Friday, November 29, 2013

Foodie Friday recipe of the week!

Hot_DawgNow that the Thanksgiving feast is over, it's time to start thinking about Christmas and all the wonderful food that goes with it.

Okay, maybe not a hot dog -- but for me there are a number of things that are a must during the holiday season, and oddly enough, chocolate chip cookies are among them.  (It's the only time of year I make them.)

So, what's my favorite cc recipe?  Why the Nestles toll house recipe, of course.

Ingredients
 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cookies 11 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
 3/4 cup granulated sugar
 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnut nuts (optional)

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.

IStock_000005394934XSmallSLICE AND BAKE COOKIE VARIATION:
PREPARE dough as above. Divide in half; wrap in waxed paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Shape each half into 15-inch log; wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.* Preheat oven to 375° F. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices; place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

* May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks (like that's likely to happen).

Care to share YOUR favorite cookie recipe?
.