It's been one of those days where chocolate is the only remedy

Today has been one of those days where everyone in the office here at The Brazil Times is looking for a pick-me-up!

For those who don't know what life is like at a newspaper office: No two days are alike, no matter what role you play in the newspaper business.

Workers balance their day between repetitive chores and frantic deadlines in an often "thankless attempt" to provide honest, entertaining and pertinent information for the public. There are days when the creative process provides us with a sense of accomplishment, but they are often rare.

We are human, so mistakes occur around here. But how many of you readers have your mistakes -- no matter how big or small -- pointed out? Trust me, after several e-mails or phone calls about a missing comma or a misused word, which arouses your inner beast, the work day becomes very difficult.

Needless to say, the past few months have been extremely hectic.

During this time, many of us have become -- shall I say -- with the "fickle giddies."

That's when conversations about how to brighten our day begin.

It was "hump day," and although there was a "rowdy discussion" about our favorite alcoholic beverages, the topic quickly changed to an office favorite, chocolate.

"I just want a recipe for gooey chocolate chip cookies," one co-worker announced when I asked the office about a recipe for my blog. "Chocolate fixes everything."

Well, I'm not sure if my recipe can fix everything, but they might help mellow your troubles.

Ultimate Everything Cookies

1/2-cup granulated sugar

1-cup packed light-brown sugar

1 cup softened butter

1/4-cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 1/4-cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal

1/2-teaspoon baking soda

1-teaspoon salt

1-teaspoon instant coffee

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter chips

1/4-cup of gold raisins

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding five slices of finely chopped crispy bacon to the mix.

While the oven is heating to 350 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the first five ingredients until mixture is light in color and then add the eggs one at a time until mixed.

In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Either by hand or with the mixer on low speed, gradually beat the flour in to the sugar mixture until just incorporated.

Stir in the oats, raisins, nuts and chocolate/peanut butter chips by hand.

Drop 1-inch balls of dough on a cookie sheet, placing then about 1 1/2 inches to allow room to spread.

Bake for 10-13 minutes, until golden brown at the edges and light golden color at the center.

Cool on baking racks.