Sweet.

I've heard it said that hobbies are an important part of a full life. That's even more true when someone's hobby involves time practicing the culinary arts, and that said someone happens to live in my home. On a cold and cloudy day, Paul was of the mind to spend time making lots (and lots) of chocolate chip cookies. Not just any chocolate chip cookies, though. When Paul was a young man, he would visit his friend's house, and they would eat these delicious cookies straight from the freezer. After we were married, Paul often mentioned how good they were, so a few years ago, I called his friend's mother for the recipe. Good thing. Because these are some of the best cookies. Ever. (Especially when I don't have to be the one in the kitchen...)

Enjoy:

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

(makes 6-8 dozen)

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. butter-flavored Crisco
2 c. light brown sugar
1 1/2 c. white sugar

[Cream the above ingredients together.]

4 eggs, beaten into above mixture

1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

(Mix the above 2 ingredients thoroughly in the batter.)

Stir in:

1 c. chopped walnuts (if desired)
2 (heaping) cups chocolate chips
5 c. flour


Bake at 350 degree for 5-8 minutes, until the cookies are puffed up a little, with just a little shine to them. Edges should be very lightly browned.

Cool on racks.



Then go ahead and eat them. You'll smile.

"A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints."

-W. Peterson