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Monday, May 07, 2007

A Taste of Yellow

When I first read Barbara's A Taste of Yellow post, I knew immediately that I'd be participating. For I am a cancer survivor. I kicked it's ass and I'm quite proud of it. I had to give up the option of ever having kids, and although that saddens me at least twice a day, it was a small price to pay for being able to still be here with my family and friends.

supportinglaf_2c

In November of 2005, I was called back in to see my doctor after having a routine pap smear. The first one I'd had in 4 years.* I was then sent to my OB/GYN who did a biopsy, which came back positive. 'kay so I just wrote two paragraphs of what I went through and deleted it.. suffice to say that after all attempts at saving the cervix failed, my only option was to have a radical hysterectomy including removal of the near-by lymph nodes.

Amazingly my bout with cancer lasted 2 months only. It's amazing how far some cancer treatments have come. When first diagnosed, I thought for sure I'd be dealing with this for at least 6 months. This past December, I had my 1 year check-up and all results came back negative. =)

So you see, I am eternally grateful for people like Lance Armstrong and his LIVESTRONG Day as well as Barbara of Winos and Foodies and her A Taste of Yellow event - these are survivors who take action, who try to make a difference. I don't believe for a minute, that cancer treatment and cures would be where they are today if it weren't for people like Lance and Barbara raising awareness about cancer issues. And that's a true statement.

It is with great pleasure that I can participate in such a worthy cause, even if it's just with a simple recipe that took no more than 30 minutes of my time. To even be a miniscule part of helping to make people aware, is a great honor. Thank you to Barbara for organizing this wonderful event! =)

Well.. my yellow food, she ain't yeller. But she smells yellow and she tastes yellow - so that counts right? Months ago as I clicked on one of my favorite blogs, Danielle's Habeas Brulee, I found a post she had written about finding a piece of scrap granite that was hers for the taking, and all the ass pain she went through to get that free slab of stone home.

Lemon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Although Danielle's post was fun to read, it was the cookies that stayed in my memory these past 5 months. I KNEW I'd make them at some point. It may not have been immediate, but I knew they wouldn't sit in my "Must Make" pile forever. The cookies are called "Lemon Chocolate Chunk Cookies" and the photo she shared of them was extremely drool-worthy. Oh yeah, baby.

I had found an excellent opportunity to make these cookies, as they were a pretty shade of yellow and fit the requirements of this event perfectly. Now, I followed Danielle's recipe - my only change was to use chips instead of chunks of chocolate (as I had depleted my stash of good chocolate on The Martha's Crepe Cake) - but mine did not turn out looking even remotely like hers. Mine look like your normal chocolate chip cookie, with maybe a slight twinge of lemony color. But what's fabulous about them is you can smell the lemon and when you take a bite, the lemon flavor stands out. It's wonderful.. truly. And as we all know.. I'm all about the chocolate/citrus combo these days, eh? (DUDES! I'M THE FIRST BROWNIEBABE! WOOOOO!!)

I'm copying Danielle's recipe exactly as she has it on her blog, but I really urge you to go check it out for yourselves. You'll see what I mean about total drool worthiness. Not to mention, this gal can cook! If you haven't been reading Habeas Brulee yet - do yourself a favor and click on over there and read, read, drool, read!

Lemon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Danielle's Lemon Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Courtesy of Danielle of Habeas Brulee

1/2 C unsalted butter
Zest of 4 lemons
3/8 C granulated sugar
3/8 C packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/8 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 C chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 375º.

You can use store-bought chocolate chips for this if you like, but I prefer to take a hunk of good chocolate and cut it into large chunks myself.

Cream the butter, lemon zest, and sugars together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. At low speed, beat in the flour, salt, and baking soda just until blended. Add the chocolate chunks and mix in until evenly distributed.

Prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Place heaping tablespoons of dough on the baking sheets about 2″ apart.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and done.

Lemon Chocolate Chip Cookies

*Note: Ladies, please don't be stupid like I was. As much of a pain in the arse it is to get your yearly pap smear done, it's crucial that you do not skip it. Had I not blown my test off for 4 years, the cancer could have been caught in the early, early stages and I'd most likely still have all of my pieces parts. This means the decision to have children or not, would not have been taken away from me, without my having a choice.

xoxo

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Comments on "A Taste of Yellow"

 

Blogger Brilynn said ... (5/07/2007 11:35 AM) : 

You're a very deserving browniebabe!

