Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies have become near legendary in our area. They're used as gifts, church social treats, and often show up at bake sales. They certainly have their own fanbase, but few people have been able to duplicate them. The reason - it's all in the technique. You HAVE to mix these morsels by hand and you have to be careful with the baking time. If you do that, you'll have a treat that is quite addictive and delightful. There's nothing better with a cup of milk after school.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter flavored shortening

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 (12 oz.) package of chocolate chips (we usually use semi-sweet, double chocolate, or 60% dark)

1 cup nuts (we usually use pecans or walnuts)

Technique:

Cream by hand the shortening, sugars, and vanilla. Add eggs and beat well by hand. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. They will be moister and keep better if you cook them until lightly browned. Cool slightly before removing from the cookie sheets. Makes about 6 dozen.

Family and Food

My earliest memories of food and our family deals with the practical side of production. Our garden was huge, and it's care and harvesting was a family affair. Autumn meant more than just returning to school for us; it was a time of family bonding as pickles were bottled and the sharp scent of vinegar and spices filled the kitchen, vegetables were chopped in a family assembly line, and warm stews simmered on the stove.

Food became tradition in our family. Certain foods would make their appearance throughout the year; sometimes looked forward to with almost as much anticipation as the celebration itself. Even in our busy millennial lives, there are simply some foods that must be made and shared, otherwise it just does seem right. What would Christmas be without Santa Cookies? Would the New Year be properly ushered in without French Cherry Pie?

This blog is an attempt to share that rich history with our youngest generation - already budding "chefs" and "foodies." While this is chiefly meant for them, it is also for those who care to come along for the ride. I hope you find the adventure a tasty one!