following ingrediants are optional)

* 1 tsp almond extract

*1/2 cup chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms (your preference)

* For a healthier cookie, substitute raisins in place of the chips.

I personally love the, "healthier" part. As if there is anything healthy about a stick of butter and cake mix!

Preheat oven to 375. In a mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, oatmeal, butter and egg. Stir in the chips (if using). Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately remove to wire racks to cool.

I have a question. Perhaps this is mentioned somewhere on this site already. If so I apologize. How did TheBatavian develop? It's a great idea...just curious.