And I remember that post of Danielle's because I thought it was hilarious, I'll have to try the cookies now too.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/07/2007 11:55 AM) : 

Hi Lis - thank you for sharing your story...
What a lovely entry - you've proven that lemon and chocolate are definately a winning combination! Congrats you browniebabe, you! ;)

 

Blogger breadchick said ... (5/07/2007 12:14 PM) : 

Lis, you are so my hero!!! I bake bread, your post may save a life or two. And...I just called to make my first appointment in 5 years, all because of your post.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/07/2007 1:57 PM) : 

Did you hear that? That noise? That was me screaming in agony--because i want one of those cookies now! Oh well, I'll use this as a way to develop self control--until I make them. Then I'll abandon all attempts at restraint!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/07/2007 2:09 PM) : 

Lis,

To me, you are YELLOW and beautiful to the maximum! I would a million of these cookies in a heartbeat.

 

Blogger Meeta K. Wolff said ... (5/07/2007 2:32 PM) : 

Lis! My heart goes to you. Your story touched me incredibly - to tears. I'd love to come over and just give you a huge hug and of course indulge in one or two of those cookies.

 

Blogger Cheryl said ... (5/07/2007 4:47 PM) : 

Lis, I have always thought you were a babe, but now an official brownie babe.

Thanks so much for telling your story. I go ever year for my test and will make sure I keep doing so because of your encouragement.

Those cookies are just not fair. I am sending you a self-addressed stamped envelope. One cookie please? I don't care if it is crushed when it arrives, I can lick the crumbs.

 

Blogger Callipygia said ... (5/07/2007 5:33 PM) : 

I'll be definitely making these cookies soon- in honor of glorious YOU! So glad you're healthy and radiant today.

 

Blogger Columbus Foodie said ... (5/07/2007 6:39 PM) : 

Thanks for being courageous enough to share your story - now I know where you get your spirited streak, it's from being a fighter and a survivor. :)

The cookies look DEEELICIOUS.

 

Blogger Jenny said ... (5/07/2007 9:28 PM) : 

Thanks for sharing Lis - and to make you feel better, I get my pap this Friday (ugh every time, but I still do it every year.)
Off to go read about your brownies now!

 

Blogger Helene said ... (5/07/2007 9:43 PM) : 

You are my rock star! I can totally see you telling the booger vancer off! About the kids, perfect auntie, godmother and remember to call Paula so she can start having your kids!
I love you da'ling.
You rocked that browniebabe month and I can vouch for your brownies, I ate half the pan!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/08/2007 7:24 AM) : 

Oh sweetheart...I had no idea! And now I understand why you were talking to me about getting a pap smear many months ago...

Beautiful cookies. And I'll be calling my doctor tomorrow morning to schedule my first ever pap smear. Thank you for sharing your story :)

 

Blogger Patricia Scarpin said ... (5/08/2007 9:32 AM) : 

Hey, sweetie!! You're a winner and I'm so proud to having met you!

I keep my visits to the doctor on schedule because of what happened to my mom. And what a great thing you did here, warning all your readers!

You're right - Danielle's post is hilarious. And these cookies are divine!
xx

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/08/2007 12:45 PM) : 

Wow, what a story. That's one of the happiest endings to a cancer story I've ever heard. I'm so proud of you for beating it, and grateful that you shared the tale.

And thank you! I'm so flattered. Your rendition of the cookies looks stunning.

Congrats on being the browniebabe!

 

Blogger Kelly-Jane said ... (5/08/2007 3:28 PM) : 

Thanks for sharing your story Lisa. Thank goodness it had a happy ending :)

Your cookies look great.

Brownie Babe no.1 ! Well done, I'm still thinking of them...

 

Blogger Gattina Cheung said ... (5/08/2007 5:21 PM) : 

Lis darling, so much wanna give you a big hug! And these big cookies look so wonderful, I think I already smell that lemon-y fragrancy from here!

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (5/08/2007 6:40 PM) : 

Lisa well done on your survival. I'm so pleased for you. These cookies look amazing.Thanks for joining a Tatse of Yellow and sharing your story...and your kind words.

 

Blogger Elle said ... (5/08/2007 7:45 PM) : 

Way to go Lis! Inspiring story, important reminder (I used to work for an OB/GYN and know of other stories where time was critical, too. Regular patients told the doc they were coming in for their 'oil change' because he was pretty insistent that it be annually.) and GREAT cookie recipe. Chocolate & citrus, especially lemon, is such a good combo. Congrats on Browniebabe!

