July 28, 2010

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies.... so far

I've been on a mission to find the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have one I like for my cookie cake, but not one I like on it's own. (Alton's cookies are pretty tasty but you need bread flour on hand). I have high expectations for my cookies. A chocolate chip cookie cannot be thin and crispy, it can't be tough or dry, it has to have the right chip to batter ratio, it should be a little salty, and it must be so irresistible out of the oven you burn your tongue eating one. There are a lot of factors that this cookie must live up to. It has taken quite a while, but I think I found one that meets most of them. 




Have you ever searched for "the best _______ ever" (you insert something into the blank). I do this a lot. Looking for anything from the best tapas restaurant, or the best hair product for curls - I think you understand. I decided to google "the best chocolate chip cookie ever" and there were so many results. I clicked on one link that claimed to contain the best. It seems like a good resource too - I'll have to dig a little deeper to find out. There are literally tons of recipes all from a variety of sources. This cookie recipe happens to be from a cookbook, Mom's Big Book of Baking, which sounds so cute. I just picture a super mom serving warm cookies to her kiddies when they get home from school... The reviews are great, and there are tips on including kids in your baking. The recipes are also supposed to be quick - not time consuming - for all of you moms running around the house after your kids... or dads. 




The recipe proved tasty. I made a few adjustments to the method and really enjoyed the results. The cookies bake evenly and the dough freezes incredibly well. I like to bake some, then roll little balls of dough and freeze them. It's the best way to make cookies last without going stale - especially if your family consists of two people who should probably not eat so many sweets because someone bakes too much.... 


Try these delicious little morsels soon. 


Mom's Big Book of Baking (EasyRead Large Edition): 200 Simple, Foolproof Family Favorites for Birthday Parties, Bake Sales, and More


Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies 
adapted from Mom's Big Book of Baking


2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 sticks butter melted 
1 C light brown sugar packed
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 C chocolate chips


Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat if you have one. (I baked both with and without and didn't notice much difference). In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the butter and sugars and beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and the vanilla. Mix until smooth. Measure the flour, soda and salt directly into the sugar mix. Stir on low speed until just combined. Mix in the chocolate chips. (alternately you can mix everything with a wooden spoon or hand mixer if you don't have a stand mixer). Using a cookie scoop, measure out dough balls and place them on the silicone mat. Place the baking sheet in your freezer for 10 minutes, then place the sheet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookie turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave the cookies on the sheet for an additional 4 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Eat immediately (or store in an airtight container). 


ps. If you decide you like the cookbook above, try buying it through the link provided! Just click on the image. 

July 14, 2010

How do they do it?

How do you keep up with your blog and have a full time job (that fills up your free time once in a while)? I guess a lot of the blogs I read are bloggers by career, or photographers of food, so they would maybe have more time to devote to this than myself. There are also blogs I read that post everyday and I imagine those people have real jobs too....

I miss you blog. I miss you people who read this blog. I've been working too much lately and am going to stage a revolt. Lucky for me those time consuming school projects have come to an end. A short-lived end (until our next deadline in 10 weeks...) but at least I will get my life back. And I will have more time to bake. Baking relieves stress and I can't remember the last item I baked without cheating and looking in the archives. ick. I need some me time.

If any of you have any great recipes you think I should try during my new found freedom, please share! I'm making a ginger cake soon for the Easy Bake cOven monthly recipe, but wanted to try some fruit pies since it is summer and berries could not be more tasty. I should also probably participate in this month's Daring Bakers Challenge (it has to do with ice cream) unless they have kicked me out. Let's hope not.

ok, send me your recipes, even if you haven't made them yet but you just can't stop thinking how tasty they will be. I'll try them for you if you let me!

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