THE Chocolate Chip Cookie

Were you worried I had forgotten about you?? I would never do such a thing! Just a really busy week and subsequent extreme laziness kept me from posting. But do not fear, I have several yummy updates for you now.  Disclaimer: Most of the pictures are note astounding as they were simply snapped in the haste of things with my phone. Nonetheless, theses recipes are still fantastic, even if their picture isn't foodgawker worthy!

In my opinion, there are few things on the planet that can measure up to an amazing chocolate chip cookie. It is simple and classic and you (at least I) can never eat just one.  While I have already discussed cooking for my mother on several occasions, I have probably never mentioned cooking with / for my dad.  I believe that I get the spontaneous and outgoing characteristics of my food from my father (Daddy Keg from here on out).  Example: We once had an entire meal based on the development of the perfect shrimp scampi and linguine.  We cooked a very basic butter sauce and tried tons of variations on the theme for our meal. Critiquing each test run before attempt the next. Very fun. If you are a dad reading this, go try something like this with your daughter!

Anyway, the point of my rant about Daddy Keg is that he is often the opinion I value most when testing out a variety of recipes.  Chocolate chip cookies is the perfect example. I've probably been through 5-8 different recipes that only received an 'OK' approval from Daddy Keg. They weren't ever bad, in fact most of them were amazing - they just weren't it. However, this one is right on the money.

So without further ado your new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe....

Notes:

• This recipe makes a lot of cookies. However, they are so good you are going to want to eat a lot of cookies. If you don't feel like making them all at once, I have a solution that will make you a very happy camper! Go ahead and scoop out the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet that you don't mind freezing. Make sure they are all in one layer and are note touching. Store in the freezer until they are solid (usually overnight). Once solid, quickly take them off of the baking sheet and through into plastic bags.  When you start craving a cookie, all you will have to do is preheat the oven and pop a few frozen cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet. The baking time may need to be increased a bit, but should not be over 15 minutes - stay true to the golden brown edges rule.

Here's some of my frozen dough balls straight from the freezer...

•  Feel free to add things to this cute little cookie to suit your tastes. Nuts, coconut, or candy pieces all make great additions!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1 c. butter, softened
• 1 c. brown sugar, packed
• 1 c. sugar (white)
• 2 eggs, room temp
• 2 t vanilla
• 3 c. flour
• 2 t. HOT water
• 1 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. salt
• 2 c. chocolate chips

Preheat to 350.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth.  Individually beat in the eggs.  Dissolve the baking soda in the water and add to the mixture.  Also add the salt and vanilla.  Stir. Gradually stir in the flour. Finally stir in the chocolate chips.

Take a small ice cream scoop and drop cookie dough balls onto ungreased pans.

Bake 10-12 minutes, until the edges are nicely golden brown.