Monday, March 15, 2010

SOFT & CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

I can't believe I'm sharing this recipe! These are perfect every time and are my all-time favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Definitely recommend going with the semi-sweet chocolate chips versus milk chocolate, and I put them directly onto the cookie sheet (no parchment paper necessary). Yummy!


SOFT & CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
photo & recipe via Martha Stewart

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (about 12 ounces) semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake until cookies are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center, 8 to 10minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on baking sheet 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

TACO SOUP...A REGULAR AT OUR HOUSE!

TACO SOUP
from Wanda Dow, my Mom

1.5 lb ground beef, browned & drained
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans
1 (17 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 package taco seasoning
1-2 cups water
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated (the sharper the better!)

In a skillet, brown beef & onions; drain. Add remaining ingredients, except cheese. Simmer for at least 15 minutes (I usually leave mine on the stove for 30-60 minutes). Serve with grated cheese on top. Would be great with sour cream and tortilla chips as well!

Monday, March 1, 2010

MY (not so) SECRET LOVE

You know what my favorite season is? That's right...strawberry season! Okay, I realize it's not one of the 4 official seasons, but man do I love it! Anyone that knows me, knows what a strawberry freak I am--strawberry lemonade, Grandma Bales' strawberry pie, strawberry daiquiris, strawberry ice cream--just a few of my favorites. I asked my Mom if she ate a lot of strawberries when she was pregnant with me, and she says no, but I think she did. One of my coolest birthdays ever, was when my friend Pat surprised me at work with all things strawberry! So thoughtful!

If you love me at all, give the gift of strawberries and I will love you forever.

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