I photographed a beautiful birth last Monday night…and I still haven’t processed it all. Birth is one of those beautiful, sacred experiences that most people only witness a handful of times. As I move more into the world of birth photography, I still can’t believe I’m able to take part in these miracles month after month. Monday was a late night, a beautiful night, a night full of strength, primal energy, and the glorious first breaths of a new life. I’m already counting down the days to my next one. (You can see more pictures of the birth here).
And so I filled my week with mothering, with editing, and with baking. Despite a VERY early cold snap a few weeks ago, Fall has seemingly left us again as recent days have been hot and the sun strong. But the change in weather hasn’t stopped me from baking some of my favorite seasonal treats. These pear and dark chocolate oatmeal cookies are moist and wholesome. I used coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and two ripe organic pears. I also threw in dark chocolate chips because you can never go wrong with oatmeal and dark chocolate. The batter was wetter than most, but when dropped by the spoonful onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, it rose beautifully and created the most perfect, chewy, oatmeal cookies. They would make the perfect mid-day snack and they sit lovely next to a cup of good coffee.
Pear and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
1/2 cup butter, unsalted (room temperature)
3/4 cups coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
2 large pears, peeled and diced
2 eggs
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups whole oats
In a medium bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and diced pears for about 3-4 minutes. Add in eggs and beat until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Fold in oats and chocolate chips. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and stir until combined. Dough will be very wet. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Beautiful photos Monet. What an honor to be included to photograph one’s most intimate moment! And you captured it absolutely beautifully! Happy to be introduced to your other blog as well!
And these cookies sound wonderful – Pinned!
Beautiful photographs.
Ooh… I just made dried cherry and dark chocolate oatmeal cookies. I love the idea of using pear in them!
Beautiful post, as usual…
glad you are able to do so much all the time, you do have a ton of energy and compassion and love to share with those around you. Wonderful to be able to learn about it all from your blog
What an amazing opportunity and your photos are SO beautiful.
I loveee the idea of using pears in cookies. I need to try this!
Great cookies and nice post. You’re a great photographer!
Monet,
I love the pear-dark chocolate combination with the oatmeal in these cookies.
Moving birth photographs!
What an amazing experience each birth much be Monet! And getting to capture it for someone is so special!
These cookies sound wonderful – I love pear and you are reminding me that I need to grab some this week at the store. And maybe 2 extra to bake up some cookies! 🙂
What an amazing experience you had and captured. Just beautiful. 🙂
Monet, We already made these tonight, while we played Settlers of Catan with my sister and her fiance, and we ate the first pan in five minutes. Once again, you are the best.
So, so sweet! I love these cookies, the oatmeal & dark chocolate combo can only get better by the addition of the pear, yum! : D
These cookies are making my mouth water! I need to experiment more with coconut sugar, is it a simple swap with regular or do you have to change the ratios? Birth photography must be so difficult but incredibly rewarding.
Monet, I took a long look at the other pictures that you too from Anjali´s birth – they are very moving, just wonderful how you captured each and every important moment.
And this recipe seem to fit perfectly with the feeling of comfort and family – great recipes and amazing photograph.
Thank you for sharing!
Wow – what a photography session that must have been. One you won’t forget, no doubt! Birth is truly a miracle, isn’t it…
And great job on these creative cookies. I have re-discovered pears and eating them regularly in the last year…never would think to work them into cookies. Glad they held up so nicely.
What a beautiful moment you captured with the newborn, truly gorgeous!!! Gave me goosebumps, and even though I don’t have kids yet, when that time comes I am going to be contacting you, because wow, gorgeous photography is all I can say!! Then these cookies…those are another wow, pear and dark chocolate sounds like such an amazing, unique and delicious combo!
Your photos are gorgeous. Also, I am dying to try these cookies!
Lovely photo lady!
Also I want to eat every single one of these cookies!
Such a beautiful capture. They must have been thrilled.
You don’t think pear and chocolate, but, gosh, who wouldn’t love these? Gorgeous!
That is a beautiful capture Monet!!! Just love it and can’t stop looking at it!! just beautiful… and these oatmeal cookies are no less.. they look super yummy and delicious.. love it! 🙂
Wonderful pictures, great post. And a lovely recipe — thanks so much.
What an incredible experience being a part of someone’s birthing and witnessing life being brought into the world. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous and you did a marvelous job of capturing the happiness of the moment!
These cookies sound amazing! I love the idea of using fresh pear in cookies and am always up for oats and dark chocolate! xo
That must be such an awesome experience doing birth photography! How lucky you are to be able to witness so many births and make such beautiful memories for families! We are finally starting to get some fall weather here and I was actually able to turn the AC off yesterday. I’m hoping it sticks! These cookies look so good! I’ve never thought to put pear into cookies, but I love the idea and you can’t go wrong with chocolate oatmeal cookies 🙂
Monet they are such gorgeous photos! It must be amazing to be at such an important time in someone’s life!:D
I hope summer returns to us – I am not interested in fall. These cookies, though, are very interesting. Love the pairing of pears and dark chocolate!
I’m really feeling inspired and touched by your birth photography. How lucky for the new parents to have someone like you to take pictures of special moments. I certainly wish that it was an option (well my case was both c-section, so that’s another story…). It’s a beautiful moment and you were there to capture it. You did a wonderful job too! I’d be too excited to do anything if I witness someone’s birth. Such a miracle moment. You have a special job! These cookies sound perfect to go with a cup of tea and relax… 🙂
I love pears in baked goods, and your photos are awesome 🙂
Wow, what a magical opportunity (to photograph a birth – it IS magical)… And I really, really appreciate the way you write. There’s something so calming and beautiful in your “voice”.
And the cookies – yum!!!
What sweet cookies and gorgeous photography!
Wow. What an amazing role to be moving into Monet. I think I’d feel quite overwhelmed with the responsibility of photographing someone’s birth process and new baby, but your photos are amazingly confident and beautiful. Such a great capture of this intimate event! Anyway, back to these cookies – they look delicious. I love the combination of pears and chocolate! x
Gorgeous photography! And those cookies are just delectable 🙂