My version of the Ultimate Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie...

My Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

( I honestly would compare the taste of these to Mrs. Fields – I am shocked that I am saying this, but it’s the first thing that came to my mind when I bit into them) ~CMM ☺

These cookies have a unique taste, they slightly stand raised, and are rich but not overly sweet. The two brown sugars add a crunch and carmelization flavor blend to the cookies too. I hope you enjoy ☺!

2 ¼ c. all-purpose flour 1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp baking soda ½ c. dark brown sugar, packed
½ tsp salt 1 ½ c. brown sugar, packed
1tsp sugar 2 large eggs
½ tsp baking powder 2 c. Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp yeast

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Measure out flour and leave in the measuring cup. In a little custard dish or very small prep bowl mix the next 5 ingredients and set aside both. Cream the butter and sugars together on low and then increase spread for about 1-2 minutes. Add both eggs and mix well. Pour ½ the flour and ½ the mini prep bowl mixture into creamed mixture and blend on low and then increase speed. When well blended add the balance of the flour and dry mix and again blend slow and then speed up, blending about 3 minutes until well incorporated.
Hand mix in the chocolate chips. If your family loves nuts then hand mix in 1c. chopped walnuts, peanuts, or pecans at this point. Drop by kiddie ice cream scoop sized balls – you can eye it – onto cookie sheet, about 6 per large cookie sheet. No spray or butter needed in baking pan. I prefer to use parchment paper on my cookie sheets – it seems to create an even cookie temperature and makes for easy clean up too. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Makes about 18 large, thick, rich, and delicious cookies. Ovens and taste preferences vary so cooking times may vary as well. They should appear light golden brown. The perfect snack for the office on Friday, Valentine’s Day, or just as a special treat. Nothing says “I love you,” like a nice fresh baked chocolate chip cookie to the kids, spouse, or parents! Enjoy ☺! Make someone special in your life a batch today! (easily convert these into delicious ice cream sandwiches too!

MEAT RUB... Great on Pork

I know this isn't the cookie recipe you may have been hoping for - but trust me - it's coming tomorrow!!! AND it's going to be good - I am feverishly making cookies right now and boy do they smell good - I think I found a winner to post tomorrow, but I want to taste the baked final product to let you know for sure. AND this is my own personal recipe I just created! I got some ideas from the show I mentioned to you all and just gave it my best shot - I think you will love it! I want to see your cookie recipes too - so please post away! Thanks, Chef Mama Mimi :)

Great Rub for Carolina Pulled Pork
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons sea salt (note sea salt has less sodium then regular salt)
2 tablespoons sugar, white granulated or a dark brown, for a different flavor
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup paprika (or use smoked paprika, or ½ and 1/2) - to achieve a smoky flavor depth

PREPARATION:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well; use as a dry rub on beef, chicken, lamb or pork.
Also another great gift giving rub idea! ☺ Enjoy! Remember these rubs have a shelf life of about 6 months.

CHALLENGE FOR ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES....

I have a challenge out there for everyone reading! List under comments for this post your best chocolate chip cookie recipe! HINT: I want to see if we can match New YORK's finest Levain Bakery's 6oz. chocolate chip cookies - so do your homework, go to the store, and try your best to come up with the ultimate Chocolate chip cookie! I will make a post for what I think may come close in the coming days ... Stay tuned and let's start baking! Enjoy the challenge and fun experimenting :) P.S. - another hint: the above mentioned bakery was recently featured on Throw-down with Bobby Flay, the owners are triathletes and competitive swimmers! (reminder - on the show: thick won out over thin, and taste is key - use real and fresh ingredients!)