 

Blogger Susan from Food Blogga said ... (5/08/2007 8:14 PM) : 

I am so sorry to hear of your experience, Lis, but am thrilled to hear that you are cancer-free and healthy.

Thanks for the fantastic recipe; what unusual flavor combinations--I'm eager to try them!

 

Blogger Sara said ... (5/08/2007 11:15 PM) : 

Lis you are a wonder. Super post and congrats on 1 1/2 years.
XO

 

Blogger Kajal@aapplemint said ... (5/09/2007 1:03 AM) : 

wow that is really a fantastic story.I cant imagine if (god forbid) i was in your place how would i have handled myself.U are indeed very fortunate to come out of it victorious.I'm very happy for you and pray that may u never face it again.Thanks for sharing.

 

Blogger MyKitchenInHalfCups said ... (5/09/2007 3:37 AM) : 

Now see what you've done ... you've got women going for their first pap smears! First ever and first in years ... and that's only the ones that commented.
I knew you were special and browniebabe is such a small part of it.
Hugs to you ... the cookies are perfect!

 

Blogger Laura said ... (5/09/2007 10:56 AM) : 

Bloody tears are short-circuiting my keyboard... I think I need a cookie. Sniff.
On a different note I'm hoping to see you modelling that apron sometime soon!

 

Blogger Lis said ... (5/09/2007 11:40 AM) : 

Awww you guys! Ya'll rock, you know that? =)

Mary and Ellie muh luv? Good for you guys.. you have no idea how happy that makes me!

Thanks everyone. :D

xoxo

 

Blogger Warda said ... (5/09/2007 11:40 AM) : 

Hi Browniebabe! I know that I speak in behalf of all when I say that we are very lucky to have you here with us. There is only one browniebabe and your gorgeous cookies confirm it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/09/2007 2:55 PM) : 

Lemons and chocolate, huh? Yah, I saw those lip-smacking brownies you made. Mmmmm....My brownies always turn out like bricks. Brownie babe? Another event. Sheesh. I'm gonna have to get a food blog event calendar going. I am seriously lagging here. And WooHoo for kickin' the big C in the nutz. You are my hero for a completely different reason now. Yah.

 

Blogger Karen Baking Soda said ... (5/09/2007 5:04 PM) : 

Thanks for sharing Lis, a big hug and a deep bow for you. I know what you mean by writing two pages.. and delete them. I had a post ready in December, returning from the hospital and the doctors office with the results of my tests (I was lucky and results came back benign) and couldn't stop writing...and deleted. You did what I should have done too maybe. If only to make women aware of testing and make that phone call if you are worried!

This afternoon I visited a dear friend who had surgery on Monday, part of her breast removed, she's waiting for test results to come back. Fingers crossed.
Especially today your post struck a nerve, you did great!

 

Blogger Chris said ... (5/09/2007 8:31 PM) : 

Great cookies! But, more than the food - you're story - thanks for sharing such a personal time.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5/09/2007 9:25 PM) : 

Thank you for sharing this... I posted for the Taste of Yellow event a couple of weeks ago, and then we just found out last week that my FIL has cancer. Survivor stories like yours make this not seem like a death sentance for him!

Gorgeous photos and an even better post. I hope everyone hears your message loud and clear.

 

Blogger tammy said ... (5/09/2007 10:14 PM) : 

As amazing as those cookies sound, it's your story that has me cheering right now. Go you.

 

Blogger Peabody said ... (5/10/2007 2:25 AM) : 

A good reminder of not putting things like pap smears off! Thanks for sharing your story...and your cookies!

 

Blogger Kirsten said ... (5/10/2007 6:08 AM) : 

Thank you SOOOO much for your very real and honest story. My eyes filled with tears, I laughed, and I felt like cooking for you, which is pretty much the full range of emotions for me. :)

You are so brave and lovely for sharing your story and delicious cookies.

It couldn't be a stronger message, get tested, be healthy, don't take things for granted and embrace what you have in life.

THANK YOU!!

xoxo,

Kirsten

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (5/11/2007 1:30 AM) : 

I am giving you great BEAR HUGS right now. I've beaten the cancer and I am sure I don't want it anymore. I know how you're feeling. Keep strong, Lis, as all we do! Love, AB.

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (5/11/2007 12:19 PM) : 

Awesome post. Bravo indeed!

 

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